The North Carolina Community Foundation (NCCF) has activated its statewide Disaster Relief Fund to support relief efforts related to the April 16 tornadoes and storms that created devastation in more than 20 counties in the central and eastern regions of the state, according to an announcement made today by Grants Board Chair Rodney E. Martin.

Credit card donations can be made online through the NCCF website via the “Give Now” button or under the “Giving” tab at nccommunityfoundation.org or by downloading a contribution form from the site and mailing or faxing it to NCCF offices. (The fax number is 919-828-5495. The form or checks can be mailed to NCCF at 4601 Six Forks Road, Suite 524, Raleigh, NC 27609). Please designate your gift for “Disaster Relief.” All gifts are tax-deductible.

All funds will go directly to nonprofit organizations serving the needs of local victims in counties served by the NCCF. Local affiliate foundations will determine the nonprofit agency/agencies that are the best and most efficient means to provide immediate relief for victims of storms in their areas. No portion of the NCCF’s Disaster Relief Fund will be used for the Foundation’s administrative or operational expenses, which the Foundation is also encouraging among local recipient agencies.

“Our hearts go out to our neighbors and friends who have suffered losses throughout so many counties in North Carolina due to this horrendous storm,” said NCCF CEO Jennifer Tolle Whiteside. “Our network of affiliate foundations will ensure that any contributions we collect for the NCCF Disaster Relief Fund are quickly and effectively distributed to those nonprofit agencies that can serve the greatest needs in our partner communities,” she said.

For more information visit nccommunityfoundation.org, contact the NCCF headquarters office in Raleigh at 800-201-9533 or email questions to info@nccommunityfoundation.org.