SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — A campaign to raise money for Illinois nonprofits blindsided by the spread of the coronavirus announced its first distribution of $5.5 million Wednesday.

The Illinois COVID-19 Response Fund, organized by Gov. J.B. Pritzker three weeks ago, has collected just under $29 million and will make another disbursement in the coming days, said its chairwoman, Penny Pritzker. Her brother, the governor, asked her to lead the effort.

Supported by the United Way of Illinois and the Alliance of Illinois Community Foundations, the fund handed out $5.5 million to more than 30 nonprofit agencies across the state fulfilling fundamental needs.