In response to COVID-19

Since the World Health Organization declared a COVID-19 a global pandemic on March 11, 2020, the
W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF) has responded with:

Greater flexibility. As WKKF shifted to all-remote operations, program teams reached out to support grantees with greater flexibility — moving quickly to adapt reporting requirements, grant periods, grant payments and related budgets in response to nonprofit partners as they adapted to serve communities in crisis. Throughout, Kellogg Foundation staff provided business continuity and steady, high quality service to grantees, partners and vendors.

Responsive support. In the first 90 days following closure of WKKF offices, the Kellogg Foundation paid out more than $100 million, which included nearly $35 million in new funding of COVID-19 requests. By the end of August 2020, that total had increased to $50.6 million. Responsive support included grants in food security, technology access for students and their families, early childhood education and care, health care, loan funds, cooperatives and other efforts consistent with ongoing priorities. WKKF also increased support to established partner organizations committed to racial equity and raising grassroots community voice. The focus continues to be timely response to new requests, leveraging resources and steady connection with grantees, networks and communities.

Innovative leadership. In public statements and actions at pivotal points since mid-March, the Kellogg Foundation has taken a leadership role in:

• pledging to increase payout over the next two years;
• standing with communities and calling for leadership in response to the death of George Floyd and other people of color;
• raising the profile of researchers and advocates addressing health and social inequities; and
• offering a forum for racial healing on behalf of children, their families and communities through a virtual event, Healing in Action.  

During this time, the Kellogg Foundation continues to amplify the strength, creativity and resolve of grantees in messages, remarks and stories in the public arena and across all social channels (WKKF.org, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn).