SALISBURY — The Rowan County United Way on Wednesday announced $13,500 in grants to local nonprofits from the COVID-19 Relief Fund, bringing the total awarded since its creation to $53,684.

Grant recipients included Nazareth Child and Family Connection, the Community Care Clinic of Rowan County and Capstone Recovery Center. Executive Director Jenny Lee said the Rowan County United Way is reviewing one application related to food insecurity and has ruled on all others. The agency plans to continue to award grants on rolling basis, she said.

At Nazareth, the money will be used to increase the stipend licensed foster parents receive for meals and household expenses. Community Care Clinic, which provides primary care, a dental clinic and a pharmacy, will receive money to pay providers for telemedicine visits and supplies for up to six months. Capstone, which helps women struggling with drug addiction issues re-enter society, will receive money to pay for food because clients no longer receive “weekend passes” and grocery bills have increased significantly.

“These three groups have yet to receive funding, and it’s going to be a great way to leverage the resources we have,” Lee said. “All of them serve folks who may be in a compromised position.”

Lee declined to specify the amount that each organization received but noted that all three were modest requests.

The fund has raised $137,597 from public donations and the United Way has committed to match donations with up to $120,000 in internal funds that have been reallocated, leaving the agency with a significant sum that it can still distribute to local nonprofits. Requirements to receive funding include being a 501(c)(3) in Rowan County and having plans to use the money to help locals with food insecurity, medical expenses and housing needs as well as disruptions in business for nonprofits.

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

Previous grantees include Main Street Mission, the Salvation Army, Rowan Helping Ministries, Meals on Wheels and the Rufty-Holmes Senior Center. Any previous recipients are able to reapply at a later date, Lee said.

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.

The most recent donations are as follows:

• Carrol and Lana Downey, $1,000
• Edward and Susan Norvell, $200
• Walter Wall, $200
• Anonymous, $100
• Benny and Harry, $20
• Alfred and Rickie Price, $100