Mayor's Disaster Relief Fund

Reactivated during COVID-19 pandemic to support nonprofits addressing disaster-related needs in Dallas.

Time Period: 2020 COVID-19 response

Geographic Scope: Dallas, Texas

Award Details:

• Total awards: $275,000
• Per grant: $25,000
• Number of recipients: 11 nonprofit organizations
• Selection process: Fund's advisory committee based on six priority areas identified by Mayor Eric Johnson

Priority Areas for COVID-19 Funding:

1. Public safety and domestic violence services
2. Workforce development and childcare for working families
3. Homelessness services
4. Relief for small businesses and residents in need
5. Equity in educational access
6. Assistance for families experiencing food insecurity

Funding Sources:

• Shane Buechele (SMU Quarterback) and Paige Vasquez (Miss Dallas USA) fundraising: ~$50,000
• Goldman Sachs: $110,000
• Additional donor contributions

Advisory Committee:

• Chair: Jeanne Phillips (Former U.S. Ambassador, Hunt Consolidated Senior Vice President)
• Matthew Randazzo (The Dallas Foundation President and CEO)
• Ruben Esquivel (UT-Southwestern Vice President for Community and Corporate Relations)
• Peter Beck (The Beck Group Executive Chairman)
• T.C. Broadnax (Dallas City Manager)
• Mary Elbanna (Mayor Johnson's Chief of Staff)

Fund Restrictions:

• Money can only be used in event of federally declared disaster in Dallas
• Texas received federal disaster declaration for COVID-19 on March 25, 2020