The Disaster Relief Grant Fund offered by the Russell County Area Community Foundation (RCACF) is part of its mission to preserve rural community vitality through targeted philanthropic support. RCACF, established in 2001, is an affiliate of the Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation. Through this affiliation, RCACF leverages shared resources while maintaining local leadership to address the specific needs of communities within the Russell County area.
The Disaster Relief Grant Fund is designed to provide timely financial assistance to local communities facing urgent or unforeseen hardships caused by natural or man-made disasters. This fund helps community-serving organizations rapidly respond to the consequences of emergencies such as severe weather, fires, and public health crises. Grants may be used for emergency response and recovery efforts but are typically restricted to projects that can be completed within one year of award approval. Multiyear projects require prior consultation with the foundation.
Funding is open year-round, with no fixed deadline, to allow flexibility and immediate support when disaster strikes. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through the RCACF’s online Grant Portal. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, government entities, and religious organizations. In cases where applicants fall outside these categories, a fiscal sponsor from among the eligible groups must be secured. The only exception to this fiscal sponsorship requirement is for children under 18 with demonstrated financial need applying for extracurricular participation through the Russell County Area Youth Activities Fund.
Grant funds may not be used for general operations (e.g., utilities), recurring annual programs, routine infrastructure improvements, or staff salaries. Final reports are required from all grantees, including receipts and photos documenting fund usage and project outcomes. Unused funds must be returned to the foundation, and grantees must consent to RCACF’s photo release policy when submitting media.
For technical support with the application process, applicants can contact the foundation directly by phone. While there is no publicly listed email contact for grant-specific inquiries, all program-related activities are centralized through the Grant Portal. Applicants should ensure compliance with all reporting requirements and restrictions as outlined in the grant guidelines before submission.
