The Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation and the Columbia Economic Development Corporation March 30, announced the creation of two new COVID-19 Response Funds in Columbia County. The two funds are intended to "rapidly deploy resources to community-based organizations and small businesses as they respond to the impact of the coronavirus...," according to a press release. Berkshire Taconic has launched the Columbia County COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund to provide resources for nonprofit organizations to "meet the needs of individuals and families who are disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus." The fund will prioritize support for human services and community-based organizations with experience "helping individuals and families stabilize their lives during a time of crisis." Additional information on this fund is available at BerkshireTaconic {dot] org. Berkshire Taconic and CEDC, in partnership with the Columbia Chamber of Commerce and the Hudson Business Coalition, have established the Columbia County Business Continuity Fund. That fund will give cash grants to local small businesses that employ fewer than 10 full-time employees with less than $1 million in annual revenue. Grant funds from $1,000 to $5,000 can be obtained to cover costs related to retaining employees, rent and other operational costs. Applications will be accepted from April 1 to April 15 at ColumbiaEDC [dot] com. A group of partners has committed to more than $360,000 for the two funds, and 100 percent of the funds contributed will go directly to nonprofits or businesses.