About the Fund
The National Disaster Recovery Fund, a program managed by the Volunteer USA Foundation, will be used to address long-term rebuilding and recovery efforts following a disaster. We fill the gaps that are left after all insurance claims and relief funds have been distributed.
We fund faith and community-based non-profits who compete to be awarded funds, and who have track records of sustainable efforts helping communities rebuild. We track every home that we help rebuild. The National Disaster Recovery Fund has been created to focus on long-term recovery. We know that while a storm might pass through an area in hours or days, the recovery process is long, usually months or even years.
The fund was created by those who have weathered hurricanes in the South, and who believe better coordination must exist to help people in need. Here's what makes us different:
- We will be there for the long haul. After the electricity is back on for most folks, the hurt and suffering for many families continues. Whether it takes a few months or 3-years, we will continue to help with the rebuilding of local communities.
- We stretch resources. Our funds are expended to go where state and federal funds don't cover the total, or where they don't help at all. We'll rebuild nonprofits (like childcare centers, community centers and more); we'll help individuals whose insurance might not cover their damages; and we'll use volunteers, wherever and whenever we can to deliver services. Refunds provided. Funds donated to respond to a particular storm will be used for people impacted by that storm or disaster, or we will return the funds to you.
- Trust. We never fund individuals directly; rather we work through nonprofits the community trusts. With the nonprofits assistance we'll put on new roofs, re-stitch broken fishing nets, and do what it takes to rebuild.
- Transparency & honesty. Donations of more than $5000 are listed on our website. We are audited annually in years without major disasters, and bi-annually during years with major disasters.
We are experienced. Key leadership on our team lead the Florida Disaster Recovery Fund, helped set up the Mississippi Hurricane Recovery Fund, and has provided consultation on major hurricanes at a national level. We've lived through our share of disasters, and we're committed to helping those who find themselves in similar situations.
Our leadership team is made up of Volunteer USA Foundation's board and includes Mr. William S. Simon, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of US Wal-Mart Stores Division, Wal-Mart Stores Inc as a co-chair for the Fund. Former Governor of Florida, Jeb Bush, is honorary chairman.
Our staff is led by Liza McFadden, president & founder, of Volunteer USA Foundation, the parent of the National Disaster Fund. Liza previously oversaw the creation and management of the Florida Disaster Recovery Fund created in 2004, which oversaw recovery efforts for Hurricanes Charley, Jeanne, Ivan, Francis, Dennis, Wilma, Katrina, and for the multiple tornadoes which hit Florida in 2006 and 2007. Based on her work, Liza was awarded the Governor's Award during the 2005 Florida Hurricane Conference, the most prestigious award given at the conference for work post disaster. She has also served as a consultant in the start-up of the Mississippi Hurricane Recovery Fund for Governor Barbour, and for the Clinton-Bush Katrina Fund.
To reach the National Disaster Recovery team, please email:
Liza McFadden, President
Liz Hirst, Communications
Roxann Campbell, Programs & Contract Issues
Mark Nelson, Local Nonprofit Issues & Volunteer Queries
Venita Dorsey, Financial Questions
The National Disaster Recovery Fund is registered as a DBA of Volunteer USA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization. A copy of the official registration (CH23705) and financial information may be obtained from the Florida Division of Consumer Services. The Volunteer USA Foundation may use a percentage of your contribution to support required administrative activities and/or direct costs.