As Federal Stimulus Checks Arrive, Domestic Violence Risk Continues

The Allstate Foundation giving more than 100 emergency grants to support nonprofits during pandemic

NORTHBROOK, Ill., April 24, 2020 – Domestic violence survivors face extra stress and increased danger as they share a home with their abusers during this time of shelter-in-place. While federal stimulus checks could provide needed financial help, some abusers might block access to these funds. This reality, combined with the fact that nonprofits are struggling to fundraise, creates an urgent need for help.

That’s why The Allstate Foundation is giving $500,000 to the National Network to End Domestic Violence. The donation will establish a COVID-19 immediate response fund, making over 100 emergency grants available to domestic violence programs across the U.S. demonstrating the greatest need.  

“Programs are facing similar challenges as they do after a natural disaster, but COVID-19 is severely stressing the entire country at once,” said Deborah J. Vagins, NNEDV president and CEO. “Front-line local domestic violence workers are keeping their programs open with lower donations and reduced staffing, but they critically need funding. This grant program will provide assistance to small programs when it is needed the most.” 

This funding is part of The Allstate Foundation’s $5 million contribution to accelerate COVID-19 relief and recovery for domestic violence survivors, youth in need, first responders and communities at large. 

“Many small, local domestic violence programs are working tirelessly to provide survivors access to emergency housing or funds, but they are running out of money and fundraising options are limited,” said Ellen Lisak, senior program officer of The Allstate Foundation. “Despite the enormous challenges, these programs are needed more than ever as experts predict an increase in domestic violence incidents as victims have few places to escape.” 

Recognizing the warning signs of domestic violence is the first step in ending the abuse. To learn more, see the resources offered by The Allstate Foundation. 

In addition to new grants, many existing Allstate Foundation grants have been reallocated to allow domestic violence nonprofits to use the funds for urgent needs caused by the pandemic such as food, gas cards and cash for survivors of domestic violence.

The Allstate Foundation has invested more than $70 million since 2005 to support domestic violence nonprofits across the U.S. and provided innovative financial empowerment programs for survivors. As the COVID-19 pandemic has rapidly evolved, the Foundation has also provided emergency relief to bolster the National Domestic Violence Hotline’s remote work efforts, which keeps the hotline open to answer survivors’ calls for help. The 24-hour confidential service is available at 1-800-799-SAFE and online. 

###