Nonprofits faced unexpected expenses in responding to the emergency.

A fund to help nonprofits pay for costs associated with the winter storm has been created at the Bank of Oklahoma in partnership with the Tulsa Community Foundation and Tulsa Area United Way.

All money collected in the Ice Storm Relief Fund will go to nonprofit groups.

"None of them planned for a devastating ice storm," said Mark Graham, Tulsa Area United Way chief executive officer.

"When you think about the financial realities, the strain on the agencies is increasing with their outreach. This was unplanned for in their operating budgets."

The Tulsa Community Foundation has approached several of its donors for support, and the United Way is helping raise money and outline the application process.

Graham noted that most social service agencies will be responding, ranging from mental health services to food pantries.

Both United Way and non-United Way nonprofit groups will be considered for funding.

A committee will formed to evaluate the applications to decide on distribution of funds. Members of the committee will be from the United Way's community investment committee, the Tulsa Community Foundation's distribution committee and non-United Way volunteers.

"For this initiative, the Bank of Oklahoma, Tulsa Community Foundation and United Way will have no costs associated with the collection,

Instructions for applying and criteria used in determining funding will be completed in the next few days, Graham said.

Information will be posted on the Web sites www.tulsaworld.com/tulsa and www.tulsaworld.com/tauw.

John Wolfkill, director of donor partnerships and community impact for the Tulsa Community Foundation, said the groups have worked together before in tragedies such as the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

"After the first two days of getting our offices running, we said 'Now, let's get together and help the community,' " Wolfkill said.

"Tulsa Community Foundation's goal has always been to make the philanthropic giving process more efficient, effective and rewarding for donors. This is something that literally impacts every single person. The fund is open to anyone whether you give $5, $25, or $2,500."

Ginnie Graham 581-8376
ginnie.graham@tulsaworld.com

Ice Storm Relief Fund

Donations will be taken at any Bank of Oklahoma location or by mail to Bank of Oklahoma, P.O. Box 2300, Tulsa, OK 74102-2300.

Tulsa Community Foundation is accepting donations in person or by mail at 7030 S. Yale Ave., Suite 600, Tulsa, OK 74136.

All checks should be payable to Ice Storm Relief Fund. Donations are tax-deductible.