The Illinois COVID-19 Response Fund (ICRF) has announced it has distributed more than $5.5 million to nonprofit organizations across the state marking the initial grants issued since the fund was launched. $250,000 of the first round funding went to 30 organizations in southeastern Illinois that provide essential resources to vulnerable residents impacted by the disease outbreak. The Lawrence County agencies getting funding included the C.E.F.S Economic Opportunity Corporation, the Embarras River Basin Agency, Lawrence County Fish and Loaves, Lawrence County Senior Citizens Council and the Sign of the Kingdom East Food Pantry.