Press Release
ALTOONA, IA (May 18, 2020)
The East Polk Innovation Collaborative (EPIC), Facebook, and other local partners have moved quickly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic to establish the East Polk County Relief Fund to provide direct economic relief to East Polk County small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and residents who are being impacted by the Coronavirus outbreak.
Today, we are pleased to announce Facebook pledged a significant $350,000 initial contribution – $250,000 for small business support and $100,000 for nonprofit and individual assistance – for COVID-19 Relief to the East Polk County Relief Fund.
“Since breaking ground on the Altoona Data Center in 2013, we have called East Polk County home, so we are happy to join local leaders in ensuring the well-being of our small businesses and community during this difficult time,” said Matt Sexton, Community Development Regional Manager at Facebook. “Investing in the East Polk Community Relief Fund allows us to band together as a community and provide resources to those who need it most.”
Facebook’s Altoona Data Center is working with EPIC and other local community leaders to launch the East Polk County Relief Fund this month.
Small businesses and nonprofits in East Polk County are eligible to apply for a grant up to $3,000. The grant application is available on the EPIC website: https://epictomorrow.org/east-polk-community-relief-fund/
“Local businesses are vital to the economy of East Polk County and having Facebook investing and helping to organize this fund during this pandemic shows their commitment to our region as well as the importance of giving back to our local businesses,” said Alex Lynch, Executive Director of EPIC and Chair of the East Polk Community Relief Fund Committee.
The East Polk Community Relief Fund Committee will be accepting applications for grant funding starting May 18, 2020 through June 1, 2020.
Local residents and businesses who wish to contribute to the Fund to support citizens and nonprofit needs can send an email here: Grants@epictomorrow.org
About Facebook’s Altoona Data Center
Facebook has been part of the East Polk County community since 2013 when they broke ground on their 3.5 million square foot data center in Altoona.
About East Polk Innovation Collaborative (EPIC)
The East Polk Innovation Collaborative (EPIC) is a partnership of four communities on the East Side of Polk County: Altoona, Bondurant, Mitchellville and Pleasant Hill. Together, they drive economic growth within their communities by promoting their distinct advantages, addressing key policy issues, supporting local development, and facilitating investment in East Polk County.
They are four cities working toward a shared vision of tomorrow: The EPIC Tomorrow of East Polk County.