On April 6, 2020 Governor Charlie Baker announced the launch of a new corporate- and foundation-backed fund that will support health care workers, the homeless and others in Massachusetts that have been especially affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The fund, called the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund, is already stocked with more than $13 million, attracting contributions from One8 Foundation, The Boston Foundation and many more.
It is also open to donations from the general public. Eastern Bank is administering the fund at no cost and contributed some of its own money. The fund will partner with existing community foundations and local nonprofits to disperse the money quickly where it's needed most. The new fund is being spearheaded in part by Massachusetts First Lady Lauren Baker, who said "sky's the limit" for expected fundraising totals.