Researched starting points for organizations trying to finance, reimburse, document, equip, or sustain legitimate tornado-recovery work.
These resources are for recovery partners, not household assistance. FVR explains documented pathways but does not determine eligibility, award funds, approve reimbursement, or guarantee that a program applies.
Start with the support mechanism that fits the work.
Grants, reimbursements, procurement, tax guidance, and operational support are not interchangeable. Read the eligibility and “Not for” guidance before acting.
6 partner support resources
Grants & Charitable FundingConfirmed for this tornado
Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, United Way Fox Cities, and Oshkosh Area Community Foundation
Rolling local grants support eligible organizations carrying tornado relief, short-term response, and longer-term recovery work, including organizational capacity, case management, housing, food, health and well-being, and established financial-assistance programs.
Good fit for: Eligible community organizations experiencing increased operational demand or delivering case management, housing, food, health, well-being, or established financial assistance because of the July 27 tornado.
Not for: Not direct financial assistance for individuals or businesses. Private foundations, labor unions, and 501(c)(4), 501(c)(5), and 501(c)(6) organizations are not eligible under the published criteria.
A state reimbursement program for eligible local governmental units, federally recognized tribes and bands, and retail electric cooperatives when FEMA Public Assistance is not available.
Good fit for: Eligible municipalities, counties, tribes, and retail electric cooperatives documenting disaster costs such as debris clearance, emergency protective measures, eligible road/bridge repair, rental equipment, materials, and contract work.
Not for: Not direct reimbursement for individuals, private businesses, or ordinary nonprofit organizations. The program also excludes many costs and does not simply reimburse any community service performed during a disaster.
Federal Emergency Management Agency and Wisconsin Emergency Management
FEMA Public Assistance can reimburse eligible emergency and permanent-work costs for state, tribal, territorial, and local governments and certain private nonprofits after a qualifying federal disaster declaration.
Good fit for: Government/public entities and potentially eligible private nonprofits that are documenting disaster-caused emergency or permanent work and need to understand federal reimbursement requirements.
Not for: Not direct household assistance and not a general reimbursement program for ordinary private businesses. A private nonprofit performing emergency services may need a request or established relationship with the legally responsible government entity for certain work.
Official tax guidance explains what disaster-relief volunteers and organizations should document, which out-of-pocket expenses may qualify, and why the value of donated time, services, equipment use, or space is generally not deductible as a charitable contribution.
Good fit for: Organizations structuring volunteer reimbursement policies and helpers trying to understand the difference between donated economic value and potentially deductible out-of-pocket expenses.
Not for: Not a grant, reimbursement program, or promise of a tax deduction. The value of volunteer time or services and the fair-market rental value of donated equipment or space are generally not deductible as charitable contributions.
Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
A trained statewide animal-emergency response capability that can support local authorities when officially requested and activated.
Good fit for: Emergency management and animal-response partners identifying specialized animal sheltering, rescue, veterinary, livestock, or response capacity beyond ordinary public pet-service referrals.
Not for: Not a direct public dispatch service and not a self-referral pathway for individual pet owners.
An official Wisconsin guide that organizes recovery programs for public infrastructure, housing, economic development, agriculture, mitigation, and other recovery functions.
Good fit for: Recovery partners doing a broader funding or program scan when a more specific confirmed resource is not yet identified.
Not for: Not proof that a listed program is active for the July 27 tornado and not a substitute for checking the administering agency's current program page.