By The Associated Press

INDIANAPOLIS — United Way’s central Indiana chapter has announced a $16.5 million relief fund intended to aid people and families facing economic distress amid the coronavirus pandemic.

United Way of Central Indiana said Friday the new fund was being launched with a $15 million donation from Lilly Endowment Inc. that will help human services organizations aid those affected both directly and indirectly by the coronavirus, which causes the disease COVID-19.

Grants from the Central Indiana COVID-19 Community Economic Relief Fund will be strategically distributed to organizations in Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion and Morgan counties.

The speed of the coronavirus’ spread and the measures needed to combat its further spread will cause significant disruptions of daily life, calling for us “to act swiftly and strategically,” said Ann Murtlow, president and CEO of United Way of Central Indiana.

“This coronavirus is not just a health crisis. It is also an economic one — the depth and magnitude of which is uncertain,” Murtlow said in a statement.

The relief fund has also received $500,000 contributions each from the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation, the Eli Lilly and Company Foundation and United Way of Central Indiana, with pledges of support from other groups.

United Way said it will also be seeking donations from other organizations and individuals.