Tucson Electric Power is supporting local nonprofit organizations impacted by the coronavirus pandemic by providing resources to a newly established relief fund and supporting an annual donation drive for charities.

The COVID-19 Event Relief Fund, established by the Community Foundation of Southern Arizona (CFSA), will support charities that have been forced to cancel fundraising events during the pandemic. CFSA seeded that fund with an initial gift of $10,000.

CFSA also has established the COVID-19 Community Support Fund, which will support charities experiencing increased service demands from vulnerable populations during this public health crisis. TEP will match the first $10,000 contributed to this fund with its own $10,000 donation from funds that would otherwise be forwarded to shareholders.

CFSA is serving as a clearinghouse for both nonprofit and small business relief during this time. To learn more about these efforts or to donate, please visit: cfsaz.org/covid19.

TEP also serves as a sponsor for the annual Arizona Gives Day, which is coming up on April 7 and allows donors to support their favorite charities. TEP and its sister company, UniSource Energy Services, committed an additional $10,000 this year from funds that would otherwise be forwarded to shareholders to help waive payment processing fees for nonprofits.

Early giving started March 17 and donors this year can also provide to the Arizona Gives Emergency Relief Fund for nonprofits impacted by COVID-19. More than $17 million have been raised for nonprofits since 2013. Funds are available statewide.

“Local charities are on the front line of addressing our community’s critical needs, and TEP has a long history of supporting that work,” said Wendy Erica Werden, manager of community investment. “Nonprofits are facing significant strain to their capacity and resources. We’re committed to helping to shore up these networks so they can continue to serve those in need.”