CHICAGO, IL – Today, the Illinois Network of Charter Schools (INCS) announced the distribution of $65,000 in cash grants to 99 families through its newly created COVID Relief Fund. More than ever, many students and families in the communities that charter public schools serve must overcome extreme circumstances due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and this fund was designed to help meet that need.
In cooperation with INCS, 43 charter public schools nominated families to receive individual $650 cash grants with no strings attached. Each nominated family experienced some sort of financial hardship due to the current pandemic and the subsequent shift to remote learning. Thanks to the generosity of philanthropic donors and a matching donation from members of the INCS board, every nominee will receive a cash grant.
“So many of us are experiencing hardship right now, but the effects are particularly strong in many of the communities that charter public schools serve,” explained Andrew Broy, INCS president. “ We hope that the INCS COVID Relief Fund brings some measure of relief. The resiliency of charter families is incredible, and they continue to inspire us every day.”
Recipient families come from across the state of Illinois and represent a wide range of demographics, including immigration status. Each family will receive $650 cash in the manner most convenient for them. Families may use the funds as they see fit, which may include things like supplementing lost income, purchasing supplies, or covering any other financial hardship.
INCS will work with each family individually to begin distributing funds this week.
The launch of the COVID Relief Fund comes on the heels of other efforts that INCS is making to support the charter community during the pandemic. Previously, INCS partnered with FEMA to distribute 25,000 reusable masks to charter schools throughout Chicago and will continue to work with school leaders to identify ways that we can support their work and their safety. .
“When times are tough is when the charter community shines brightest,” said Broy. “INCS will continue to serve our families, communities, and schools the best way we know how – by keeping students and their learning at the core of all we do.”
For more information, please contact Jodie Cantrell, INCS Director of External Affairs, at jcantrell@incschools.org.
ABOUT THE ILLINOIS NETWORK OF CHARTER SCHOOLS
The Illinois Network of Charter Schools (INCS) advocates for the improvement of public education by leveraging the charter school model as a catalyst to transform lives and communities. As the voice of Illinois charter schools, INCS engages a diverse coalition of policymakers, school leaders, parents, and community members to create systemic change and secure high-quality schools for underserved communities. Learn more at incschools.org.