Generosity in Action

Storms Response & Resources

Photo: Kevin Painchaud/Lookout Local

Our community has a history of coming together in times of disaster.

In response to the January and March storms and floods of 2023, grants from the Disaster Fund are supporting frontline nonprofits, the small business and agricultural community, and others to respond to storm and flood-related needs throughout Santa Cruz County and the entire Pajaro Valley, including the town of Pajaro.

Responding to Needs in Pajaro, San Lorenzo Valleys & In Between

Following widespread damage from the storms and the Pajaro levee breach, we're grateful to have a system in place for getting rapid and flexible funding to trusted local nonprofits serving those in need.

Disaster Fund grants prioritize organizations with deep roots and strong experience serving impacted communities, particularly those disproportionately affected like seniors, the medically vulnerable, Spanish and indigenous language speaking communities and people who won't qualify for FEMA or public aid programs.

Your Generosity at Work

Your generosity is powering every aspect of this disaster response and will continue to do so as long as donations allow. Since January, we have issued $3.2 million in storm and flood response grants to help from Pajaro to the San Lorenzo Valley. This includes $1.3 million in funding to nonprofits offering assistance to residents affected by Pajaro levee breach on March 11th. (Click the arrow symbol on the table below for a detailed listing of grants per category.)

Disaster Fund Grants

Basic Needs & Cash Aid - $1,956,000

Emergency Response & Immediate Safety - $206,603

Capitola Business Community & Workforce - $250,500

  • Capitola restaurant workforce - financial assistance for restaurant workers affected by the storm
  • Capitola business community - aid to 25 restaurants in Capitola Village to help with physical damage needing repairs or replacement materials and loss of perishables

Long-Term Recovery & Unmet Needs - $395,000

Agricultural Community - $250,000

Environmental Restoration - $70,270

How to help

‌Our Disaster Fund is a trusted place for neighbors to help neighbors who have been harmed by these storms and floods, including residents of Pajaro.

Give to support ongoing storm and flood relief efforts

Donate to the Disaster Fund

Resources

People who've lost housing or wages as a result of the storms and floods may qualify for cash assistance to pay for a hotel, temporary rental housing, basic household items or related needs not covered by insurance or other sources.

Limited, one-time funding prioritizing those with the highest needs, is available thanks to donations to our Disaster Fund. Residents with funding gaps who would otherwise not be able to repair or rebuild their homes will be assessed for potential support through disaster case managers at partner agencies.

Know who to call for those seeking assistance

Learn more

Other Resources:

Questions?

For information about funding or grant applications: grants@cfscc.org

For questions about making a donation contact Donor Services Officer Hana Kong: YKong@cfscc.org