$260,000 in FEMA funds available
Yuma County nonprofit organizations can submit applications to receive money from the Yuma County Emergency Food and Shelter Grant Program (EFSP).
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded Yuma County $260,028 in federal funds under the EFSP National Board Program. The emergency food and shelter funds are used to expand local programs that are currently addressing local needs in the areas of food, shelter and utility assistance. The Yuma County EFSP Board will distribute the funds.
"The applying organizations need to pick up an application and make a presentation to the local board who determines how to allocate the funds," said Madeleine Coil, president and CEO of the United Way of Yuma County.
According to Coil, the amount of money made available to each county is determined by local unemployment figures and income levels.
Coil said the annual grant is extremely useful for local nonprofit groups.
"It is very important and helps, especially in today's economy, because we have a huge demand from individuals who typically wouldn't be facing crisis situations, and need assistance from these organizations. Even in non-difficult economic times, these funds have been greatly utilized by these organizations to address local needs."
Coil said the organizations who are approved for money must share information about how they spend the money. "The funded programs submit reports on a regular basis about how the funds have been utilized by individuals and families being assisted in our community."
The Yuma County EFSP Board of Directors is comprised of representatives from United Way of Yuma County, the Salvation Army, American Red Cross, Catholic Community Services of Western Arizona, Western Arizona Council of Governments, Cocopah Indian Tribe, Navy Marine Corps Air Station Relief Society, Yuma County Housing Authority, Crossroads Mission, Child & Family Services of Yuma, Yuma Community Food Bank and other non-affiliated volunteer citizens.
Funding applications are available from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and from 8 a.m. to noon Fridays at the United Way, 180 W. 1st St., Suite B.
The application deadline is 2 p.m. March 2.
For more information, call 783-0515.
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FUNDS ELIGIBILITY
• IRS-approved 501c3 tax-exempt or Health & Human Services unit of government.
• Have established financial accounting systems, with annual financial audits.
• Provide services under non-discrimination policies.
• Have established programs that deliver assistance in Yuma County.
• Have a voluntary governing board.
