Ford grants will enable non-profits to buy Transit vans for disaster relief work

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Ford Motor Company will award three grants of up to $70,000 each for U.S.-based nonprofit organizations to purchase and modify a Ford Transit van for use in disaster relief work.Ford Motor Company will award three grants of up to $70,000 each for U.S.-based nonprofit organizations to purchase and modify a Ford Transit van for use in disaster relief work.

The recent, historic flooding in Louisiana is a big reminder of the vital roles trucks and vans play in helping others recover from national disasters.

Ford, like other OEMs, has a long history of supporting disaster relief efforts, including providing vehicles for relief agencies that go to the frontlines of the nation’s worst disasters.

Now Ford is ready to do more by awarding grants of up to $70,000 each for U.S.-based nonprofit groups to buy and modify a Ford Transit van for use in disaster relief work.

Nonprofit groups interested in applying for a Ford Disaster Relief Mobility Challenge grant are asked to describe how a Ford Transit van can serve their disaster response needs. Winners will be selected based on proposed vehicle use and community need.

“We’re asking for help from the experts on the ground on how to best utilize Ford vehicles following an earthquake, hurricane or other devastating natural event,” said Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Company Fund.

“Ford’s strength as a mobility company combined with the know-how of dedicated disaster responders can take our efforts to a higher level and help more people.”

Ford is asking nonprofits to describe how the versatile Ford Transit van can serve their disaster response needs. Winners who meet the challenge will be selected based on proposed vehicle use and community need.Ford is asking nonprofits to describe how the versatile Ford Transit van can serve their disaster response needs. Winners who meet the challenge will be selected based on proposed vehicle use and community need.

Additional rules for the Ford Disaster Relief Mobility Challenge include:

  • Applications must be submitted by October 31, 2016
  • Applicants must be a certified U.S. 501(c) 3 non-profit organization
  • Government organizations and municipalities are not eligible
  • Winners will be notified in November 2016

Grant proposals must be submitted online. Please visit fordbetterworld.org for more information.

Ford has long supported disaster relief efforts in the U.S. and overseas by working with nonprofit groups like the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army. As a member of the Red Cross Annual Disaster Giving Program, Ford pledges support in advance of major disasters, ensuring that the Red Cross is prepared to respond immediately to emergencies.

Over the past several years, Ford has provided 15 disaster response vehicles to organizations in communities across the U.S., from New Jersey to Oregon and California.