CTA Disaster Relief Fund
Administered by FACT Foundation

What is the fund?
The Disaster Relief Fund is a separate special fund for the members of the California Teachers Association (CTA). The fund is endowed to provide financial assistance to CTA members who have experienced significant losses due to disasters in California.

How is the money raised?
Money for the Disaster Relief Fund comes directly from contributions of members. Every year, CTA conducts drives throughout the year to raise money for the Fund.

Additionally, local CTA Chapters are asked to promote the Fund by encouraging their members to contribute.
Thanks to this tradition of good will, members can turn to their professional organization for assistance with dignity. Your support makes this possible.

Who may apply?
Any CTA Active, Student, or CTA-R member in good standing.

When are funds available?
Grants and loans are available only for members who are
1) residents in any city or county declared by the State of California to have been subject to a natural disaster
OR
2) residents of a dwelling declared unsafe to occupy by city or county officials due to a disaster, with such declaration of free of negligence on part of the member.

Where would I apply?
You may request an application through your Regional Resource Center or contact Tim Dettman at the FACT Foundation office at 2835 North Naomi St., Suite 300, Burbank, CA 91504, (818) 729-8105 or FAX (818) 729-8200.

How has the program helped teachers?
Over the years, the Disaster Relief Fund has been a member's place of last resort during hard times. The professional bond among members is as strong as ever and is nowhere more evident than in California.

The Disaster Relief Fund helps a member pay bills and purchase necessities when there is no other source of immediate assistance after a disaster strikes.

In these state-declared disasters such as the Coalinga, Loma Prieta, Big Bear, Humboldt, Northridge and Whittier earthquakes, the Oakland, Santa Barbara, Malibu, Altadena and Laguna Fires, and the 1995 and 1997 floods -- FACT helped CTA members with $426,000 in grants and loans. That assistance is available to you should you ever need it.

Is the financial assistance a loan or a gift?
The Disaster Relief Fund provides both grants and loans. Cash grants of $750 and individual interest-free loans up to $1,500 are available. Loans are interest-free and they make it possible to assist more CTA members in the future. Borrowers do sign a promissory note which indicates a repayment schedule.

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Your contribution goes directly to help members in need. CTA members continue to turn to the Disaster Relief Fund for emergency loans and grants during emergencies.

Through CTA's authorized payroll deduction plan, you may contribute (suggested amount $20 per year, or more) to the Fund. Your donation is tax deductible.

To obtain a payroll deduction form, please contact the OGEA office or:

Membership-Accounting Department
California Teachers Association
P.O. Box 4178
Burlingame, CA 94011-4178
(650) 552-5278
membership@cta.org

The Disaster Relief Fund is unique. It arose from a time-honored practice of collegial goodwill and reflects the enduring principles of the teacher profession. CTA members can be proud of their participation in this tradition.

Support your Disaster Relief Fund today…You may need its help tomorrow.