Disaster Relief Fund Application

COVID-19 Notice

Our limited Disaster Relief Fund resources support communities devastated by sudden, localized natural events (e.g. hurricanes, fires, earthquake) that occur with little or no warning. While there is no question that the impact of a pandemic has tremendous potential to disrupt and destroy lives, at this time we can only respond to requests as defined above, such as the recent tornado in Nashville. However, the Foundation is exploring ways to support Academy members and future practitioners through these difficult times, and we appreciate your patience as we all do our best to find the path forward.

Disaster Relief Fund Application Details

The Academy Foundation Disaster Relief Fund was established to support the personal and professional life-rebuilding efforts of Academy members and other nutrition and dietetics professionals and students who have been affected by disasters.

The Foundation offers two funds to support disaster victims: The Foundation’s Life Rebuilding fund and the Foundation’s Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) Professional Rebuilding fund.

Academy members, non-member nutrition and dietetics professionals, and dietetics students with an immediate need who have been affected by disasters (declared by a government agency) can apply for up to $2,500 through the Life Rebuilding fund for personal rebuilding efforts and up to $500 through the CDR Professional Rebuilding fund for professional and continuing education activities.

Eligibility requirements for financial assistance:

  • The “disaster” in question must be declared to be a disaster by a governmental agency, or be determined by the Academy Foundation Board to comply with the definition of disaster (A disaster is defined as a “sudden occurrence which inflicts widespread catastrophic damage to a large geographic area and/or which generally affects a large number of individuals”. Disasters can be both natural and caused by human conduct).
  • The applicant must show that she or he incurred a loss of income or livelihood, or suffered loss or damage with respect to her or his real or personal property, and is in financial need as a result.
  • The purpose of the disaster grants is to provide a small measure of immediate financial assistance to those individuals identified above who are in need. Applications for assistance must be submitted within three months of the disaster.

The disaster funds become active in the event of a profound disaster that affects the lives of Academy members and other nutrition and dietetic professionals. The Academy Foundation Disaster Relief Fund is currently accepting applications. To apply, please click on the “Apply for the Disaster Relief Fund” button listed below.

Any questions may be directed to Elisha Reichling, MS, RDN, LDN, Foundation Program Coordinator at ereichling@eatright.org.