Grants for Disasters

Tornadoes are just one of many possible disasters that can strike at any time.

Disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, floods and tornadoes can strike at any time, turning people's lives upside down as they struggle amidst the loss of personal property and loved ones. Fortunately, both the U.S. government and nongovernmental agencies often provide grants to individuals and families suffering as the result of disasters like these. There are also organizations that provide direct assistance to individuals affected by disaster.

Definition

A disaster is any event that causes large-scale damage, injury or loss of life. Some disasters, like hurricanes, provide warning, while others, like tornadoes and flash floods, occur suddenly and often unexpectedly. Because they can cause so much damage to entire communities, grants are necessary to get communities up and running again.

Grant Types

There are two main types of disaster grants: those made directly to individuals to help them recover from disaster and those made to agencies and organizations that help individuals affected by disaster. Grants to individuals may be used for things such as buying groceries and paying bills during times of unemployment caused by disaster or to rebuild a home that has sustained extensive damage. Grants to organizations often help provide emergency food, water and supplies to individuals in disaster-stricken areas, as well as temporary shelter, medical care and counseling.

Procuring Grants for Individuals

Government and nongovernmental organizations offering grants to those affected by disaster often publicize their grant programs through local media outlets. People affected by disaster may be out of touch with much of the outside world, so this ensures they hear about possible grants they can apply for. The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Red Cross are frequent granters during major disasters.

Procuring Grants for Organizations

Finding grants for disasters as an organization is trickier and may require extensive searching online. However, certain sites make it easier. For instance, you can search for such grants from the federal government using the Federal Grants Wire website, or for state aid through your state's Department of Emergency Management site. Grants from private foundations and nonprofits may be found using sites such as the Foundation Center.

References

• Federal Emergency Management Agency: FEMA Grants and Disaster Programs
• American Red Cross: Haiti