Support the Albany Community During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Relief Funds, Donation Requests, and Fundraisers
Although the COVID-19 pandemic has created a lot of uncertainty, many of us are facing the challenges head on by working together. Would you like to play a role in helping the Albany area community? Learn about local donation requests, fundraising events, and COVID-19 relief funds.
Note: We are constantly updating this page to make it as accurate and useful as possible. If you know of anything we've missed, please email the details and a link to us at .
Donate to Local Organizations & Fundraisers
Albany Barn
Albany Barn's doors are currently closed due to COVID-19, but you can support them during this tough time by becoming a Member at the General Supporter Level. Your membership will help them continue their mission to provide a safe, supporting environment for artists and entrepreneurs.
Dining Out For Life®
The popular Dining Out For Life® fundraising event has been moved to an online format for 2020. On April 30, support the Alliance for Positive Health by ordering takeout, delivery, and/or gift cards from participating restaurants.
Find More Great Causes to Support
A Taste of Albany
The 15th Annual A Taste of Albany culinary event will now be an online auction. Bidding opens on May 7, 2020 and closes on May 11, 2020. Sign up for the auction to receive updates and a personal bidding link when the auction is open for bidding. Funds raised will support the Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless in Albany.
Albany Damien Center
The community needs the Albany Damien Center now more than ever as they face the challenges presented by COVID-19. To ensure they can provide for those in need, please donate to their COVID-19 Response Fund.
Albany Medical Center
You can help Albany Medical Center during this time of crisis by donating to the Albany Med COVID-19 Response Fund. Gifts to the fund will support comprehensive emergent care for vulnerable patients, critical research and evaluation efforts, and more.
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Capital Area
The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Capital Area need your support as they work to feed our children and families. Proper funding can help them to produce 3,000 meals per day and serve more members of the community. Make a donation on their website to support the cause.
Capital Region Community COVID-19 Relief Fund
Founded by various local partners and organizations, the Capital Region Community COVID-19 Response Fund rapidly deploys resources to community-based organizations at the frontlines of the coronavirus outbreak. Support them today by donating to the fund.
The Creative Impact: Capital Region Artist Fund
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, artists across all disciplines have found themselves without work or with a reduced income. To alleviate some of the stress artists are facing, you can donate to The Creative Impact: Capital Region Artist Fund, which will provide gift card payments to artists in Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga, and Schenectady counties.
Ellis Medicine
Are you looking for a way to support the doctors, nurses, and healthcare staff that are a part of Ellis Medicine? Consider making a donation to The Foundation for Ellis Medicine.
Feed Albany - COVID-19 Relief
Feed Albany is a local organization that aims to provide at-risk and in-need individuals in and around Albany with access to prepared and packaged meal solutions. However, they need your help to offer these crucial services. Visit their website and make a donation for COVID-19 relief.
The Food Pantries for the Capital District
The Food Pantries for the Capital District makes sure food pantries are stocked and ready to meet the needs of families and individuals. Support the organization by making a cash donation or donating food and personal hygiene and household products.
Freihofer's Run for Women
Due to the current public health crisis, the 2020 Freihofer's Run for Women has been moved to a virtual format. You can register online through May 5 at midnight, and then you will have between May 23 at 6:00am - May 31 at 11:00pm to complete a 5K run and submit your result. Funds raised from the virtual race will support The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region's COVID-19 Fund, Albany Medical Center Foundation, and Girls on the Run.
GivingTuesday
#GivingTuesdayNow is a new global day of giving and unity in response to COVID-19. On May 5, 2020, everyone is asked to show their generosity by helping a neighbor, giving to causes, donating to nonprofits, or providing an act of kindness. The event is presented by GivingTuesday's global network of leaders, partners, communities, and generous individuals.
Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless
The Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless in Albany is working hard to provide food and shelter to those who need it during this difficult time. They are accepting meal donations, financial gifts, and Regional Food Bank contributions.
Joan Nicole Prince Home 5K / 1 Mile Walk
The 2020 Joan Nicole Prince Home 5K / 1 Mile Walk in Schenectady has been cancelled, but you can still register to participate in a virtual version. After you sign up, you can run a 5K course of your choosing and then submit your results on social media or to "director1jnp@gmail.com" before the end of May 2.
Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York
The goal of the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York is to provide assistance to food pantries, soup kitchens, emergency shelters, and other charitable agencies. Every financial donation they receive will help them respond to the needs of those in our community.
Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Capital Region
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Capital Region remains committed to offering clean and healthy family-centered spaces for families. Since they have had to cancel fundraising events, you can make a difference by donating to the organization.
St. Peter's Health Partners
There are a few ways you can support St. Peter's Health Partners. If you're a business that uses personal protective equipment, then you can donate equipment to St. Peter's directly to help them provide safe clinical care. Or, you can make a monetary donation on their website.
Tip Your Bartender
Would you like to support the hospitality staff in the Capital Region who have taken care of you during all those trips to your favorite bar or restaurant? Visit the Tip Your Bartender website and support them with an online tip. You can also donate to a general hospitality staff relief fund that will be distributed out.