Nonprofit Organizations Urged To Apply For Disaster Assistance Prior To Dec. 29 Deadline

The U.S. Virgin Islands has a rich cultural heritage, with museums, archives, libraries, archeological sites, and historic districts across the territory. Many of these precious cultural resources sustained serious damage during hurricanes Irma and Maria – and time could be of the essence in making repairs and saving historical documents and artwork.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) said on Tuesday that it wants cultural organizations to know that recovery help may be available from a variety of sources. To take advantage of the full range of assistance that may be available, it’s important that these organizations submit a Request for Public Assistance (RPA) with the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA) before the Dec. 29 deadline.

To learn more about eligible essential and critical service providers and private nonprofit eligibility, refer to the Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide on the FEMA website at https://www.fema.gov/public-assistance-policy-and-guidance

Potential applicants must submit the following documents:

• The RPA form at https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/10145
• Private Nonprofit Facility Questionnaire at https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/10579
• IRS letter of 501 (c), (d) or (e) tax exemption or documentation from the territory that certifies that the organization is a non-profit, non-revenue producing entity
• Organizational charter or by-laws
• If an educational institution, please include accreditation or certification documentation

All documentation must be provided to the territorial government contacts below before the

Dec. 29 deadline.