The Broad Ripple Village Association (BRVA) has created a financial reserve called "The 'Rona Relief Fund" to sustain area businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to their website, www.brva.org, "Broad Ripple Village Association is grateful to have generous and thoughtful corporate members. Together we brainstormed a way to purposefully invest dollars into both gift card purchases and a series of $100 relief grants to service employees in need. A huge thank-you to our original sponsors and we hope additional companies will be joining this worthy cause."

As of late March, the Rona Relief Fund raised $15,000. Half of the funds donated will be distributed to small businesses by purchasing gift cards to provide companies instant cash flow while the remaining half will be dispersed as $100 gifts to service employees.

"Small business owners are creative, innovative and adaptive. This is going to make good business great and it's really our job to try and help those who are struggling," said Colleen Fanning. She is BRVA's Executive Director.

You can nominate yourself or another Broad Ripple service employee in need now. Their goal is to support both small business and employees during these unforeseen circumstances. An application form is available at www.brva.org.

Sponsors of the Rona Relief Fund include Pactsafe, Innovatemap, Covideo, Boardable, Eight Eleven, Brooksource, Tomatofish, River House, Keystone and Demerly Architects.