### Governor Cooper Urges Donations for North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund

In response to the devastation caused by Tropical Storm Helene, Governor Roy Cooper is calling for donations to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund to support recovery efforts in the affected communities. Emphasizing the importance of assistance beyond state and federal aid, Cooper stressed the need to address additional requirements faced by residents in Western North Carolina.

"There's a massive effort underway to get help to the people of Western North Carolina, including state and federal relief, but we know there will be additional needs," Governor Cooper said. "If you're able to give, please consider a donation to help North Carolinians as they clean up and recover from Helene."

Donations to the fund can be made online at nc.gov/donate or by mailing contributions to either NC Disaster Relief Fund, 20312 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-0312, or NC Disaster Relief Fund, c/o United Way of NC, 1130 Kildaire Farm Road, Suite 100, Cary, NC 27511. The funds raised will be allocated to nonprofits focused on delivering immediate necessities such as food, water, cleaning supplies, and other emergency materials. All contributions to the fund go directly to disaster relief efforts.

The United Way of North Carolina, serving as the fiscal agent for the fund, will provide grants and reimbursements to nonprofits engaged in relief activities in the impacted regions. "United Way of North Carolina is proud to partner with the Governor's Office to manage the NC Disaster Relief Fund," stated Brittany Pruitt Fletcher, President and CEO of United Way of North Carolina. "Together with the Governor's Office, we are committed to ensuring that communities in Western North Carolina affected by Hurricane Helene receive the support they need."

Eligible nonprofits may apply for grants and reimbursement of up to $10,000 from the fund through the United Way of North Carolina. If enough donations are raised to support long-term recovery initiatives, the North Carolina Community Foundation’s affiliate foundations and statewide grants committee will ensure that remaining donations are directed to nonprofits best equipped to address unmet needs in the affected areas. Additionally, contributions to the NC Disaster Relief Fund are tax-deductible as permitted by law.