Frequently Asked Questions
Are contributions to the Weathered But Strong Fund tax deductible?
Yes. The relief fund is being coordinated by the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture, a 501(c)(3) organization that prepares the next generation of Georgia leaders for success in agriculture and also supports programs that address the challenges facing agriculture and works to preserve the future of farming. Donations to the Weathered But Strong Hurricane Relief Fund are tax-deductible under IRS 170(b)(A)(VI). Learn more at GAFoundationAg.org. If your company needs a W-9 to process the donation, please email us at: info@gafoundationag.org
Who is coordinating the Weathered But Strong Hurricane Relief Fund?
The relief fund is made possible by the Georgia Department of Agriculture and a coalition of more than 40 agriculture organizations. The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture is coordinating the acceptance of donations and the disbursement of funds. Please direct questions on the Weathered But Strong Relief Fund to Lily Baucom, Executive Director of the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture, info@gafoundationag.org.
How will the funding be distributed to farmers?
Financial assistance will be awarded based on the total amount raised and based on the financial losses incurred. The more money raised, the greater amount that will be distributed to each eligible farmer. The fundraising period for this campaign will run from October through December 31st. An application process will launch in November whereby Georgia farmers can apply for assistance.
Will my donation go directly to farmers?
Yes, 100% of the donations collected in the Weathered But Strong Hurricane Relief Fund will go directly to Georgia farmers affected by Hurricane Helene. If you donate online, consider helping to cover the donation processing fees. These are credit card fees required by our system.
What types of payment will the Weathered But Strong fund accept?
You can donate to the fund through the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture through this secure online donation form. You may also make a donation on Facebook here. To make a cash or check donation, please use this form.
Who is eligible to apply for funding?
Assistance is available only to Georgia farmers who have experienced agriculture-related losses or incurred expenses due to wind and flooding caused by Hurricane Helene. To be eligible to apply for funding, you must have a valid G.A.T.E. card and will include that in your application.
What types of agricultural losses qualify?
Uninsurable agricultural damages or non-recoverable losses can be submitted to the Hurricane Helene Relief Fund for Agriculture for evaluation.
How can farmers apply for assistance?
The application form will be available online beginning in November. Farmers can expect to receive financial aid in January or February of 2025.
Will the Weathered But Strong Hurricane Relief Fund accept donations of water, fuel or other supplies?
The goal of the Weathered But Strong Hurricane Relief Fund is to provide financial relief for farmers in order to help them rebuild, preserve their family farm and protect our state’s agriculture industry. We are not able to accept donations of supplies at this time. Please contact your local county Farm Bureau to see their ability to assist you with your physical donations. Learn More