SPRINGFIELD, OR— United Way of Lane County is launching an emergency fund to support local wildfire response efforts across Lane County.
United Way’s Wildfire Response Funds will specifically support nonprofits and community organizations assisting community members who have experienced the loss of a home or business or are otherwise impacted as a result of the 2020 fires.
“It is too early to anticipate the full impacts of these devastating fires, but we know the needs will be tremendous, and urgent,” shared Jared Pruch, United Way’s associate director of community impact. “We are standing ready to leverage support from our community to invest in local response efforts with this emergency fund.”
Grants will be awarded to eligible organizations, which must provide services in Lane County, Oregon, have 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, be classified as a public entity, or have a qualified fiscal sponsor (i.e., a sponsoring tax-exempt organization).
Funds can be used for food relief, shelter assistance, childcare assistance, health care services, and other supports for vulnerable populations.
Community members and organizations interested in contributing to this local fund can donate online at www.unitedwaylane.org; by mailing checks to United Way of Lane County at 3171 Gateway Loop, Springfield, OR 97477, or by calling (541) 741-6000.
Organizations can apply for funds on a rolling basis, with grants distributed every two weeks as funds are available. Applications and more information can be found at www.unitedwaylane.org/wildfire-fund-application.
