WRCA Foundation Wildfire Relief Fund

Geographic Scope: United States, with focus on areas affected by wildfire disasters

Overview:
The WRCA Foundation provides emergency financial assistance to working ranchers and cowboys suffering significant hardships from wildfire disasters. This fund was created to address immediate and ongoing needs arising from wildfire events.

Purpose:

• Provide "a hand up, not a hand out" to affected ranching families
• Support recovery from livestock losses and property damage
• Address immediate crisis needs during and after wildfire events
• Foundation has distributed close to $4 million to cowboys and families nationwide (Florida to California)

Focus Areas:

• Emergency assistance for wildfire-related losses
• Livestock replacement support
• Ranching family crisis assistance
• Long-term recovery support

Eligibility:

• Working ranch cowboys and their families
• Ranchers affected by wildfire disasters
• Those experiencing significant hardship from wildfire-related losses

Funding Philosophy:

• Foundation returns 87 cents of every dollar donated directly to those in need
• Mission: "A Hand Up, Not a Hand Out"
• Many recipients later donate back to the Foundation once recovered

Contact Information:

• Phone: (806) 374-9722
• Email: leman@wrca.org
• Mailing Address: WRCF Wildfire Relief Fund, 408 SW 7th Ave, Amarillo, TX 79101
• Website: wrca.org

Application Process

1. Obtain Application:
- Download PDF application from WRCA website
- Contact WRCA Headquarters at (806) 374-9722 or leman@wrca.org
- Request application materials directly

2. Complete Application:
- Fill out the Wildfire Relief Fund application form
- Provide documentation of wildfire-related losses
- Describe hardship and financial need

3. Submit Application:
- Email completed application to WRCA office
- Mail completed application to:
- WRCF Wildfire Relief Fund
- 408 SW 7th Ave
- Amarillo, TX 79101

4. Application Review:
- Foundation staff and board review applications
- Contact applicants as needed for additional information
- Decisions made based on demonstrated need and wildfire impact

5. Fund Distribution:
- Funds distributed to assist with immediate and ongoing recovery needs
- No specific deadline noted; applications accepted as crisis situations arise