1. What is the Douglas County/Rise Lawrence Disaster Response Fund?
The Douglas County/Rise Lawrence Disaster Response Fund has been established to receive donations for assistance to Douglas County and its citizens during a designated crisis or disaster. We know that the impact of man-made or other disasters make it financially challenging for area nonprofits and public agencies to meet the needs for recovery from disastrous events. The Douglas County/Rise Lawrence Disaster Response Fund will focus on the short and long-term recovery of our neighbors and partners. The fund is able to accept contributions from individual donors, corporations and foundations.
2. Will my donation provide immediate relief to the community?
Statistically, when a disaster strikes, 70% of donations are directed to immediate relief and a significantly smaller portion goes to recovery and rebuilding, a process that can take many years. In addition to providing immediate relief, Douglas County/Rise Lawrence Disaster Response Fund will provide support to address identified long-term critical needs of our local nonprofits, public entities and individuals they serve. DCCF will oversee the discretionary distribution of the fund based on the specific issues presented by the crisis or disaster. In coordination with Douglas County Emergency Management, DCCF will provide guidelines for distribution to nonprofit and government partners to best serve the community need at the time of the crisis or disaster.
Contributions to the fund may be spent immediately as needed, or retained for future disaster relief. This determination will be made at the discretion of DCCF.
3. Why Douglas County Community Foundation?
The Douglas County Community Foundation (DCCF) is credible, transparent and connected. For 20 years DCCF has enriched the lives of the people in our communities through philanthropy. We are a source of funding for local nonprofits and public entities, thus long-standing relationships are already in place. We are committed to building philanthropy and connecting people who care with causes that matter.
4. Who will the Douglas County/Rise Lawrence Disaster Response Fund support?
The Douglas County/Rise Lawrence Disaster Response Fund will support nonprofit organizations and public entities that have a defined role in short-term and long-term recovery efforts by providing critical services. DCCF will oversee the discretionary distribution of the fund based on the specific issues presented by the crisis or disaster. In coordination with Douglas County Emergency Management, DCCF will provide guidelines for distribution to nonprofit and government partners to best serve the community need at the time of the crisis or disaster.
5. How can I make a charitable donation?
To contribute to the Douglas County Disaster Response Fund you may:
- Mail a check to:
Douglas County Community Foundation
900 Massachusetts, Suite 406
Lawrence, KS 66044
Please write “Douglas County/Rise Lawrence Disaster Response Fund” in the memo line.
- Donate via credit card on DCCF’s website.
- Gift appreciated stock or other alternative asset options. Please contact our staff at 785-843-8727 or email Chip Blaser.
6. How can my organization receive a grant from the Douglas County/Rise Lawrence Disaster Response Fund?
Grant making decisions will be made at the discretion of a committee of local leaders and the DCCF Board of Directors.
Some requests may be referred to other grant programs administered by DCCF deemed appropriate for the specific nonprofit or agency need.
Grants will be released on a rolling basis as fundraising continues and needs are identified through outbreak and recovery phases of the crisis. The Douglas County Disaster Response Fund will continue to seek funds in support of these longer-term recovery efforts.
7. I’ve been impacted by a disaster in Douglas County and I’m looking for support. Can I apply for funding from the Douglas County Disaster Response Fund?
DCCF is prohibited from providing direct grants to individuals. This fund was specifically set up to provide grants to our nonprofit partners who in turn work with individuals and families. For resources and support for individuals, please call 2-1-1 or visit the Kansas 2-1-1 website at 211Kansas.org.
