Fund to Distribute $1M Statewide to Long Term Recovery Organizations
Sandy NJ Relief Fund Press Release
12/27/12
HURRICANE SANDY NJ RELIEF FUND TO DISTRIBUTE $1 MILLION STATEWIDE TO LONG TERM RECOVERY ORGANIZATIONS
(Chatham, NJ) - The Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund, a 501(c)(3) independent non-profit organization, announced today that it will release its first disbursement totaling $1 million benefitting Long Term Recovery Committees (LTRCs) operating across New Jersey. The grants, varying in size, will support non-profit organizations and volunteer groups delivering critical services at the county and local levels, some of which are already assisting those personally affected by Hurricane Sandy.
"We are proud to make this announcement today and aid in the important efforts already underway in some of the hardest hit areas in New Jersey," said Mary Pat Christie, Chair of the Fund. "While our Fund is looking at long-term needs, the Board felt it was important to provide sizable assistance to help immediate needs as well. Support to these committees will provide and train more case managers to assist in the recovery process, buy building and housing supplies to equip volunteers, assist with financial counseling for victims, and help community outreach efforts. This will be the first of many ongoing disbursements in the coming weeks and months to help New Jersey come back stronger than before."
Five LTRCs are already operational in New Jersey, with potentially seven more coming online in the near future. LTRCs are the main coordinating points in each county whereby non-profits, religious and community organizations, business leaders and VOADs (Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters) coordinate efforts and services, and allocate resources in the wake of a disaster.
At its Board meeting on December 20th, the Fund approved the $1 million allocation, where grant levels will be based on formal proposals and budget requirements submitted by the LTRCs, as well as the proportional need in each county. The Fund began alerting LTRCs on Friday to the funding opportunities and anticipates grant awards being distributed to qualifying committees soon after the New Year. Recipients would be required to report back and account for any grants received from the Fund.
With a voting board in place, and a grants committee established, the Fund is also finishing a thorough application process that will begin accepting grant proposals in January to assist non-profit organizations operating across New Jersey. The application will help ensure that Fund dollars are spent efficiently with reputable organizations while having the greatest positive impact on relief efforts. Many of the organizations expected to apply for grants have an established history of providing important services to the community, but may simply lack the funding necessary to meet the increased need since the storm.
To date, the New Jersey Relief Fund has received pledges of over $28 million from 17,000 donors across the country and globe. Since its launch just days after Hurricane Sandy hit the Garden State, non-profit experts that have led similar relief organizations after Hurricane Katrina, September 11th and Haiti, have provided guidance on best practices to responsibly account for the donated dollars while having the greatest possible impact on recovery. Celebrities and business leaders have also added their name to the Honorary Advisory Board, including Jon Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen, Kelly Ripa, John Hess, Dr. Oz and others.
"The storm's impact will be felt for years to come and the challenges we face in the rebuilding process are great. Likewise, the financial need is enormous and it will become more apparent in the weeks and months ahead. Our Fund will do everything we can over the long term to not only help as many victims as possible get their lives back to normal, but to continue to raise the necessary and generous donations that make it possible," said Mary Pat Christie.
Donors interested in making a contribution to the Fund can do so online at www.SandyNJReliefFund.org. Checks by mail can be delivered to:
Supporters can also make a one-time donation of $10 by texting SANDY to 20222. $10 will be added to the donor's mobile phone bill or deducted from a prepaid balance. Message and data rates may apply.
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