North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has reported a significant fundraising effort for the state's disaster relief following the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene. A total of $15.5 million in donations has been directed to the NC Disaster Relief Fund, to aid long-term recovery in the region, according to a statement obtained by the Governor's office. Governor Cooper expressed his gratitude for the donations, saying, "We are so grateful for this outpouring of generosity toward the people of western North Carolina. Recovering from Hurricane Helene will be a marathon and each and every donation helps."
Adding to the massive funds gathered, the North Carolina Community Foundation has raised an additional $12 million to support the cause. Combined, the funds are earmarked for grants to local nonprofits that are dedicated to serving affected communities in western North Carolina. Previously, an amount of $1,272,391.54 was allocated for immediate needs grants, being disbursed through the United Way of North Carolina, who, having worked with nonprofits right after Helene's impact, are well-acquainted with the area's pressing requirements.
With the transition from immediate relief to sustained rehabilitation, the NC Community Foundation steps forward as the manager of the funds, intending to distribute them over the coming months and years as western North Carolina rebuilds. "We are honored to receive these funds and continue to support the recovery of western North Carolina from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene," Jennifer Tolle Whiteside, President & CEO of the NC Community Foundation, shared her commitment.
Details on the grant process, including eligibility criteria and the application timeline, will be made available by the NC Community Foundation in the early months of 2025. Organizations that serve long-term disaster recovery needs will be able to access these funds, enhancing the foundation’s capability to reach those communities not typically served by them, and support larger-scale projects that can meaningfully contribute to the region's restoration.
