Fifth Third Commits $75,000 to Address Effects of COVID-19 in South Florida
NAPLES and FORT LAUDERDALE – The Fifth Third Foundation today announced a $75,000 philanthropic commitment to help address the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in South Florida. The funds from the Fifth Third Foundation will be deployed to meet the immediate needs of individuals in the community that seek assistance from Community Foundation of Collier County and Urban League of Broward County.
“We are making this $75,000 philanthropic commitment to support our community partners who need additional resources to deal with the strain and stress caused by increased needs due to the virus’ effects,” said David Call, regional president of Fifth Third Bank. “This pandemic is impacting all segments
of the population, especially the most vulnerable members of our communities who may be
disproportionately affected by current events.”
Call commends the two organizations for their extraordinary commitment and exceptional work to benefit the local community during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the Fifth Third Foundation’s donation, Community Foundation of Collier County will provide additional resources for food, basic needs, housing assistance and medical supplies. The Urban League will use the donation to support critical services for
the relief and recovery of individuals and families in need.
"We are humbled and honored by the generosity of the donation and the trust Fifth Third Bank has placed in us to provide aid to the community in the face of this pandemic," said Eileen Connolly-Keesler, Community Foundation of Collier County president & CEO." "With help from caring organizations like the Fifth Third Foundation, we will not only overcome this crisis; we will come out stronger."
"We are grateful to the Fifth Third Foundation for this support," says Dr. Germaine Smith-Baugh,
president and CEO of the Urban League of Broward County. "It empowers the Urban League to provide critical relief and recovery services to individuals and families in need. I’m grateful for Fifth Third’s immediate response to actively assist our organization as we assist others.”
The donations to the two Naples and Fort Lauderdale nonprofit organizations are part of a larger pledge of funding across the state from the $8.75 million commitment funded by the Fifth Third Foundation and the Fifth Third Chicagoland Foundation. The commitment was announced March 20. Among the areas to be funded:
Relief Funds:
- $3.25 million for COVID-19 response needs in the regions served by Fifth Third Bank.
Recovery & Resiliency Funds:
- $5.5 million in Strengthening our Communities Fund grants to support the long-term sustainability of our economy. This includes funding to support small businesses, affordable housing and homeownership, and economic development.
This $8.75 million commitment of philanthropic funds are in addition to actions already taken by Fifth Third Bank to immediately assist customers in the wake of the pandemic. For information, visit www.53.com/covid19.
“It is our responsibility and commitment to work with community partners and non-profit organizations to help see our communities through the coming stages of relief, recovery and resiliency. We will navigate this together,” said Greg D. Carmichael, chairman, president and CEO of Fifth Third Bank.
About the Fifth Third Foundation
Established in 1948, the Fifth Third Foundation was one of the first charitable foundations created by a financial institution. The Fifth Third Foundation supports worthy causes in the areas of health and human services, education, community development and the arts in the states where Fifth Third Bank operates.
About the Community Foundation of Collier
County
The Community Foundation of Collier County is a tax-exempt, public, charitable organization, established in 1985 to increase and focus private philanthropy in the area. Today, the Community Foundation of Collier County manages more than 750 funds, collaborates with hundreds of nonprofits, holds $225 million in assets and has distributed over $168 million in grants to nonprofit organizations and community programs since its inception. The Community Foundation of Collier County is one of Florida’s fastest-growing community foundations. For good. Forever. Learn more at cfcollier.org or call 239-649-5000.
About the Urban League
The Urban League of Broward County is a not for profit organization founded to empower communities and change lives. Our mission is to enable African Americans and others in historically underserved communities secure economic self-reliance, parity, power, and civil rights. Our ADVANCE programs uplift more than 14,000 people every year through affordable housing initiatives, youth development and
diversion, employment and training, entrepreneurship, health, and civic engagement. Learn more about the Urban League of Broward County by visiting www.ulbroward.org or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.