TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA — Within 48 hours of activation, the Florida Disaster Fund received over $20 million in donations to support communities impacted by Hurricane Ian.
“Raising more than $20 million in 48 hours for The Florida Disaster Fund is a testament to the generosity and compassion from people across Florida and the country,” said First Lady Casey DeSantis. “This funding is already being utilized by organizations in the field to help people who have been impacted by this storm. We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support for Florida.”
MAJOR DONATIONS POURING IN
The fund received significant donations from companies in Florida and around the nation, including Walmart, Amazon, Centene Charitable, Ian MacKechnie, Florida Blue, Lennar, Boeing, Verizon, Rumble, and Publix.
Private sector partners from across the state and the nation are also assisting those impacted by Hurricane Ian. Volunteer Florida, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Paypal’s Braintree have waived their fees so that every dollar donated to the Florida Disaster Fund goes directly to helping victims.
“We are grateful to First Lady Casey DeSantis for her continued leadership and to all who have contributed to the Florida Disaster Fund,” said Josie Tamayo, CEO of Volunteer Florida. “The amount of donations received is a true testament to the resiliency of Florida. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected.”
ONE MILLION DISTRIBUTED IN FIRST ROUND
The first round of Florida Disaster Fund grants totaling $1 million was awarded on Friday to organizations engaged in the Hurricane Ian recovery efforts. Save the Children, Catholic Charities, Feeding Florida, American Red Cross, and Operation BBQ Relief were among those awarded funds.
“We know that for many Floridians, there will be a long road to recovery, and we are committed to helping,” said Casey DeSantis. “Thank you to all who are supporting these heroic efforts.”
The Florida Disaster Fund and Volunteer Florida are working together with the Department of Children and Families and Sunshine Health. The effort, in partnership with Hope Florida, will open Family Resource Support Centers with one-on-one support, including counseling, for impacted families. Resource centers will open in Tampa and New Port Richey, but anyone who needs help across the state can call the Hope Line at 850-300-HOPE.
Donations may be made by credit card on the secure website or by check to the below address. Checks should be made payable to the Volunteer Florida Foundation and should include “Florida Disaster Fund” in the memo line.
Volunteer Florida Foundation
Attention: Florida Disaster Fund
1545 Raymond Diehl Road Suite 250
Tallahassee, FL 32308
To partner with the state of Florida on recovery efforts or to find updates on closures, inventory supply, and supply chain information, visit Florida’s Disaster Updates website.
