The Waldron Charitable Fund announced that it will make $1 million in grant funding available to support community organizations serving the critical needs of the nation’s underserved children and the 30 million students who receive free and reduced-price meals.

As schools nationwide close in response to concerns about the spread of the COVID-19 virus, this initiative will directly fund those who serve critical health needs (both physical and mental), provide nutritional assistance, and support special education for underserved school children.

To get critical funds to organizations as quickly as possible during this time of crisis, the application window for grant funding will be open until 5 p.m. on Friday. Grantees must detail their ability to provide critical services quickly and to as many underserved children in their local community as possible while still providing social distance and safety in light of COVID-19.

Local community organizations throughout the U.S. that serve children ages 12 and under are welcome to apply.

Grants of between $10,000 to $50,000 will be awarded to qualifying 501(c)(3) organizations.

To apply, email a document no longer than two pages in PDF form to WaldronFund@gmail.com that addresses the following:

• Briefly describe the 501(c)(3) organization.

• What problem are you working to solve?

• How many underserved children will be positively impacted by your efforts?

• How will you distribute your solution while keeping children safe during the COVID-19 crisis?

• How quickly can your service be provided?

Please include a copy of the organization’s most recent Form 990 and annual report, if one exists. A duplicate copy should be mailed to the attention of Rob Waldron at Curriculum Associates, 153 Rangeway Road, North Billerica, MA 01862.

Applicants must represent 501(c)(3) organizations, and faith-based organizations are eligible to apply. Because of government procurement rules for K-12 curriculum companies, organizations directly affiliated with a school - such as a parent-teacher organization or a local school foundation - are ineligible.