Tucson Electric Power (TEP) is supporting local nonprofit organizations impacted by the coronavirus pandemic by providing resources to a newly established relief fund and supporting an annual donation drive for charities.
The COVID-19 Event Relief Fund, established by the Community Foundation of Southern Arizona (CFSA), will support charities that have been forced to cancel fundraising events during the pandemic. The CFSA seeded that fund with an initial gift of US$10,000.
The CFSA has also established the COVID-19 Community Support Fund, which will support charities experiencing increased service demands from vulnerable populations during this public health crisis. The TEP will match the first US$10,000 contributed to this fund with its own US$10,000 donation from funds that would otherwise be forwarded to shareholders.
The TEP also serves as a sponsor for the annual Arizona Gives Day, which is coming up on April 7 and allows donors to support their favorite charities. The TEP and its sister company, UniSource Energy Services, committed an additional US$10,000 this year from funds that would otherwise be forwarded to shareholders to help waive payment processing fees for nonprofits.
Early giving started March 17 and donors this year can also provide to the Arizona Gives Emergency Relief Fund for nonprofits impacted by COVID-19. More than US$17 million have been raised for nonprofits since 2013. Funds are available statewide.
"Local charities are on the front line of addressing our community's critical needs, and the TEP has a long history of supporting that work," said Wendy Erica Werden, manager of community investment, TEP. "Nonprofits are facing significant strain to their capacity and resources. We're committed to helping to shore up these networks so they can continue to serve those in need."
The CFSA is serving as a clearinghouse for both nonprofit and small business relief during this time. To learn more or to donate, visit here.
