Community Disaster Relief Fund Grants

Geographic Scope: Greater Morgan Hill area, California

Program Description

The Community Disaster Relief Fund was established to respond to sudden events of declared disaster or emergency that bring damage, loss, or destruction to people and/or property in the greater Morgan Hill area. The fund rapidly distributes community donations to vetted local nonprofits providing disaster relief.

Qualifying Disasters

• COVID-19 pandemic (first declared qualifying disaster)
• SCU Lightning Complex Fire (declared emergency August 25, 2020)
• Other declared disasters or emergencies as applicable

Award History

• Fund inception: April 11, 2020
• Over $28,000 granted to local nonprofits (as of August 2020)
• Multiple grant cycles completed
• Grants provided for: meals to community, rent assistance, social services to vulnerable populations

Eligible Use of Funds

Examples of needs that may be addressed:

• Meals for homebound seniors or people with high medical risk
• Medical or necessary supplies for those servicing sick people
• Emergency rent, mortgage, or daily living payments for those with severe financial hardship
• Food, clothing, or essential supplies for those in severe financial hardship
• Existential hardship loans to local small businesses unable to qualify for SBA loans
• Service-related needs for disabled persons suffering hardships
• Low-income families and individuals suffering hardships
• Educational or learning arts services for those impacted by disaster
• Shelter and services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, abuse
• Other community needs as determined by MHCF

Eligible Applicants

• Local nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations
• Must be vetted by MHCF and Community Advisory Committee
• Organizations mobilizing efforts in support of declared disasters
• Continuing efforts in support of emergency relief

Grant Award Criteria

• Availability of funds
• Whether proposed use addresses most pressing community needs
• Nonprofit's operational skill and capability
• Administrative capability and ethical fund management processes
• Proven track record of community service
• Other criteria as determined by MHCF board with Community Advisory Committee guidance

Ineligible Applicants

• Individuals (except incidental to community benefit)
• Private foundations, endowment funds
• Discriminatory groups/projects
• Political parties, candidates, partisan groups
• Projects outside MHCF Charter scope

How the Fund Works

• Broad-based Advisory Committee identifies needs, priorities, relief paths
• MHCF Board and Advisory Committee review applications
• Expedited consideration for critical community needs
• Multiple grant award cycles may occur based on continued need and available funds
• Previously approved applicants for same project don't need to resubmit entire application for additional grant cycles

Community Advisory Committee

Helps MHCF Board quickly identify needs and consider/expedite grant applications

Contact

For donations or grant applications, contact MHCF (see website for contact details)

Philosophy: "Give Where You Live" - connecting donors and local needs for lasting community impact

Application Process

1. Visit MHCF Grants page to access application form
2. Fill out disaster relief grant application form
3. Submit application to MHCF

Application Considerations

• Nonprofit must be 501(c)(3) organization
• Should demonstrate how grant supports COVID-19 relief or other declared disaster relief efforts
• Community Advisory Committee and MHCF Board will expedite review
• Multiple grant cycles available - previously approved applicants for same project can apply for additional cycles without resubmitting entire application

Specific application materials, forms, and detailed requirements available through MHCF Grants page. Contact MHCF for complete application instructions.