In times of disaster, the U.S. Catholic community is there to help. When a disaster strikes within the United States, recovery work is provided by local Catholic Charities agencies in the impacted communities. International relief efforts are provided by Catholic Relief Services.

In 1990, Catholic Charities USA's Disaster Response Office was formally established through an agreement forged between the National Conference of Catholic Bishops (now the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops) and Catholic Charities USA. This office coordinates the Catholic Church's response to disasters in the United States and disburses relief funds to local Catholic Charities agencies.

Agencies or appropriate diocesan offices may apply for disaster response funding from Catholic Charities USA. In responding to the long-term needs of communities affected by disasters, Catholic Charities USA works primarily through its nationwide network of local agencies. These agencies take a lead role in identifying critical needs and developing plans for the long-term rebuilding of their communities. To ensure a coordinated response in the diocese, all requests for funding must be approved and signed by the bishop of the diocese in which the recovery plan will be implemented.

Applications are reviewed by Catholic Charities USA's National Disaster Response Advisory Committee, which consists of Catholic Charities agency representatives and clergy from around the country. Grants of $10,000 are approved for immediate emergency relief. Grants for long-term relief vary in amount, depending on the income generated by Catholic Charities USA and the number of funding requests received. Grants are not made to individuals.

Grant Applications: For emergency and long term funding needs, please download our Disaster Assistance Funding Request form.

Long Term Grant Progress Reports: If you have been granted a long term grant, please remember to submit your quarterly Long Term Funding Progress Reports.

For more information, contact Kim Burgo at (703) 236-6253, or by email at kburgo@catholiccharitiesusa.org.