Hearst Foundations award millions in emergency funds to Seattle organizations amid pandemic

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The Hearst Foundations are awarding millions of dollars in grants to organizations in Seattle and across the country impacted by the spread of the novel coronavirus.

The foundations are granting $3 million to six organizations in the Seattle area, including arts and cultural organizations, along with those providing food and medical services.

Northwest Harvest, Pacific Northwest Ballet Association, Seattle Art Museum and Seattle Opera are all receiving $250,000 grants. University of Washington Medicine is receiving $1.5 million in funding and Virginia Mason is being awarded $500,000.

Across the country, the foundations are granting more than $50 million in emergency funds to over 100 different organizations in an effort to help the millions of people who have been impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak.

People in Seattle and across the country continue to struggle as orders put into place to slow the spread of the virus have closed thousands of businesses and left residents unable to afford their rent and other basic necessities without a stead income.

State and local officials in recent weeks have been working to provide some financial relief to residents and businesses impacted by the virus, but it likely isn't enough to meet the massive and growing need across the state.

Officials have said in recent weeks the social distancing measures put into place are working to slow the spread of COVID-19. But experts have warned against lifting the orders too soon or too quickly. Gov. Jay Inslee has said it is likely the orders will be phased out in a similar way to how they were phased in over the course of March.

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