Lilly Endowment provides $25 million for Indiana natural disaster recovery
INDIANAPOLIS (WRTV) — Lilly Endowment Inc. is providing $25 million to support the Indiana Natural Disaster Fund, expanding the group’s ability to fund yearslong disaster recovery across the state.
The endowment based in Indianapolis is one of the world’s largest private philanthropic foundations. Members of the Lilly family — J.K. Lilly Sr. and his sons, Eli and J.K. Jr. — created the endowment in 1937.
As a comparison, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has distributed more than $38.5 million in combined individual and public assistance to Hoosiers after the severe storms and flooding that began on Aug. 11, Indiana Gov. Mike Braun said Tuesday.
A news release issued Tuesday from Indiana United Ways said the $25 million from Lilly Endowment will help communities move from immediate response into the much longer work of rebuilding after severe storms and flooding hit the state in mid-August.
The United Ways’ Indiana Natural Disaster Fund, established after widespread flooding in 2008, helps member United Ways respond to emergencies. After a disaster happens, the fund can help cover needs such as safe shelter, food, medicine, and transportation. During yearslong recovery, it can fill gaps that remain after insurance and government assistance are exhausted.
The fund also supports coordinated planning through a review committee that includes experts from the American Red Cross, The Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, Indiana Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security. The committee recently approved $1.2 million to be shared among the Heart of Indiana United Way based in Muncie, United Way of Franklin & Ripley Counties based in Brookville, United Way of Whitewater Valley based in Richmond, and United Way of Northwest Indiana based in Valparaiso.
Indiana United Ways is also working with Airbnb.org to provide free temporary housing for people displaced by the Aug. 11 storms and flooding. Stays are funded by Airbnb.org, with referrals made through local United Ways, the American Red Cross, or the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority. This partnership allows for quick connections to free housing while residents start to rebuild.
People needing immediate help should reach out to the American Red Cross at 800-733-2767, or call Indiana 211 by dialing 2-1-1 or texting IN211HELP to 898-211.
