“We are not alone – we are one community, united and strong.”
— Wendell P. Weeks, chairman, chief executive officer, and president
The Corning Incorporated Foundation announced on Wednesday the establishment of a COVID-19 Unity Response Fund in partnership with the United Way of the Southern Tier, the Triangle Fund (in honor of Amory “Amo” Houghton Jr.), and the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes to support organizations that provide vital human services across the tri-county region during this public health crisis.
This initial $325,000 fund will help meet pressing community needs related to COVID-19 and is open for grant applications from Steuben, Chemung, and Schuyler county nonprofit human services agencies. The Fund is expected to increase with the welcomed addition of individual and organizational donations to enable it to grow with the community’s needs during this dynamic and evolving situation.
“This fund will be instrumental in quickly responding to the needs in this region by supporting the efforts of human services nonprofit organizations on the frontline of fighting COVID-19,” said Andrea Lynch, president of the Corning Incorporated Foundation. “The COVID-19 Unity Response Fund focuses on supplying basic needs, supporting vulnerable populations, and easing burdens on essential workers.”
The Fund is accepting proposals for grants ranging from $1,000 to $25,000 from nonprofit organizations that have projects in place that will be operational immediately after funding is awarded, focus on the immediate response to issues caused by the pandemic, and serve Chemung, Schuyler, or Steuben counties. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis beginning April 1. Organizations will be notified of awards seven days after submission. The Fund will be administered by the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes. Agencies can apply for funding and individuals or organizations can donate by visiting: www.communityfund.org/covid-19.
The fund is part of a larger Unity campaign initiated by Corning Incorporated, Corning Enterprises, and the Corning Incorporated Foundation and is aimed at assisting communities affected by COVID-19 with human services, business, and volunteer support. Corning hopes to inspire engagement from individuals and organizations at local, regional, and national levels to become involved in relief efforts.
“During this unprecedented time, it's important to remember we are not alone – we are one community, united and strong,” said Wendell Weeks, chairman, chief executive officer, and president of Corning Incorporated. “The Corning community is no stranger to adversity, and I am confident we will come together, like we have done countless times before, to overcome this latest challenge.”
About Corning Incorporated
Corning (www.corning.com) is one of the world's leading innovators in materials science, with a more than 165-year track record of life-changing inventions. Corning applies its unparalleled expertise in glass science, ceramic science, and optical physics along with its deep manufacturing and engineering capabilities to develop category-defining products that transform industries and enhance people's lives. Corning succeeds through sustained investment in RD&E, a unique combination of material and process innovation, and deep, trust-based relationships with customers who are global leaders in their industries.
Corning's capabilities are versatile and synergistic, which allows the company to evolve to meet changing market needs, while also helping our customers capture new opportunities in dynamic industries. Today, Corning's markets include optical communications, mobile consumer electronics, display technology, automotive, and life sciences vessels. Corning's industry-leading products include damage-resistant cover glass for mobile devices; precision glass for advanced displays; optical fiber, wireless technologies, and connectivity solutions for state-of-the-art communications networks; trusted products to accelerate drug discovery and delivery; and clean-air technologies for cars and trucks.
About the Corning Incorporated Foundation
The Corning Incorporated Foundation is a charitable contributions organization established by Corning Incorporated in 1952. Through leadership and collaboration, the Foundation strives to foster vibrant, enriching, and supportive Corning communities. The Foundation focuses on education, human services, culture, and volunteerism in Corning business locations.
