BFOA to help broadcasters in Louisiana, California

The Broadcasters Foundation of America is moving swiftly to provide emergency grants to broadcasters whose lives and property have been severely damaged by the floods in Louisiana and the wildfires in California.

The Emergency and Disaster Grant Program features an abbreviated vetting process that gets emergency funds to victims within a week.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the Foundation acted speedily to award $250,000 in one-time emergency grants of $1,000 each to 250 broadcasters. The Foundation also moved quickly following the tornadoes in Joplin, Missouri and Hurricane Sandy in the New York area.

“It’s imperative that we get these emergency funds into the hands of broadcasters within days,” stated Dan Mason, Chairman of the Broadcasters Foundation of America. “The Broadcasters Foundation has a track record of moving quickly and nimbly in emergencies, while thoroughly screening the abridged applications for need.”

The Broadcasters Foundation contacted the Louisiana and California Broadcasters Associations last week to distribute emergency grant application information among its members. Emergency grants already have been awarded to broadcasters in Louisiana from Cumulus Media, Guaranty Broadcasting, Nexstar Broadcasting, Raycom Media, Townsquare Media, and others. Requests for aid from Louisiana flood victims are coming in almost hourly, and the Foundation is reviewing completed applications immediately to rapidly deliver emergency grants to those who are approved.

To be considered for the Broadcasters Foundation Emergency and Disaster Emergency Grant Program, applicants must have worked in Radio or Television Broadcasting and be facing extreme financial hardship due to a natural or environmental disaster.

The Broadcasters Foundation of America has distributed millions of dollars in aid to thousands of broadcasters and their families who lost their livelihood through a catastrophic event, debilitating disease, or unforeseen family tragedy. Donations can be made as a personal gift to the Foundation’s Guardian Fund, and corporate contributions are accepted through the Angel Initiative. In addition, a bequest may be made through the Foundation’s Legacy Society. For more information, please visit www.broadcastersfoundation.org, or call 212-373-8250.

About The Broadcasters Foundation of America:

The mission of the Broadcasters Foundation of America is to improve the quality of life and maintain the personal dignity of men and women in the radio and television broadcast profession who find themselves in acute need. The Foundation reaches out across the country to identify and provide an anonymous safety net in cases of critical illness, advanced age, death of a spouse, accident, and other serious misfortune. The Broadcasters Foundation of America is a 501(c)3 Public Charity. Learn more at www.broadcastersfoundation.org.