During this time of deep concern regarding the virus COVID-19, commonly called novel coronavirus, The William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund wishes to remind its grantees and the Connecticut community that Responsive Grants are available through a simple application process. These Responsive Grants will help to provide support to groups that are targeted by racist or xenophobic ideology and language related to the misconceptions and ignorance surrounding the assumed origin of this illness in Asia. We are aware that Asian American people and others are being subjected to harassment and other forms of bias as the spread of the virus continues in the United States. As always, we condemn these acts of harassment and hate and offer our support to those most impacted.

We invite you to apply for funding to give immediate, urgent support to these communities. This support could include crisis response or therapeutic support that address the physical, social, emotional wellbeing and safety being threatened.

Please use the online application for Responsive Grants to submit your request for support. It is our intent to move funds as quickly as possible to meet the needs in the community.

Director's Discretionary Grants are also available for emergency needs resulting from the pandemic disruptions. In particular, these Discretionary Grants will prioritize concerns related to hunger and homelessness. Support will be available for staff and families in Connecticut who have not been able to get food support or who face evictions. Support is also available for relocation needs because we are aware that domestic violence can spike during these types of crises.

To apply for a Discretionary Grant, please Click Here for our online process

If you are currently a grantee and have questions about how your funding can be used to meet the needs of your staff and the community you serve, please contact the program officer you have been working with. We are fielding questions as they come in and will get back to you as quickly as possible.

You are not alone; we are with you. More than ever, we are committed to our mission of creating equity by working with people affected and inspiring all to end racism and poverty.