Amazon has donated $1 million total toward collaborative emergency COVID-19 response funds that will benefit four local community foundations.

ACT for Alexandria, Arlington Community Foundation, Community Foundation for Northern Virginia and the Greater Washington Community Foundation will each use these funds for grants to nonprofits addressing food insecurity, housing/shelter, and providing emergency financial assistance.

“So many families in our community were already on the financial edge. The need for food, household items and emergency financial assistance is significant,” said Heather Peeler, president and CEO of ACT for Alexandria. “This support enables us to collectively help those who are hardest hit.”

ACT for Alexandria itself has already raised $200,000 from the community with a $100,000 contribution from the City of Alexandria for its own ACT Now Fund.

"This is an unprecedented crisis for our community and the impact is likely to be long and deep. We are preparing for a long-term response to support our community. The Amazon and the City’s contributions are significant and will provide immediate support, our community will need everyone to come together in the weeks and months to come. We encourage people to show their love for our community and to continue to donate to the ACT Now Fund," Peeler said.

The additional donation from Amazon to the four community foundations comes at a critical time to bolster front-line services and safety net needs across the District, Maryland and Virginia.

“We are just coming to grips with the full scope of the impact of COVID-19 on our community,” said Justin Wilson, Mayor of Alexandria, Virginia. “The human service needs, economic impact and strains on our critical services will be with us long into the future. We have a resilient community and this contribution will help bring our City and our resident back stronger than ever.”

Amazon’s donation will be distributed to provide imperative flexible resources to organizations working with communities who are disproportionately impacted by coronavirus and the economic consequences of the outbreak including hourly workers, people experiencing homelessness, and the elderly.

Jay Carney, Amazon SVP, Global Corporate Affairs, said, “The Washington, D.C. area is our new home, and we must rally together to support our neighbors during this difficult time for our region and around the world. In addition to making sure our Amazon customers can get the essentials they need, we will support our community partners who are doing life-saving work. Amazon’s $1 million donation to these four community groups will provide fast, flexible support to those who need it most and encourage a wave of additional community donations during this unprecedented time.”

Learn more about ACT for Alexandria at www.actforalexandria.org.