The Capital Region COVID-19 Response Fund has been established to provide flexible resources to not-for-profit organizations working with local communities that are disproportionately impacted by coronavirus and the economic consequences of this outbreak.

The new fund, co-led by the United Way of the Greater Capital Region and the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, said in a release that donations are urgently needed.

One-time operating grants will help fund frontline human-services organizations that have deep roots in the community and strong experience working with vulnerable populations, the notice said; the first phase of rapid-response grants will help meet basic needs and help increase resiliency in affected communities.

The fund expects to move an initial round of grants within the next few weeks. Funding will be provided to organizations located and operating in Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga and Schenectady counties.