By Staff
NILES - The United Way of Greater Niles announced today that it will make a special grant contribution to a new fund set up to support local non-profit agencies assisting Hurricane Katrina evacuees in Berrien County.
The fund will assist local non-profits who are taking a financial hit due to their activities on behalf of hurricane victims who have been relocated to this area.
Several Berrien County based "funders" have joined together to set up a relief fund for Berrien County nonprofit organizations called upon to serve Hurricane Katrina families arriving in the county.
The Coalition of Community Funders (Berrien Community Foundation, Tiscornia Foundation, United Way of Southwest Michigan, Frederick S. Upton Foundation, Whirlpool Foundation) along with the United Way of Greater Niles and the Michigan Gateway Community Foundation are providing the seed dollars to establish this special relief fund.
"As a local United Way we serve the greater Niles area. Through this fund the United Way along with other local funders can continue to focus on the local area, yet address a national disaster that affects us all" said executive director John Stauffer. "We are very pleased to collaborate in such an effort that can take some of the financial burden off local nonprofits that are already operating with tight budgets."
Berrien County nonprofits that have provided direct services to families that relocated to Berrien County as a result of Hurricane Katrina may apply for a one time mini grant to help offset their additional costs.
Applying nonprofits will need to provide a description of the specific services provided. Organizations not receiving FEMA reimbursement will be given priority.
The United Way of Southwest Michigan will act as fiscal agent and accept grant applications. A Berrien County nonprofit providing relief to Hurricane Katrina families and wishing to apply for a mini grant of up to $2,500 may download an application at www.uwsm.org or call 269-925-7772 for an application.
For additional information about how other funders (e.g., service clubs and private foundations) may participate in this relief fund, please call (269) 983-3486. In the event that dollars should remain in this relief fund after six months, the funds will be retained and targeted to assist Berrien County nonprofits in the wake of similar future disaster situations that may affect these nonprofits.
More than $10 million has been raised for local charities by the United Way of Greater Niles since its founding in 1953. Donations can be made by mail or online at www.unitedewayniles.com.