The Disaster Relief & Recovery Fund

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What It Is and How It Works

The Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund (DRRF) is an emergency fund that is administered by the Southwest Florida Community Foundation (SWFLCF). When activated, the DRRF acts as a collection and distribution fund for financial donations that are received by SWFLCF and partnering financial institutions in Southwest Florida during and immediately after a natural disaster such as a hurricane or flood. Donations come in to the fund either directly or via local banks and trust companies, (see list of participating collection partners below). Working with United Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades, these donations are then distributed to the frontline agencies that are involved with the recovery effort.

Past Use of the Fund

After Hurricane Charlie hit our region in 2004, SWFLCF and partner organizations came together to develop this fund for future emergencies. The DRRF was in place during Hurricane Katrina in 2005 to help refugees who arrived in our area, raising $586,000. It was also activated in the same year when Hurricane Wilma struck Southwest Florida, raising nearly $192,000 and again when Tropical Storm Faye flooded areas of southern Lee County in 2008.

Three Ways to Donate

In person: Donate directly at one of the participating partner locations:

Participating Banks & Trust Companies Accepting DRRF Donations:

Bank of Florida
Busey Bank
CNL Bank
Colonial Bank
Community Bank of Cape Coral
Edison National Bank & Bank of the Islands
FineMark National Bank & Trust
First Community Bank of SWFL
Florida Gulf Coast Bank
Ironstone Bank
KeyBank
Northern Trust
Regions Bank
Sanibel Captiva Community Bank
Southwest Capital Bank
SunTrust Bank
Wachovia Bank
5/3 Bank

Online: Use our special Click & Pledge page to make a secure, online donation.

By Mail: Send a check, made out to “Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund” to:

Southwest Florida Community Foundation
8260 College Parkway, Suite 101
Fort Myers, FL 33919

Legal

The Southwest Florida Community Foundation is registered with the State of Florida pursuant to Chapter 496, Section 496.405 of the Florida Statutes. A copy of the official registration (#CH661) and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling toll-free (1-800-435-7352) within the state. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the State.