Hurricane Solidarity Fund
Support for communities impacted by Helene and Milton
Recognizing the severe impact recent hurricane and tropical storm systems Helene and Milton have had on a variety of states, the USA Prides Hurricane Solidarity Fund (HSF) has been established to provide limited and targeted assistance to Pride organizations facing immediate financial hardship, property damage or loss, or needing assistance in serving their local communities during relief, response, and recovery efforts.
Supported by an initial generous donation from Atlanta Pride and match from USA Prides, the HSF has received additional support from other Pride organizations and individuals. Atlanta Pride invites its peer organizations across the country to stand in solidarity with local communities affected by Helene and Milton by donating to the USA Prides Hurricane Solidarity Fund.
​Funds Availability:
The total amount of funding per organization will vary, depending on the number of applicants, their stated need, and the total amount available in the HSF. The maximum grant amount per organization, at this time, is fixed at $1,500.
Approved Funds Usage:
Funds are granted for unrestricted use by organizations, but are primarily to be used for immediate storm relief, response, and recovery efforts*, inclusive of supplemental funding for or replacement of usual operating costs lost as a result of Hurricanes Helene and/or Milton.
Eligibility Criteria:
Recipient organization must:
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Be a current member organization of USA Prides as of October 1, 2024, or an organization which was a member in 2023, or a Pride organization regardless of membership status if such organization has total annual receipts of $50,000 or less
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Have no more than $75,000 in total cash assets, according to most recently available Form 990 on the IRS website
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Be based in, operate in, or serve one of the counties or other local jurisdictions listed in the “Individual Assistance” categories in these following FEMA Disaster Declarations and Designated Areas:
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Florida Hurricane Helene — Disaster 4828
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To be updated/determined: Hurricane Milton Disaster Designated Areas
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Georgia Hurricane Helene — Disaster 4830
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North Carolina Tropical Storm Helene — Disaster 4827
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Tennessee Tropical Storm Helene — Disaster 4832
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South Carolina Hurricane Helene — Disaster 4829
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Virginia Tropical Storm Helene — Disaster 4831
* — For the purposes of this Hurricane Solidarity Fund application, the following definitions (borrowed from the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church) apply:
- Relief: Direct and immediate emergency response, including efforts to meet basic needs
- Response: Disaster mitigation and clean-up efforts
- Recovery: A period of rebuilding and restoration toward long-lasting safety and stability
Application Review and Grant Disbursement Timeline:
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Wednesday, Oct. 16 — Applications Open
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Wednesday, Oct. 30 — Initial application and award review
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Thursday, Oct. 31-Wednesday, Nov. 6 — Initial grant disbursement
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Wednesday, Nov. 20 — Second application and grant review
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Thursday, Nov. 21-Wednesday, Nov. 27 — Second grant disbursement
(Timeline subject to change.)
