Fact Sheet Q&A

What is the Major Crisis Relief Fund?

The Major Crisis Relief Fund (MCRF) was established by the Cape Cod Times Needy Fund in 2016, with original funding and support by the Davenport Family. The MCRF was formed as a local disaster relief organization for the purpose of providing funds for preparation, planning, and temporary financial assistance for basic services to families and individuals on Cape Cod and the Islands in the event of a major crisis. Assistance includes providing funds to meet basic needs unmet by traditional forms of disaster aid to help people remain housed, fed, warm, and working during a major crisis.

In what types of crises will the MCRF be activated?

The MCRF will be activated in the event of a natural (hurricane, severe nor’easter, flood, earthquake, public health epidemic, etc.), man-made (blackout, plane crash, hazardous release, nuclear spill, etc.), or terrorist (active shooter, explosive device, bioterrorism, cyber-terrorism, etc.) crisis, wherein at least 50 or more families or 100 or more individuals are affected by the crisis, or in other grave situations wherein the Needy Fund Executive Committee believes the crisis merits fund activation. During the COVID-19 pandemic, MCRF mobilized to provide urgently needed aid to those hit hardest by the crisis.

What needs will we fund?

Monies from the fund will be used to address the following needs of individuals and families that remain unmet by traditional forms of federal, state, local, private, and charitable aid during the recovery phase following a major crisis:

  • Food and water
  • Shelter
  • Temporary housing
  • Housing, financial and legal counseling
  • Medical services
  • Mental health services
  • Sanitation and waste removal
  • Other emergency relief supplies
    Situational awareness information
    Unaccompanied child care
    Assistance to persons with functional disabilities
    Family reunification efforts
    Other services deemed critical by the Needy Fund Executive Committee

Who will qualify to receive funds from the MCRF?

During the immediate aftermath of a major crisis, when immediate relief is imperative, monies from the funds will be disbursed – irrespective of economic status of the individuals making the request – in order to maintain life, improve the health, and support the morale of the affected population. Such assistance may include funds intended to assist crisis victims with transport, temporary shelter, food, water, and medical care. Once the immediate response phase has passed and the longer term recovery efforts are underway, MCRF monies will be used to address the needs of individuals and families who have demonstrated economic need.

Demonstrated economic need will include those who qualify for aid based on the eligibility criteria generally applied by the Needy Fund but who could also include those who may not ordinarily qualify for such aid, because the MCRF is intended to provide assistance to people who may earn a working-class wage but can demonstrate an urgent economic need as a direct result of the crisis. These funds are intended to be primarily spent on filling recovery gaps unmet by traditional forms of disaster relief, to help eligible residents of the Cape and Islands to remain fed, warm, and working after a major crisis.

Where can I donate to the MCRF?

Click to donate here