Even as the NFL’s free agency period rolls on with business as kind-of-usual with players agreeing to move teams and rosters beginning to churn this week, the rest of the world is gripped by the confusing and frightening global pandemic that has affected the economy, people’s health and seemingly every corner of conversation as the world is urged to stay at home to help curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Owner of the Panthers David Tepper is doing his part to help the community, donating $1m through his charitable foundation, to the COVID-19 Response Fund, a community-wide effort to assist those affected by the coronavirus pandemic, along with Bank of America, who will also donate $1m to the fund. The fund, which will be administered through a partnership between Foundation For The Carolinas and United Way of Central Carolinas, in close coordination with the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, was launched by Foundation For The Carolinas and United Way of Central Carolinas on March 16 to support a range of nonprofit organizations assisting members of the community – particularly those most vulnerable.

Donations have come from various sectors and have collected more than $7.8m in donations in just four days.

“David Tepper has emerged as one of our most influential leaders and a champion in the philanthropic field,” said Foundation For The Carolinas President and CEO Michael Marsicano in a press release. “This generous gift is an expression of his heartfelt commitment to the well-being of our citizens. Now is the time for us all to come together to help one another.”



“We are so thankful for companies such as Bank of America and individuals like David Tepper for their incredible generosity, and we urge others to join the cause,” said United Way of Central Carolinas President and CEO Laura Yates Clark via a statement. “Local nonprofits are already taxed with increased demands to help citizens in need and the financial strain from doing so. This fund will give our nonprofits the resources to provide relief to those most needed. I’m confident we will emerge from this crisis as an even stronger community.”

Individuals are urged to donate at HelpCharMeck.org – donations have ranged from $5.20 to $1.3m and every donation helps. Local agencies and nonprofits are already feeling the strain to deal with increased needs as the economy tightens, workers are asked to stay home, school cancellations cause disruptions and those without insurance are facing additional challenges getting the care they need.

UPDATE: The David A.Tepper Charitable Foundation has also made an additional $1 million donation, with Atrium Health Foundation receiving $650,000, and Novant Health Foundation receiving $350,000. This donation will be used across the Carolinas to support efforts surrounding COVID-19 and these funds will be distributed by each system’s foundation.