Disaster Relief for First Responder Families
In the wake of Hurricanes Helene & Milton first responders are at the forefront of the response. Help their children feel safe and their families recover too.
They not only serve and protect our communities—they live in them too. That means their own homes, families, and livelihoods are often impacted and burdened by the very disasters they are helping us overcome. Your donations will help provide critical aid to those on the front lines who also face the challenges of this disaster.
FRCF partner, SERVPRO has generously committed $100,000 to support hurricane recovery. Join them and donate to the SERVPRO fund today and help us do more together.
Program Details
“After our home was destroyed by the hurricane, my family had nowhere to go. Through support from FRCF, we were able to put a temporary roof over my children’s heads while I was out with the ongoing search and recovery efforts.”
(Florida Deputy)
First Responders are performing rescues, ensuring public safety, clearing debris, and restoring power to devastated communities. But beyond their heroic efforts, it’s important to remember that First Responders live in these same communities and face the same devastation as their neighbors. Their homes, families, and livelihoods are often directly impacted by the disasters they are working tirelessly to combat.
The FRCF Disaster Relief Program is designed to provide flexible support to address a wide range of disaster-related needs. This includes assistance with home repairs, childcare, and mental health services for children coping with the trauma of the hurricane.
“After our home was destroyed by the hurricane, my family had nowhere to go. Through support from FRCF, we were able to put a temporary roof over my children’s heads while I was out with the ongoing search and recovery efforts.”
(Florida Deputy)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Agency Grant Application Process?
FRCF accepts Grant proposals throughout the year on a rolling basis. Agencies or Foundations interested in applying for an Agency Grant should:
-
- Review the FRCF mission statement, priority funding areas, past grant awardees, and website to make sure priorities align.
-
- Submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) to Hannah@1stRCF.org. The Letter of Intent should be a brief, one or two page, informative letter on agency/foundation letterhead that describes the organization’s mission and history and the work for which funds are being sought, along with a proposed budget and evidence of tax-exempt status (if applicable).
- FRCF Grant Program Team & Grant Committee reviews the LOI.
- You will hear back from the Grant Program Team within 30 days of submission with one of the following:
– A request to submit a full grant proposal.
– Suggestions on how to make the LOI more relevant to the mission of FRCF or recommendations of other possible partnerships with FRCF.
– A decision to not seek a grant proposal.
- If a complete grant proposal is requested, you will have five weeks to complete this application.
- FRCF will decide on your proposal within two-five weeks time.
Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants must reside in the United States and be current EMTs, paramedics, police officers, firefighters, or 911 dispatchers actively responding to Hurricanes Helene or Milton, with children under 18 in the household. Priority will be given to those serving in the hardest-hit regions, including the areas surrounding Tampa Bay/St. Petersburg, Florida and Asheville, North Carolina, as well as East Tennessee. First Responders Children’s Foundation officers, committee members, employees, and their immediate families are not eligible. For questions, call (646) 822-4236 or email Info@1stRCF.org.
is there a deadline to apply?
Applications must be received by October 31, 2024
When will i be notified of my application status?
Please allow 1 week after the deadline for application processing. We aim to have all applicants notified as soon as possible.
I am a member of the press. Where can I find more information?
Media inquiries may be directed to Mary@1stRCF.org.
Emergency Response Funds
First Responders Children’s Foundation is actively engaging public safety agencies to encourage First Responders who need financial assistance to apply for COVID-19 Emergency Response grants.
The First Responders Children’s Foundation Emergency Response Fund is supported through corporate partnerships and individual donations to the foundation’s First Responders Strong fundraising campaign launched today. CSX, a premier transportation company, is the first corporate partner to commit to the fund through the company’s Pride in Service initiative.
Say thank you to our First Responders using the hashtag using the hashtag #FirstRespondersStrong or donating just $1 to help raise $2.8 million in tribute to each of our nation’s estimated 2.8 million first responders.
Individual Financial Assistance
The Individual Financial Hardship Grant is designed for first responders who are in dire need of financial assistance related to housing distress, extenuating childcare/eldercare expenses, and medical and/or mental health expenses related to your position.
The First Responders Children’s Foundation Emergency Response Fund will provide access to emergency financial assistance for unforeseen medical expenses as well as food, supplies, rent, mortgage, utility and child care assistance. The fund is designed to be flexible and to address additional areas of support as they develop within the first responder community.
The First Responders Children’s Foundation Emergency Response Fund is supported through corporate partnerships and individual donations to the foundation’s First Responders Strong fundraising campaign launched today. CSX, a premier transportation company, is the first corporate partner to commit to the fund through the company’s Pride in Service initiative.
100% of proceeds will provide financial aid to first responders protecting our communities.
Applicants must reside in the United States and be current EMTs, paramedics, police officers, firefighters, or 911 dispatchers actively responding to Hurricane Helene, with children under 18 in the household. Priority will be given to applicants in the Tampa Bay/St. Petersburg, FL area, as well as the greater Asheville, NC area. First Responders Children’s Foundation officers, committee members, employees, and their immediate families are not eligible. For questions, call (646) 822-4236 or email Info@1stRCF.org.
The success of our programs is only possible with the generous support of donors like you.
There is no greater way of demonstrating respect and appreciation for your community than by supporting our first responders on the front lines.