Funds Launched to Support Tennessee Tornado Recovery
The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee has set up two emergency response funds for donors who are looking to help those impacted by devastating tornadoes that impacted parts of Tennessee over the weekend.
The Davidson County Relief Fund — a joint effort with CFMT and the United Way — will be used to collect and provide vital resources to aid in the immediate and ongoing recovery of survivors in the community.
A second fund was created to provide relief support to others who reside outside of Davidson County. Cheatham, Dickson, Montgomery, Robertson, and Sumner counties will receive support through the Tennessee Emergency Response Fund.
“During this holiday season, we will all be working hard to ensure that amidst the wreckage from Saturday night, survivors know there is a community ready to lift them up,” said Hal Cato, CEO of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.
Ultimately, the funds will provide critical support — like financial assistance, food security, temporary housing, and cleanup from the aftermath — to nonprofits and faith-based organizations who work directly with the community and know exactly what the needs are.
The tornado that swept across Middle Tennessee on Saturday left six dead, dozens injured, and more than 35,000 people without power.
Why Give Through a Community Foundation?
Community foundations are a wise choice for disaster giving because:
they are rooted in the communities they serve and know exactly what is needed following a disaster.
they have already vetted reputable nonprofits, so you won’t have to.
they can distribute funds quickly to agencies that need them most.
In addition, community foundations provide long-term support to their communities — ensuring that they will continue to help those impacted as they recover and rebuild. They also coordinate with government and nonprofits to provide mental-health services, rebuild homes and schools, and ensure that communities are better prepared for the next disaster.