Disaster Relief Fund

Geographic Scope: Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Bay, Washington, Holmes, and Calhoun Counties in Florida

Purpose: Provides grants to nonprofit organizations for disaster relief efforts in response to natural disasters and emergencies affecting Northwest Florida communities.

Funding Frequency: Grants are awarded twice yearly - Spring and Fall cycles

Review Timeline: 30-60 days for review and consideration

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization
• Must apply for a project that addresses disaster relief
• Project must be relevant to Northwest Florida
• Must serve residents of Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Holmes, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton, or Washington Counties

What They Fund

• Disaster relief projects and recovery efforts
• Organizations responding to flooding, hurricanes, and other natural disasters
• Support for families and communities impacted by disasters

What They Don't Fund

• Political activities or organizations
• Grants directly to individuals
• Annual fundraising campaigns
• Special events or fundraisers
• Organizations operating outside the United States
• Support for fundraising events

Organization Information

Background: The Disaster Relief Fund was opened in response to flooding throughout Northwest Florida, with initial major contribution from the D.W. McMillan Foundation.

Note: As of the most recent information, the grant application is closed and will reopen October 1st annually.

Application Timeline

• Submission Deadlines: Spring and Fall cycles (specific dates vary; check website for current deadlines)
• Review Period: 30-60 days
• Notification: All applicants will be notified in writing or via email regarding application status

Required Documents

Applicants must submit:

1. Grant budget description - Clearly describe the project budget
2. Foundation recognition plan - How the foundation will be acknowledged
3. IRS determination letter - Current letter indicating 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status
4. Board of Directors information - List including:
   • Board members' names
   • Their affiliations
   • Contact information for all board members
5. Organizational chart - Including all staff positions
6. Annual financial statement - Organization's most recent annual financial statement

Submission Requirements

• Must meet submission deadlines
• Must fulfill all application requirements
• Applicants must be a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization
• Project must address disaster relief
• Project must be relevant to Northwest Florida

Reapplication Policy

Grant recipients that have received a grant in a given calendar year are encouraged to wait until the following year to apply again.