The Gilchrist Foundation Responds to Derecho's Damage
On August 10, 2020, destructive straight-line winds blew across central Iowa. The highest official wind gusts measured at 99 mph at the Marshalltown Airport. The storm, called a derecho, traveled 770 miles in 14 hours leaving destruction in its wake. Unlike a tornado, a derecho travels in a straight path. The August 10 derecho destroyed thousands of structures and left thousands without power. Recognizing the impact this crisis would have, the Gilchrist Foundation stepped up to help.
Supporting the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation
The Gilchrist Foundation donated $50,000 to the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation for the Derecho Disaster Relief Fund. The fund was set up to aid in the recovery from the derecho, which will be lengthy and costly. The Gilchrist Foundation’s funds will help the Community Foundation pool and distribute resources and funds to those affected by the derecho in an effective, efficient and impactful way. The foundation is also offering rapid response grants to help human service organizations meet basic and emergent needs. As recovery evolves, an application process will be implemented.
Supporting the Red Cross’ Response
The American Red Cross also responded to the disaster that was left in the derecho’s wake across Iowa and Illinois. The Gilchrist Foundation gave $50,000 to help their recovery efforts which included:
Providing more than 30,900 meals and snacks
Providing more than 2,600 overnight shelter and hotel stays
Distributing more than 4,990 relief items
The Red Cross also offered emergency financial assistance to those affected. Eligible households could apply for $450 to support emergency needs like replacing clothes, food, offsetting transportation costs or using the money for other immediate needs.
The Gilchrist Foundation’s pledge to support these efforts was more important than ever as relief was made more complicated due to COVID-19. Both organizations had to take steps to protect the workers providing relief and putting additional safety precautions in place for those affected.
The Gilchrist Foundation provides incentives and funds to pre-selected non-profit organizations, especially for disaster relief efforts. The foundation’s founder, Jocelyn Gilchrist, was deeply concerned about supporting people in need and was specifically interested in disaster relief. The foundation has supported many relief efforts in the past, most recently with COVID-19 relief. Organizations designed to aid in disaster recovery are encouraged to apply for funding through the Gilchrist Foundation. The foundation also considers providing funding for those organizations with interests in Wildlife & Conservation and Arts & Public Broadcasting. Any organization whose interests align with the Gilchrist Foundation can apply for an invite.