Nonprofits that mentor children, provide support to cancer patients and their families, and that support families fighting addiction are among the first 13 recipients to receive flood relief funding from the Capital Area United Way.
CAUW’s board of directors approved reimbursements totaling $208,800 to the local nonprofits recovering from last month’s devastating flooding, which killed 13 people and destroyed tens of thousands of homes.
The money will be used to help with reimbursements for flood services, organizational needs and immediate relief needs, CAUW says in a news release.
“This flood has impacted us all, and the needs are greater than the resources currently available,” says Stevie Toups, CAUW board chair, in a statement. “We have been very fortunate to receive support from around the country, and our goal is to use that support in the most impactful way we can.”
The first round of funding was only available to the 50 nonprofit organizations currently receiving money from the local United Way. Of those organizations, 30 submitted requests for assistance totaling more than $625,000. Catholic Charities, the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank and St. Vincent de Paul each received $30,000. The Life of a Single Mom and Volunteers of America were awarded $20,000.
The board also gave $15,000 each to the Mid City Redevelopment Alliance and Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge. Other nonprofits received smaller amounts.
A second phase of funding will be available for any nonprofit working locally to provide mental health services and rebuilding activities, CAUW says. Applications for Phase 2 funding will be accepted Oct. 4-17.
In a news release, the local United Way also says it anticipates releasing an additional $600,000 in Phase 2 funding.
“We know that the rebuilding of lives and homes will be a long process. Phase 2 funding will focus specifically on helping people and organizations rebuild both,” says George Bell, CAUW president and CEO.
Also, the Federal Emergency Management Agency announced today that essential nonprofits—such as child care providers, disability advocates and homeless shelters—that experienced flood-related losses or damage may qualify for FEMA Public Assistance grants.
