The Newton COVID-19 Care Fund has already raised more than $300,000 from Newton businesses and residents and has geared up to offer financial assistance to workers, residents and families financially burdened by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The charity was established last month by Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller and has tapped Family Access of Newton to administer with United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley overseeing the contributions.

The fund is designed to provide financial assistance to Newton residents; people who work in Newton; and families with children receiving childcare services in Newton or enrolled in Newton Public Schools who have been financially burdened by the pandemic. First responders who incur new childcare expenses or other expenses will also be eligible. The funds will pay for rent, utilities, internet connectivity for families with school-aged children, childcare, medications and other basic needs.

A case manager from Family Access will accept and review grant requests on a rolling basis and will interview applicants to determine whether they qualify for assistance. An application for financial assistance is available on United Way’s Newton Covid-19 Care Fund website.

“The effects of the pandemic on people in Newton are deep and immediate. With a lack of customers, every organization in our city is cutting costs, an imperative that is inevitably borne on the backs of hourly workers and those most vulnerable,” said Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller.

All proceeds net of credit card fees will go directly to individuals seeking assistance. Go here for more information, to apply or to donate to the Newton COVID-19 Care Fund.