General Information

Q. Who is behind the Richmond Rapid Response Fund?

In response to an unprecedented and rapidly developing COVID-19 pandemic, over 100 community partners came together to collectively assess, identify, and coordinate rapid response measures that lead with and leverage community expertise and capacity to respond to emerging needs during and beyond the pandemic. With an emphasis on supporting those disproportionately affected by the economic impacts of COVID-19, community partners established the Richmond Rapid Response Fund (R3F).

Core Launch Partners:

• City of Richmond

• RYSE

• West Contra Costa Public Education Fund

• Richmond Promise

• Building Blocks for Kids (BBK)

• Richmond Rent Program

Q. What is your fundraising goal for the Richmond Rapid Response Fund?

Our fundraising goal is to raise a minimum of $10 million, including $5 million for a Rent Assistance Program for Displacement and Homelessness Prevention.

Q. How will you decide who receives the money?

The Richmond Rapid Response Fund accepts referrals from existing community partners who have direct knowledge of people in their communities who are experiencing financial hardship due to the impact of COVID-19.

During Phase 1, the Richmond Rapid Response Fund will connect families and individuals with direct cash assistance and resources through these local community partners so that they are better equipped to thrive.

In Phase 2, the Fund will expand to include a Rent Assistance Program for Displacement and Homelessness Prevention to provide greater financial assistance to individuals and households at risk of losing their housing as eviction moratoriums expire. The Rent Assistance Program will provide larger financial grants to qualifying households facing an imminent threat of eviction due to nonpayment of rent.

Q. How much money goes to each household?

In Phase 1, each household will receive a one-time payment of $500. That way, the Richmond Rapid Response Fund may provide immediate support while reaching as many impacted households as quickly as possible. In addition to this one-time payment of $500, there will be an emphasis on maintaining connections and communications with individuals and families to assess and respond to ongoing needs and support.

In Phase 2, the Richmond Rapid Response Fund will expand to offer financial assistance and support for individuals, households, businesses, and community-based organizations, including a Rent Assistance Program to provide greater financial assistance to individuals and households at risk of losing their housing as eviction moratoriums expire. We are in the beginning stages of developing the eligibility and award amounts for Phase 2, with the goal of tailoring the amount of financial assistance provided to the needs of the individual, household, business, or community-based organization.

Q. How do I know recipients will spend cash appropriately?

Our experiences confirm our belief that families impacted by financial hardship spend their dollars on what they know is best for their own families. As Richmond families continue to feel the impacts of the emergency including illness, fear, and loss of employment and livelihood, building momentum toward community trust is essential. By providing direct disbursements to families, we want to provide families the flexibility they need to prioritize their financial needs.

Q. Can I sign up to be a recipient?

You are eligible for a one-time cash payment if your household is experiencing financial hardship due to the impact of COVID-19. Money is being distributed to households that have been identified by Direct Disbursement Partners to provide referrals to Richmond families.

Q. Can I receive funds if I or someone in my household is undocumented?

Yes. This fund is for Richmond residents of any status experiencing financial hardship. There is no proof of status requirement. We will ask for an address, and will work with any resident for whom that may be a challenge. Families associated with these partner organizations do not automatically receive funds, and an association with a partner organization is in no way a requirement for a family seeking support.

Donating

Q. Where will my donation go?

During Phase 1, 100% of donations will go to individuals and families. We are working with long-term community partners with strong track records of serving our community well to provide $500 direct disbursements to Richmond residents.

During Phase 2, donations will continue to provide emergency direct assistance for basic needs (including the establishment of a Rent Assistance Program) while expanding financial assistance to small businesses and community-based organizations to provide infrastructure support.

During Phase 3, donations will continue to be utilized for emergency direct assistance for basic needs and ongoing case management support. This is in addition to structural support for small businesses and critical anchor organizations as identified by ongoing community need assessments to ensure sustainable support for Richmond individuals and families.

Q: How do I make a donation?

You can donate online with your credit card by clicking here. For gifts of $50,000 or more or to donate via wire, EFT, or gifts of stock, please contact info@edfundwest.org.

Q: Can I pay by check?

Yes, though at this time, we prefer donations via ACH or wire transfer. For this information, please email info@edfundwest.org. If mailing via check is your only option, please make your check payable to West Contra Costa Public Education Fund and write R3F in the memo line. Mail your check to: 1400 Marina Way South, Richmond, CA 94804.

Q. Is my donation tax-deductible?

Yes! Your donation is tax-deductible.

Small Business Assistance

Q: Where can I get financial assistance for my small business?

For information and resources for small businesses in Contra Costa County, please call the Small Business Call Center at (833) 320-1919. The Small Business Call Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM and is a collaboration of the Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County, the Economic Development arm of the County's Department of Conservation and Development, and the Employment and Human Services Department. For more County resources for businesses affected by the economic impacts of COVID-19, please click here.