DEARBORN, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
When disaster strikes, three nonprofits in the United States will be able to beef up their response capability to help people faster and more effectively through a new program called the Ford Disaster Relief Mobility Challenge.
In conjunction with September’s National Disaster Preparedness Month, Ford Motor Company will award three grants of up to $70,000 each for U.S.-based nonprofit organizations to purchase and modify a Ford Transit van for use in disaster relief work.
Ford is asking nonprofits to describe how the versatile Ford Transit van, which is offered with multiple roof heights, body lengths, wheelbases and engine options, can serve their disaster response needs. Winners who meet the challenge will be selected based on proposed vehicle use and community need. Additional ground rules include:
- Applications must be submitted by October 31, 2016
- Applicants must be a certified U.S. 501(c) 3 non-profit organization
- Government organizations and municipalities are not eligible
- Winners will be notified in November 2016
To share an idea, please visit fordbetterworld.org. Click to hear Jim Vella discuss the challenge.
“We’re asking for help from the experts on the ground on how to best utilize Ford vehicles following an earthquake, hurricane or other devastating natural event,” said Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Company Fund. “Ford’s strength as a mobility company combined with the know-how of dedicated disaster responders can take our efforts to a higher level and help more people.”
Ford has a long history of supporting disaster relief efforts in the United States and overseas, working with the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army and other nonprofit groups. As a member of the Red Cross Annual Disaster Giving Program, Ford pledges support in advance of major disasters, ensuring that the Red Cross is prepared to respond immediately to emergencies. Over the past several years, Ford has provided 15 disaster response vehicles to organizations in communities across the U.S., from New Jersey to Oregon and California.
About Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services
Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services works with community and global partners to advance driving safety, education and community life. Ford Motor Company Fund has operated for more than 65 years with ongoing funding from Ford Motor Company. Ford Driving Skills for Life is free, interactive, hands-on safety training focused on skill development and driving techniques, while addressing inexperience, distractions and impaired driving. Innovation in education is encouraged through Ford Blue Oval Scholars, Ford Driving Dreams, Ford Next Generation Learning and other innovative programs that enhance high school learning and provide college scholarships and university grants. The Ford Volunteer Corps enlists more than 30,000 Ford employees and retirees each year to work on local projects that strengthen their communities and improve people’s lives in more than 40 countries around the world. For more information, visit http://community.ford.com.
For news releases, related materials and high-resolution photos and video, visit www.media.ford.com.
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