Fifth Third Commits $75,000 to Address Effects of COVID-19 in Columbus

3 homeless shelters receive funds to help with emergency efforts
Apr 8, 2020 2:45 PM ET

COLUMBUS, Ohio, April 8, 2020 /3BL Media/ – The Fifth Third Foundation today announced a $75,000 philanthropic commitment to help address the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in Columbus. The funds will be deployed to meet the immediate needs of the Community Shelter Board, YMCA of Central Ohio, and YWCA Columbus.

“We are making this $75,000 philanthropic commitment to support the needs of our community shelters who need additional resources to deal with the strain and stress of overflow and capacity,” said Francie Henry, regional president of Fifth Third Bank. “This pandemic is impacting all segments of the population, especially the most vulnerable members of our communities who may be disproportionately affected by current events.”

Henry commends the three organizations for uniting and leading their organizations for the benefit of the local community.

“It is our responsibility and commitment to work with community partners and non-profit organizations to help see our communities through the coming stages of relief, recovery and resiliency. We will navigate this together,” said Greg D. Carmichael, chairman, president and CEO of Fifth Third Bank.

The Columbus donation to the three shelters is part of the $8.75 million commitment that is being funded by the Fifth Third Foundation and the Fifth Third Chicagoland Foundation. The commitment was announced March 20. Among the areas to be funded:

Relief Funds:

  • $3.25 million for COVID-19 response needs in the regions served by Fifth Third Bank.

Recovery & Resiliency Funds:

  • $5.5 million in Strengthening our Communities Fund grants to support the long-term sustainability of our economy. This includes funding to support small businesses, affordable housing and homeownership, and economic development. 

This $8.75 million commitment of philanthropic funds  are in addition to actions already taken by Fifth Third Bank to immediately assist customers in the wake of the pandemic. For information, visit www.53.com/covid19.

About the Fifth Third Foundation
Established in 1948, the Fifth Third Foundation was one of the first charitable foundations created by a financial institution. The Fifth Third Foundation supports worthy causes in the areas of health and human services, education, community development and the arts in the states where Fifth Third Bank operates.