In 2008, KZCF established the Community Urgent Relief Fund (CURF) in partnership with United Way of South Central Michigan. Since its, creation, the CURF has served as KZCF’s fastest and most flexible tool to respond to crises and natural disasters as they arise.

The CURF has been activated repeatedly for a series of reasons, including alleviating the prolonged effects of the economic recession in 2008, responding to the Uber shooting in 2016, providing flood relief in 2018, dispersing personal protective equipment and other COVID-19 aid from 2020 to 2022, and, most recently, offering support in the wake of the May 7 tornadoes.

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, KZCF has been able to remain a trusted resource for our nonprofit partners who rely upon critical funding support when disasters strike. Gifts to the CURF help our community members gain access to shelter, food, clothing and more during the moments when they need it most.

None of us can predict when disaster strikes. However, your gift to the CURF helps ensure that we remain ready.

The Next Phase of Community Recovery

As recovery from the May 7 tornadoes continues, United Way SCMI and Kalamazoo Community Foundation (KZCF) are collaborating to lend our shared strengths to relief efforts. We are working alongside partners at Gryphon Place and 2-1-1 as they identify community needs and determine how best to mobilize resources. To contribute to the overall recovery effort, you can donate to the Community Urgent Relief Fund (CURF) at KZCF by clicking the button below.

If you wish to make a grant suggestion from your KZCF Donor Advised Fund (DAF) to the Community Urgent Relief Fund, you can do so via Kalamazoo Connect. Instructions on how to do so can be found here.

UPDATE October 16, 2024:

Download a PDF of the tornado relief dashboard.