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Frequently Asked Questions About The Gulf Coast Ike Relief Fund
What is the Gulf Coast Ike Relief fund?
The Gulf Coast Ike Relief Fund was established at the request of Houston Mayor Bill White to help fill unmet human needs for victims of Hurricane Ike primarily in Galveston, Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Harris and Montgomery counties. The fund is managed by the Greater Houston Community Foundation (GHCF).
How do I give to the Fund?
You may give in two ways:
- By mail
Send a check to:
“GULF COAST IKE RELIEF FUND”
C/O The Greater Houston Community Foundation
4550 Post Oak Place, Suite 100
Houston, TX 77027
- By credit card online
Donate online now.
Who is administering the Fund?
The Fund is being administered by Albert Myres, senior vice president of government and public affairs at Reliant Energy, with fundraising and distribution overseen by a special citizens’ advisory board. It is modeled after the successful Katrina/Rita Fund, which was also managed for the region by Mr. Myres.
Where will the Gulf Coast Ike Relief Fund money be used?
The money will be granted to those nonprofit organizations that provide immediate relief in the area — that is, shelter and temporary housing, food and household supplies, transportation and child care. It will also try to make whole some damaged child care and social service organizations that may not be able to operate without an infusion of cash before insurance claims are paid.
How is the Gulf Coast Ike Relief Fund different from the United Way Hurricane Recovery Fund?
The United Way Hurricane Recovery Fund will concentrate on spending its donations to survey storm-related needs and assist nonprofits that provide mental health care; coordinate the case management of people with long-term problems; and assess and meet basic needs. It also will funnel money to nonprofits that offer limited home repair services. The United Way Hurricane Recovery Fund and Gulf Coast Ike Relief Fund are coordinating their efforts to maximize the impact of the grants made to each fund and to avoid a duplication of effort.
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes. All donations to the Fund are tax-deductible gifts to a 501(c)(3) public charity. Please consult your tax advisor for more information.
Does the Fund accept only cash? Or may I give other assets, such as stock?
You may contribute cash, life insurance and hard-to-value non-cash items such as privately held real estate, partnership interests, royalty interests and non-publicly traded privately held stock, including shares held in S corporations, C corporations and limited liability corporations. Donors interested in making these types of gifts should call (713) 333-2200, and the expert advisors at GHCF can work with you or your advisors to structure your gift.
Are my privacy and confidentiality protected at GHCF?
Yes. GHCF, its board of directors, volunteers and staff respect the privacy of donors and protect and maintain the confidentiality of all donor information and records.
If I need financial help, how do I apply to get assistance?
The Fund will make grants to nonprofit organizations providing the needed services. Grants will not be made to individuals, so please do not contact GHCF directly if you are in need of services. You may apply to the organizations providing the assistance you need. To find the right organizations, call the United Way of Greater Houston's 2-1-1 Texas/United Way HELPLINE by dialing 2-1-1, or visit them online at www.unitedwayhouston.org. You may also contact any of the various local nonprofit organizations that are addressing the most pressing needs in your area. For a list of nonprofits that address your particular need, search by nonprofit name or category online at DonorHouston.
How do the Fund managers determine what projects get funded?
The administrator of the Fund, Albert Myres, will lead a committee established by Mayor White and GHCF that will review all grant applications as they are submitted. These applications will be prioritized, and money will be granted based upon which projects meet the goals of the Fund, as well as the number of people they help.
How many grants will be made?
The total number of grants will be determined by the amount of money raised, as well as the size of the grants funded.
Are there any fees assessed for giving?
The board of directors of GHCF will cover all expenses incurred in administering this Fund. Therefore, 100 percent of all donations will go to the organizations awarded grants. However, online credit card donations will be charged up to a 3 percent fee as assessed by the credit card companies. Donors may increase their credit card donations to cover these fees.
What is GHCF?
The Greater Houston Community Foundation (GHCF) uniquely serves the Houston community by combining community knowledge and donor passion to help individuals and families achieve their lasting philanthropic goals. Their experienced, professional staff works with each donor to assist him or her in meeting specific charitable objectives while enjoying optimal tax benefits. GHCF has extensive experience in managing disaster relief funds, including the Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund and the Bush-Clinton Fund which administered donations toward relief efforts for the tsunami victims in Southeast Asia.
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