2023 Midwest and South US Tornado Relief Fund

Thank you—we can’t say it enough! Because of your generosity, people struggling after the devastating tornadoes that struck the United States’ Midwest and South could receive food, emergency supplies and medical services, and shelter.

The 2023 Midwest and South US Tornado Relief Fund has powered seven grants to high-impact and community-led nonprofit organizations at the forefront of this crisis. 

Here is a description of the critical work you’ve supported: 

• The Information Technology Disaster Resource Center (ITDRC) immediately responded to the devastating tornadoes that struck Mississippi in March 2023, particularly in Sharkey County. With 16 open response sites, the organization quickly deployed Wi-Fi hubs and charging stations in underserved Black communities. These sites provided 24/7 Wi-Fi access and powered public buildings like the courthouse, city hall, and police stations. ITDRC has also supported the operations of the destroyed local Emergency Operations Center by providing telecommunication and technology equipment. In Rolling Fork, they assisted health clinics serving low-income families with power and necessary technology equipment.

• The Mississippi Food Network, a key organization fighting hunger in Mississippi since 1984, leveraged its network of more than 430 member agencies to quickly and efficiently get food into the hands of tornado-affected communities across the state. It was a lifeline to residents in places like Rolling Fork, Mississippi.

• Oklahoma Indian Legal Services (OILS) is an organization that exists to provide high-quality, free legal assistance to low-income Native Americans in Oklahoma. In response to the tornadoes that struck the state in April 2023, OILS has been inundated with requests for assistance. The organization assists individuals obtain necessary documents, provides guidance in navigating FEMA applications, offers resources for preparedness and recovery, and provides attorney representation when required. OILS remains dedicated to supporting the affected communities during the aftermath of the tornadoes and ensuring that the disaster-related legal needs of low-income Native Americans are met.

Your support of the GlobalGiving 2023 Midwest and South US Tornado Relief Fund is advancing community-led recovery, and it means people received critical resources to help their community rebuild after the 2023 tornado season.

This fund is no longer accepting donations, and this will be the last fund report of this kind from our team. We hope you’ll stay in touch! 

You can stay connected with our work through Instagram, Facebook, and our Learn Library, where we regularly share stories about the incredible impact of the powerful GlobalGiving community. If you haven’t already, subscribe to get periodic email updates from our team here.

With gratitude,

The GlobalGiving Team

Nonprofit Partners Receiving Emergency Grants

Center For Arkansas Legal Services

East Missouri Action Agency

Information Technology Disaster Resource Center

Mid-South Food Bank

Mississippi Food Network

Oklahoma Indian Legal Services

Southern Poverty Law Center