• Since being activated during Hurricane Ian, the Florida Disaster Fund has raised over $60 million to help Floridians recover
• The Florida Disaster Fund is the state’s private fund overseen by Volunteer Florida established to provide financial assistance to our communities as they respond to and recover from times of emergency or disaster
• Donations to the Florida Disaster Fund are made to the Volunteer Florida Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, and are tax-deductible

First Lady Casey DeSantis announced on Wednesday that the Florida Disaster Fund has raised over $60 million to help communities impacted by Hurricane Ian.

“It has been heartwarming to witness individuals and organizations come together from all over the country to generously help Floridians rebuild and recover,” said DeSantis. “The $60 million raised reflects the graciousness and incredible commitment from good people to provide relief and hope. As we continue to target funds to maximize the impact of these donations in Southwest Florida, we could not be more grateful for the outpouring of support that makes these efforts possible.”

The Florida Disaster Fund, spearheaded by the First Lady, is a private fund created by the state to help regions in responding to and recovering from times of catastrophe or disaster. The Florida Disaster Fund supports emergency and recovery efforts in collaboration with public, corporate, and non-governmental groups, and is overseen by Volunteer Florida.

Last week, Governor Ron DeSantis and the First Lady announced up to $35.2 million in donations to the Florida Disaster Fund will be used to allow verified nonprofit organizations to conduct critical temporary repairs on homes damaged by Hurricane Ian. The funds will also be used to address crucial needs such as transportation, food assistance, housing aid, clothing, and household goods.

Hurricane Ian made landfall on Sept. 28, pummeling Florida’s Gulf Coast as a Category 4 storm with sustained winds of 155 mph before cutting across toward the east coast. The storm left a path of destruction across the Sunshine State, producing catastrophic flooding and deadly storm surge.