 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
Frequently Asked Questions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
What is Embrace Iowa?
Embrace Iowa is a program of statewide outreach by the Des Moines Register. Since it already has an established logo, identity, and donation tracking mechanism, the Iowa Disaster Collaborative is using the Embrace Iowa website as one way for donors to make a donation and learn more about the 2008 Iowa Disaster Fund.
What is the Iowa Disaster Collaborative?
The Iowa Disaster Collaborative was formed when Central Iowa community leaders Barry Griswell, Fred Hubbell, Jim Cownie and Bill Knapp were asked by Governor Chet Culver to lead a private sector fundraising initiative to help coordinate funding efforts for the unmet needs for assistance as a result of natural disasters in Iowa in Spring 2008. Barry Griswell and Fred Hubbell were tapped as Collaborative Co-Chairs. The group has expanded to include Cedar Rapids community leaders Pat Baird, chairman of Aegon; Clay Jones, chair of Rockwell-Collins; University of Iowa president Sally Mason; Amy Nimmer, president of the John Deere Foundation in the Quad-Cities; Linda Washburn, president of Iowa Chamber of Commerce Executives; and Craig Lang, president of the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation.
What is the role of the Disaster Collaborative?
The role of the Collaborative is to promote private sector contributions from Iowa’s community leaders, businesses, and individuals. The group will also work with trade associations and reach out to entities outside of Iowa. A primary role of the Collaborative is to coordinate and communicate regarding various fundraising efforts around disaster recovery contributions. The Collaborative will encourage local giving first so as not to disrupt local fundraising efforts. However, if a donor does not have a local connection, or wishes to have their funds distributed to multiple groups, then they should make a donation to the statewide 2008 Iowa Disaster Fund. The Collaborative will provide oversight, accountability, coordination and transparency for fundraising efforts and fund distribution.
What is the 2008 Iowa Disaster Fund?
The 2008 Iowa Disaster Fund has been created to receive contributions from individuals, businesses, and organizations to benefit people who have experienced significant hardship as a result of the storms and flooding of 2008. The fund was launched with nearly $3 million in contributions from individuals and businesses. The Fund is held in the Greater Des Moines Community Foundation, but will provide statewide assistance through grants to local organizations in the communities impacted by the natural disasters such as community foundations, American Red Cross, United Way and the Salvation Army.
How do I contribute to the 2008 Iowa Disaster Fund?
Contributions may be made online at www.embraceiowa.org.
If paying by check, make it payable to 2008 Iowa Disaster Fund and send to:
2008 Iowa Disaster Fund
PO Box 310239
Des Moines, IA 50331-0239
Where does the money go?
Contributions to the 2008 Iowa Disaster fund will reside in the fund until they are allocated to local non-profit or local government entities within communities for granting to those qualifying for assistance according to local criteria.
Who decides how to spend the money?
Funding decisions begin with locally formed Embrace Iowa 2008 Disaster Advisory Committees receiving requests to fund unmet needs. The Committees will review the requests, and make recommendations about which entities with unmet needs should receive funding. Based upon funds available, and priorities noted at the local level, the Iowa Disaster Collaborative will allocate funds to the local organizations for distribution. The decision process is driven at the local level by people familiar with the community needs. It is expected to be a collaborative effort with groups such as local community foundations, United Way, American Red Cross and Salvation Army chapters working together to identify priorities and unmet needs.
Who is eligible to apply for a grant?
Any 501(c)3 organization or a local governmental entity such as a city, county, council of government or school district may apply for funds at the local level.
Each eligible recipient will decide how and where the funds are used with recommendations from a local Embrace Iowa 2008 Disaster Advisory Committee.
The Embrace Iowa Disaster Collaborative requests the formation of a local Embrace Iowa 2008 Disaster Advisory Committee, convened by the local Community Foundation wherever possible, and comprised of members that include the local community foundation, United Way, Chamber of Commerce, Red Cross, local city officials, economic or community betterment organizations and/or similar groups active in disaster recovery. The Embrace Iowa 2008 Disaster Advisory Committee shall make recommendations for the best use of funds to help individuals, coordinate services and support service providers within the affected area.
Dollars from this fund will be dispersed to organizations/local government agencies who meet the following requirements:
A. Umbrella or intermediary organizations re-granting for the purposes outlines in the application.
B. Nonprofit organizations directly victimized by the natural disasters (loss of space/facilities) and/or the larger community of nonprofit organizations affected by the disaster.
C. Programs directly operated by nonprofit, community and religious organizations or by for-profit organizations engaged in charitable purposes.
How does the grant process work?
The desired process is one which will be quick, nimble and flexible. Grant applications are made at the local level, priorities recommended by a local board and given to the Iowa Disaster Collaborative board. Funding decisions will be turned around quickly so that money may get to the communities in a timely manner.
Does all the money stay in Iowa?
It is the intent that a vast majority of the funds remain in Iowa. However, for those border communities which have a business and workforce relationship just across the river in another state, it is possible for the local Committee to determine if some funds should go to non-profit entities in another state that provide services to Iowans.
How do you know the funds are used properly?
The Iowa Disaster Collaborative will record and track donations and develop an evaluation system regarding all funds distributed. It is the desire to produce a 12-month summary of the programs funded, and the measurable results accomplished.
How did you select the organizations with which to partner?
The decision was made to look to local entities that had established disaster relief funds in place. All of the community foundations in the impacted communities have such a fund. The role of most of these community foundations is that of convener, facilitator and coordinator. They are usually a partner at the table in determining unmet needs in a community. In addition, the local United Way, American Red Cross chapters and Salvation Army are examples of organizations that are part of the community partnerships already developed.
How long do you hold the funds?
The 2008 Iowa Disaster Fund is serving a pass-through role. Certainly there are many immediate unmet needs which can be eligible for funding. It is also anticipated that there will be intermediate and long-range funding needs that may not become evident for several months. Depending upon the fundraising effort it is expected that some funds will be held back for needs that emerge a few months from now.
How long will this program last?
It is anticipated that the fund will be in existence for approximately 12 months.
Can individuals apply for assistance?
The funds will be distributed to local non-profit and government entities. Examples include the local community foundation, United Way, Chamber of Commerce, Red Cross, local city officials, economic or community betterment organizations and/or similar groups active in disaster recovery. Individuals interested in receiving assistance should contact these organizations directly.
How do you avoid duplication of funding?
The local entities receiving the funding are tasked with working together to avoid duplication. Strict adherence to federal and state guidelines regarding funding is expected.
How can I volunteer to help with disaster relief and recovery?
Anyone interested in volunteering should contact any of the local entities receiving funding.
Can you help small businesses?
Federal IRS regulations do allow community foundations to provide disaster assistance to small businesses as part of an economic development package. The local community foundations will be the drivers in developing outreach programs for small business recovery and rebuilding.
Aren’t you taking away from the support of local organizations?
The overarching message of the Iowa Disaster Collaborative is encouraging people and businesses to give locally. It is anticipated that the fundraising efforts undertaken by the group will tap organizations and individuals from outside the impacted communities who want to help and desire a statewide funding program.
Is my donation 100% tax deductible?
Yes.
Can I direct my donation to a specific charity or organization like the local library that might have been damaged?
To direct your contribution we suggest you contact your local community foundation.
Can you give me examples of how my donation may help?
We hope to identify local emergency needs such as food, shelter and clothing as well as long-term needs that may come into play several months later as other support begins to wane.
Every dollar contributed will be used to find the following:
Immediate Victim Relief: Including food, housing and health and human services for individuals.
Immediate Capacity Building: Including staff or infrastructure necessary to assist victims with basic needs, employment or other critical needs.
Mid to Long-Term Recovery: Including rebuilding and supporting vital services that strengthen families or create economic self-sufficiency.
Long-Term Rebuilding: Including activities focused on community/economic development planning initiatives. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
