In order to support both donors and nonprofits during this uncertain time, Forefront has compiled a list of emergency funds and other collective actions that have been created across the state in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. They are sorted by area of service, and those that currently accepting applications are noted. The page will be updated with new funds and information as they learn of them. Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to alert them to new funds created or other resources that may be shared with the social impact sector.

View the list here: https://myforefront.org/covid-19-philanthropic-fund-list/

Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) spoke with Fox 32's Mike Flannery on the Coronavirus pandemic last week. Click below to watch the video.

SPRINGFIELD – In the wake of an increase in COVID-19 tragedies, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) reminds low-income families that the Department of Human Services offers support for funeral and burial costs.

“My heart goes out to those who have lost a family member or loved one during this tragic time,” Lightford said. “I continue to stress that those who are healthy need to stay home to protect our healthcare workers, essential workers and most vulnerable people.”

People who were receiving certain assistance programs qualify for IDHS’s funeral and burial program if a person's resources and all other sources of payment are less than the DHS standard payment rates. The qualifying assistance programs are: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Cash, Aid to the Aged, Blind, or Disabled Cash, All Kids Assist, Parent/All Kids Assist, All Kids Moms & Babies, Family Assist, AABD Medical and General Assistance Foster Care/Adoption Care.

“Our state has taken significant measures in response to the COVID-19 crisis to save as many lives as possible,” Lightford said. “Unfortunately, the reality of this virus is that people are going to succumb to it, and it is important for low-income families to know there is help for burial and funeral costs.”

Application forms are available on the IDHS website and should be mailed to the IDPH Funeral and Burial Unit. For more information visit the IDHS website or call (217) 785-4216.

Chicago magazine recently announced their list of Chicago's Most Powerful Women, which included Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) at number 30.

Here's what Chicago magazine said about Lightford:

"Last year, the majority leader (who this year made an unsuccessful but profile-boosting bid to become Senate president) embraced colleagues on the floor in celebration. Her bill to raise the state’s minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2025 — the culmination of a fight she’s been leading for a decade — had passed. Now she’s got her sights set on funding early childhood education."

The post can be found here: http://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/May-2020/Women-Power-50/Kimberly-Lightford/