United Way Irma & Maria Recovery

United Way Irma and Maria Recovery Fund

United Way created the United Way Irma/Maria Recovery Fund to support local communities in the Southeast United States and Caribbean affected by Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017. As part of our goal to build stronger communities, and to fight for every person in every community, United Ways in the affected areas may continue to raise money locally and will respond to emerging needs as appropriate.

United Way’s Irma/Maria Recovery fund helped smaller United Ways that did not have the capacity to create their own funds, and provided a single clearinghouse for individual and corporate donors who wanted to impact affected areas.

With your help, United Way raised $30 million for mid- and long-term recovery from national and local funds

 

 

• What is the United Way Irma/Maria Recovery Fund?

  This fund helps local United Ways meet immediate storm-related needs, and continues to support mid- and long-term recovery throughout the affected areas. We lay the groundwork for long-term recovery, which will take several years. Many local United Ways play a critical role in short- and medium-term assistance too, through 2-1-1 and other resources. 

• How will the fund’s money be distributed?

  100% of donations given to the United Way Irma/Maria Recovery Fund support mid- and long-term recovery in the affected areas of the Southeast United States, including the US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and trusted partners in other areas of the Caribbean.
  
  We have worked closely with United Ways in the affected areas to determine an equitable and transparent distribution plan with maximum impact.

• How will United Way Worldwide be accountable for the fund?

  United Way reports the total amount of money raised by regional funds and United Ways in the affected areas on its website (unitedway.org/recovery).

  United Way Worldwide meets the Better Business Bureau’s 20 Standards for Charity Accountability spanning Governance, Measuring Effectiveness, Finances and Fundraising.  The Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance helps donors make informed giving decisions and promotes high standards of conduct among organizations that solicit contributions from the public. Evaluations are done without charge to the charity and are posted for free public access on www.give.org. 

• How can I send a donation check or wire transfer?

  Checks should be made out to United Way Worldwide, and the designation “Irma/Maria” should be on the memo line.

  Mail checks to:
  United Way Worldwide
  P.O. Box 418607
  Boston, MA 02241-8607

  For wire transfers, please contact Jeanette Powell for more information.

• Questions about the donation process?

  If for any reason you have questions about the donation process, our online form or method of payment, or the United Way Irma Recovery Fund in general, please click here to submit a question. Thank you for your generosity.