Supporting Those Impacted by Hurricane Helene

The North Carolina Center for Nonprofits extends our heartfelt support to the communities impacted by the devastating flooding caused by Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina. Thank you to the first responders for your immediate critical work. We’re heartened to see the intensive response of community groups, nonprofits, and people organizing efforts to meet the region’s ongoing needs and begin the work of rebuilding.

Those who are able to donate can contribute to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund, managed by the United Way of North Carolina. Donations support nonprofits working to meet the immediate needs of storm victims such as food, water, cleaning supplies, and other emergency essentials. All funds raised will go directly to disaster relief.

We will continue to share resource and support for the nonprofit organizations that are the second responders in the days, weeks, and months ahead.

Updates

Hurricane Helene Recovery Resources - Updates and resources from the NC Department of Health and Human Services
NC Department of Public Safety - Emergency management support and contact information
FEMA Daily Fact Sheet - Overview of ongoing efforts to support western NC
Disaster Recovery: What Donors & Nonprofits Need to Know - Basic information for nonprofits with facilities and employees affected by disasters (National Council of Nonprofits)
North Carolina Lawmakers Approve $273 Million for Initial Hurricane Helene Recovery, October 9, 2024, NC Newsline

Resources for Nonprofits

Important first steps if your nonprofit organization is in a federally declared disaster area:

Contact your insurance company to file a claim. If you lease your space, verify that the owner has contacted his/her insurance company. Recommendations from insurance companies:
- Take inventory and photos of damage. Make temporary repairs to protect your property from further damage. Save all your receipts and do not throw away damaged property.
- If you need to relocate, keep your receipts for all related expenses.
- Be careful of fraudulent contractors. Check credentials and/or check with your insurance company.
Begin the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) application process. Relevant deadlines and steps to walk you through the process are posted. Contact: 800-621-3362

Several pro bono legal programs (noted below) are offering assistance with the application process.

There may be a temporary mobile FEMA/SBA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in your area. Find locations listed on this SBA webpage in the Documents section under Locations to Receive Assistance; also check local news sources for location updates.
Register and complete an application with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), who administers low-interest disaster loans for organizations. The account must be registered to an individual to verify identity; the account allows you to file applications online on behalf of your organization. Contact: 800-659-2955 or disastercustomerservice@sba.gov

Filing requirements include:
- A complete copy of the organization’s most recent tax return OR a copy of the organization’s IRS tax-exempt certification and complete copies of the organization’s three most recent years’ “Statement of Activities”
- Schedule of Liabilities listing all fixed debts (SBA Form 2202 may be used)
- Request for Transcript of Tax Returns (IRS Form 4506-C), completed and signed by each applicant and for any affiliated entity. Affiliates include, but are not limited to, business parents, subsidiaries, and/or other businesses with common ownership or management
- Additional nonprofit requirements may include:
  - Articles of Incorporation (if incorporated)
  - By-laws
  - Charter (if applicable)
  - Board of Directors Resolution giving approval to apply to the SBA for disaster loan (may be provided after offer of a loan)
  - Complete copies of the organization's most recent tax returns OR a copy of the organization's IRS tax-exempt certification and complete copies of the three most recent years operating results
  - Current balance sheet and operating statement dated within 90 days of application
  - Names and addresses of all officers, trustees, and directors
  - Organization affiliation (if any)
  - Name, address, and phone numbers of all insurance companies providing coverage at the date of the disaster; all policy numbers, copies of policy coverage pages, and recovery settlements to date (if any)
  - Specifics of all disaster-related grants and/or funds received from FEMA
  - Once filed, the SBA will follow up on your application to request additional information and/or identify disaster loan options

Recovery Counseling & Legal Assistance

The NC Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC) offers free counseling and assistance to assess the financial impact on your organization, develop strategies for your recovery, reconstruct financial statements, and evaluate options with creditors. Contact: 800-258-0862 or find your regional center.
The Disaster Legal Services Hotline is a pro bono legal project of the NC Bar Association, Legal Aid of NC, American Bar Association, and Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide disaster legal services for NC counties approved by FEMA to receive federal assistance. The NCBA Young Lawyers Division coordinates the North Carolina Disaster Legal Services effort. Disaster victims, including nonprofits, who have disaster-related legal questions or concerns may call. Contact: pending.
Legal Aid of North Carolina's Disaster Relief Project provides disaster-related legal assistance and education to individuals and organizations impacted by natural disasters in North Carolina and supports community economic development and equitable long-term recovery and resiliency in disaster-impacted communities. Contact: 866-219-5262 (Monday-Friday 8:30 AM–1:30 PM; Monday & Thursday 5:30-8:30 PM).
Pisgah Legal Services provides legal assistance walk-in clinics for FEMA application assistance.
Governor Cooper signed an executive order allowing social workers licensed in other states to provide care in North Carolina. This list of therapists are offering pro bono services to individuals and groups in western NC.

Relief Funding

Many North Carolina funders are distributing donations directly back into the communities affected by Hurricane Helene. Visit NCNG for ways to donate.

Emergency and Disaster Response to Hurricane Helene: Grants Resource Guide - An outline of disaster relief and recovery funding opportunities available to assist organizations in western NC. Includes links, deadlines, and average award amounts. Compiled by Innovative Funding Partners.
Emergency and Disaster Response Fund - Initial $25,000 grants will be awarded on a rolling basis to organizations providing emergency relief to those affected by Hurricane Helene. Eligibility and applications are online. If you have no online access, contact Alana Nottage (828-254-4960). Funded by the Dogwood Health Trust and administered by the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina.
Dogwood Health Trust - Funding for recovery and rebuilding efforts. Application information will be available in the coming weeks.
NC Arts Disaster Relief Fund - Funding and assistance to artists and arts organizations.
WNC Strong: Helene Business Recovery Fund - Loans up to $100K with low interest rates for small businesses in effected WNC areas to use for working capital, bridge to federal aid, recovery support. Funded by The Golden LEAF Foundation and administered by Mountain BizWorks.

Tax Relief

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers tax relief for organizations recovering from disaster situations. Get updates for North Carolina. Contact: 877-829-5500

Disaster Unemployment Assistance

Offered through the NC Division of Employment Security, workers who are or may become unemployed due to a declared disaster may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA). Create an account and apply for regular unemployment insurance within 60 days of the disaster declaration.

Contacts
NC Division of Employment Security: 888-737-0259
Disaster Unemployment Assistance: 919-629-3857 (English), 919-276-5698 (Spanish), des.dua@nccommerce.com

Paying Employees During Emergencies & Natural Disasters

Guidance around federal laws and regulations for employers when deciding how and when to pay employees during an emergency or natural disaster.

When Disaster Strikes: Pay, Leave, and Related Issues, Society for Human Resources Management
How to Address Employee Pay and Related Issues When Faced with Natural Disasters, Labor & Employment Law Blog
A Short Refresher On Discrete Legal Issues During Natural Disasters, Ward and Smith, P.A.

Voting & Elections During Natural Disasters

Information and updates from the NC State Board of Elections on absentee voting, voter registration, voter photo ID for North Carolina voters in the Helene disaster area during the 2024 general election. As of 10/9/24, all county boards of elections offices are now open throughout the state.