Recovery Connect is for all residents of Sedgwick County. The global COVID-19 pandemic
has exacerbated the health and economic issues affecting everyone in Sedgwick County,
and particularly among minority populations. Before the pandemic, over 25% of Black
and Latinx adults were food insecure. The pandemic only made these issues worse. People
and communities of color are disproportionately affected by the pandemic and problems
related with housing, health insurance, and employment. Plus, Black, Latinx, and Indigenous
populations are three times more likely to get COVID-19 and twice as likely to die
from it, compared to white people.
Historically, non-profits led by people of color garner significantly less grant funding
than their white counterparts.
- 24% lower revenues among Black-led non-profit organizations (compared to white-led)
- 75% lower unrestricted net assets among Black-led nonprofit organizations (compared
to White-led)
- White grant applicants raise more money.
There is also a major disconnect in rural versus urban funding opportunities. Small
communities in Sedgwick County often have similar areas of poverty but not at the
same scale as Wichita. The issue of funding in small community or rural non-profits
has arguably become the most essential gap to address. Only 6.8% of annual giving by foundations went to rural America, yet rural America
is 18% of the population and it is home to 21% of people in poverty.
Recovery Connect seeks to offer knowledge and resources to people, businesses, and
non-profits, especially in minority and underserved populations. Recovery Connect
will only be effective if new partnerships and collaborations occur, instead of the
traditional organizations and distribution methods. The PPMC has put together a coalition
of grassroots organizations that already serve these communities and are trusted and
embedded in them. This creates a greater opportunity for individuals, non-profits
and businesses located in or serving these areas to become aware, gain access, and
receive support to apply and receive funding or access to programs that help improve
their economic conditions
