Disaster Relief

Disaster Grants Overview

Disaster Relief Grant

Eligibility

• Credit union staff and volunteers in the Cornerstone region, employed or serving at time of disaster and during the grants process
• One grant per affected household
  

Disaster relief funds assist with the following:

• Structural damage to primary residence
• Damage to inoperable primary vehicle
• Lodging for mandatory evacuation or displacement
• Grocery staple items
• Insurance deductibles
  

Disaster relief funds do not assist with the following:

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of all excluded items.

• Personal property loss (i.e. furniture, appliances, tools, lawn equipment, boats, ATVs, etc.)
• Shed, Fence, Barn, Gazebo, Detached Garage, Pool, Spa, Playground
• Landscaping/Trees (unless tree is impeding ability to get vehicle out of property to get to work or if tree is on home or primary vehicle)
• Business or second homes
• Lost wages or lifestyle expenses
• Fast food or restaurant
• Childcare or care for displaced extended family or friends
• Transportation for evacuation or alternate routes to work
• Disaster preparedness and cleanup expense
• Medical, dental, and funeral expenses related to the disaster, including lost prescription medications, or personal liability for accidents occurring in your home

Process

Phase I Grant

• Purpose: Relief for urgent disaster-related expenses (up to $1,000)
• Eligibility and Timing: Available year-round, up to 60 days post-disaster
• Application Process:
  • o Employee/Volunteer Online Phase I Application Submission
    • Required Documentation:
      • Detailed estimate of damages
      • Photos of loss/damage
      • Invoices or receipts for incurred expenses
      • Online supplemental form submission by credit union CEO
    • Grants Committee Review and Communication to Applicant
      • Notification to applicant within 2 weeks (may vary during widespread disasters)
      • Funds disbursed via ACH to recipient’s financial institution account
• Additional Resources for Immediate Financial Assistance:
  • Red Cross, FEMA, United Way, Local Community Organizations & Churches

• Purpose: Financial support for significant disaster-related losses (up to $5,000)
• Eligibility and Timing: Begins no sooner than 90 days after Phase I disbursement, contingent on available funds
• Application Process:
  • Status check with credit union CEO for Phase I recipients
  • Employee/Volunteer Phase II Application Submission
    • Required Documentation:
    • Detailed description of sustained damages
    • Photos of damage
    • Invoices or receipts for incurred expenses
    • Proof of insurance and FEMA assistance status (adjustment or denial)
    • Supplemental approval form from credit union CEO
  • Grants Committee Review and Communication to Applicant
    • Application submission deadlines for coordinated review and approval
    • Notification sent directly to applicants; summary provided to credit union CEO
    • Funds disbursed via ACH to the recipient’s financial institution account