In 2008, Kalamazoo Community Foundation established the Community Urgent Relief Fund (CURF) to be prepared and responsive during moments when our community needs us most. Since its creation, the CURF has served as our fastest and most flexible tool to respond to community crises and natural disasters as they arise.
KZCF and United Way of South Central Michigan have activated our respective funds repeatedly over the years, continuing to
work collaboratively and lend our shared strengths in response to local disasters, including:
Thanks to the generosity of our donors, KZCF has been able to remain a trusted resource for our nonprofit partners who rely upon critical funding support when disasters strike.
As Needed
Reviews Weekly
Current CURF funds will be granted to 501c3 nonprofit organizations, individuals or groups with a 501c3 fiscal sponsor and/or public entities who are providing direct services to residents of Kalamazoo County and Kalamazoo County households impacted by the May 7, 2024 tornadoes.
CURF and DRF funds (through Kalamazoo Community Foundation and United Way of Southwest Michigan respectively) are intended to complement resources available from FEMA, state and local governmental agencies, and private insurance.
The application for urgent funding is accessible via United Way of South Central Michigan. To apply, email , and include ‘CURF/DRF Funding’ in the subject line.
Grantmaking decision are made weekly by a review team
composed of United Way of South Central Michigan and KZCF staff members and volunteers.
If a grant is awarded, you will be notified and provided with a grant acceptance document. Once returned, the grant payment will be sent directly to your organization.
In response to the May 7 tornado in Kalamazoo County, United Way of South Central Michigan and Kalamazoo Community Foundation activated their Disaster Relief and Community Urgent Relief funds, respectively. Grantmaking decisions were made weekly by review teams composed of UWSCMI and KZCF staff members and volunteers.
Our shared humanity calls us to build a community where every person can be whole. Those who do the work of initiating change need space and support for their own healing and rejuvenation. Time with family, exercise, travel and rest are all necessary for a well-balanced life. By engaging in acts of restoration, our community leaders can be at their best when supporting community members.
None of us can predict when the next disaster will strike, but a contribution to the CURF today will make sure funds are here when folks need them.