This has been a rough few weeks. Whether your organization is affected by the Big Bear fires, the catastrophic Hurricane Helene, the giant chemical plume in Georgia, or any other natural or manmade disaster, I am sending you compassion and big hugs.
My parents lost their home in the hurricane this past weekend, and my son is home from school today so we can “shelter in place” from the chemical plume. I feel your pain and the overwhelming sense of helplessness that seems to consume us during times of crisis.
Like most things in life, there is a yin and a yang. Opportunity can come after the proverbial storm.
And, in grant writing, opportunity abounds following disaster.
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When a disaster strikes your community, your local United Way is the first place to check. Many times, they are entrusted with disbursing government funding for disaster relief. If not, start researching local, state, and federal disaster relief funding for your organization.
Next, write a letter to your current grant funders explaining that additional funds are needed because of the disaster. I wrote these letters after Hurricane Ian devastated my client, and within a few months, we received nearly $100,000 in additional funding from our current grant funders. They already believe in your mission and impact- so ask them for help.
Research both local and national disaster relief grants. Lions Club International Foundation prides itself on disaster relief funding. If you have a local Lions Club, ask if they can help with a grant.
Local community foundations often set up disaster grants following devastating events. They make allowances for applying outside of your typical grant cycle and other concessions during times of crisis.
The Small Business Administration offers grant and low-interest loan programs for nonprofits following major events. If your organization needs to repair property or replace supplies or equipment, they can help.
Although it may feel hopeless when disaster strikes, focus on tapping into those grants designed for disaster relief.
Until next time,
Write Epic Grants
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