Applications now being accepted for financial assistance from Meeker County Tornado Relief Fund
WATKINS, Minn.— The Meeker County Tornado Relief fund was established by Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF) and its affiliate partner, the Litchfield Area Community Foundation, in response to the July 11 tornado that hit communities and residences throughout Meeker County.
The fund has received contributions of over $16,000. Additionally, a SWIF grant of $1,500 was awarded to provide food and necessities immediately following the tornado. Other agencies involved in fundraising for this effort were the community of Watkins and Catholic Charities in cooperation with the New Ulm Diocese. Thanks to all of these efforts, over $50,000 was raised.
The organizations will partner with the Church of St Anthony in Watkins to distribute financial assistance from this fund.
Assistance up to $1,500 per applicant will be considered. Grants shall be considered on a need basis to Meeker County residents impacted by the July 11 tornado. One application per residence, please. Applications will be accepted until the deadline of September 30. Applications can be found here at www.swifoundation.org/download/tornado.
In order to be considered eligible for an award, applicants must provide:
- Documentation of financial loss due to the tornado
- Income level
- Documentation of damage to their home or their garage/shed
- Reasonable request of award amount, up to $1,500 per applicant
Grants shall be administered based on need. Questions should be directed by email to Jessica Teicher at [email protected] or Steven Besserat [email protected] or by phone at 320-764-2755. Applications should be submitted to [email protected].
The Southwest Initiative Foundation is a single connection offering unlimited possibilities to grow and promote kids, families, businesses, entrepreneurs and communities in rural southwest Minnesota. As a regional community foundation, SWIF has contributed more than $72 million through its grant and loan programs. SWIF has helped more than 690 businesses start or expand through its business finance programs, which have created or retained more than 8,500 jobs. SWIF also established 25 community affiliates and more than 100 school, donor-advised and other funds. SWIF has also established 16 Early Childhood Initiative coalitions to support young children. SWIF has received 1,650 acres of farmland through our Keep It Growing℠ farmland giving program. The Southwest Initiative Foundation is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To learn more, visit www.swifoundation.org.
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