Minnesota Disaster Recovery Fund Grant reaches 53 MOHR members

The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting shutdowns put severe financial strains on nonprofit disability service providers throughout Minnesota. Many COVID-19 funds did not support people with disabilities, but the Minnesota Disaster Recovery Fund Grant (MDRF) was an exception. A grant of $100,000 to MOHR meant providers across the state could receive desperately needed help, and for some, it meant survival. MOHR regranted the funds to 53 member providers.

The timing was critical as members used the grants to help fill funding gaps until emergency COVID-19 dollars arrived from the state. MDRF awards paid utility bills, helped members purchase technology for remote services, paid for added COVID precautions and supplies, covered increased transportation costs and filled other essential needs to continue to serve people with disabilities during the pandemic.

Community partners provided some pro-bono consulting to help with organizational shifts to address the impact of COVID, explains MOHR President Julie Johnson.  

Photos: MSS, a member of MOHR, used disaster recovery funds to help provide virtual enrichment services to its participants.