Donor contributions to be fully matched
“After one of the most powerful storms ever recorded in the United States,” the Gulf Coast Community Foundation (Gulf Coast) has activated its Hurricane Ian Disaster Relief Fund,” the Foundation has announced.
“The fund is fueled by a unanimously Board-approved $800,000 initiative to support our local community most impacted by Hurricane Ian,” a news release says. Donors’ contributions to the fund will be fully matched by the $800,000.
Donations may be made via the website at www.gulfcoastcf.org/hurricane-ian-disaster-relief-fund, the release adds. Alternatively, checks may be mailed to Gulf Coast Community Foundation Headquarters at 601 Tamaimi Trail South, Venice FL 34285 with “Hurricane Ian” in the memo line.
“The fund will be used primarily to support the recovery and rebuilding of our community with a focus on southern Sarasota County,” including Venice, hard-hit North Port, Englewood, Charlotte County, Lee County, and DeSoto County, the release notes. “Health and human services needs will be a top priority in the coming months,” the release adds.
“It is heart-wrenching to see the monumental effects Hurricane Ian has left on our Gulf Coast communities,” said Mark S. Pritchett, president and CEO of the Foundation, in the release. “At Gulf Coast Community Foundation, we stand ready to provide hyper-local, rapid response to those in need and we have multiple ways to provide immediate assistance,” he pointed out in the release.
In addition to Gulf Coast donors being able to make a gift directly from their Donor Advised Funds, the release continues, the Foundation has set up a form for nonprofit partners that need assistance post-storm. The release says that local nonprofit organizations serving Sarasota and surrounding communities can request funds to assist with their relief efforts through this webpage: https://www.gulfcoastcf.org/disasterfundrequests.