SALISBURY — With nearly $130,000 raised for its COVID-19 Relief Fund, the Rowan County United Way says it will evaluate the next round of grant applications this week.

The fund is raising money from the public to help with local food insecurity, medical expenses and housing needs. Money can also be used for disruptions in business for nonprofits. And nonprofits will be responsible for distributing the money rather than the United Way.

Money raised by the public will be matched by the United Way with up to $120,000 in internal funds that have been reallocated. And it has received boosts during its fundraising campaign from the likes F&M Bank, Cheerwine, which is giving proceeds from T-shirts for its virtual festival this year, and Salisbury Pride, which is having a virtual fundraiser this year in lieu of its annual festival. All dollars raised by the COVID-19 Relief Fund will go directly to the causes the United Way has identified, and the agency will cover all administrative costs associated with overseeing the fund.

The United Way in mid-April selected its first five grantees — Main Street Mission, the Salvation Army, rowan Helping Ministries and the Rufty-Holmes Senior Center. Those organizations submitted project proposals that ranged from meal delivery to those at high risk for infection to rent assistance.

Nonprofits can obtain more information about applying by visiting rowanunitedway.org or calling the office at 704-633-1802.

Anyone interested in making a donation can do so at rowanunitedway.org, text the word “RELIEF” to 704-286-1011 or mail a contribution to the United Way at 131 West Innes St., Suite 201, Salisbury, N.C. 28144. Those mailing donations should address them to the attention of the COVID-19 Relief Fund. Those making a donation online should include a note in the comment section saying it’s for the COVID-19 Relief Fund.

Since the previous update on Thursday, the fund has raised $1,600 from 14 donors, bringing its total to $129,322.

The most recent donations are as follows:

• Joan Young, $200
• Ed and Elizabeth Cook, $100
• Robert and Martha Cowan, $50
• Dale and Margaret Love, $100
• Clyde Harriss $200
• Jerry and Diane Hill, $50
• Willie and Ethel Evans, $100
• Frank Shafer, $100
• Joanne Cole $100
• Norma Campbell, $200
• South Rowan Y Service Club, $50
• Godley’s Garden Center,  $350.00
• Becky Russell, $100
• Matthew Rouzer, $200