Acting on a request from the Kentucky Bankers Association, the ABA Foundation will raise funds to assist bank staff hit hard by the storms and aid local relief efforts
The American Bankers Association Foundation today announced it will start collecting tax-exempt contributions through its Disaster Relief Program to help aid bank employees directly affected by the deadly tornadoes that swept through Kentucky and five other states this past weekend. The ABA Foundation’s Disaster Relief Program was established in 2020 to help state bankers associations respond to community needs after natural disasters. At the request of the Kentucky Bankers Association (KBA), the ABA Foundation will begin accepting donations today and at the conclusion of the fundraising campaign all funds raised will be directed to the Kentucky Bankers Relief Fund to assist bank employees affected by the disaster and other local relief efforts.
“We are heartbroken by the devastation and loss of life that occurred in Kentucky this past weekend,” said ABA President and CEO Rob Nichols. “We know thousands of Kentuckians, including members of our banking family, need help right now and we hope that the generosity of fellow bankers across the country through the ABA Foundation can provide some relief.”
“We are grateful to the ABA Foundation and our industry colleagues around the country for their help at this challenging moment for Kentucky,” said KBA CEO Ballard Cassady. “Every penny will help get Kentuckians back on their feet and one step further down the long road to recovery.”
Through the Disaster Relief Program—which was created after a vote by ABA member banks—state bankers associations are able to designate a specific 501(c)(3) organization that provides relief after a presidentially-declared disaster. If the request meets certain criteria and is approved by the ABA Foundation Board, the ABA Foundation can solicit donations nationwide on the state association’s behalf.
“In the wake of natural disasters, it’s important to identify reliable and trustworthy ways to help those in need,” said ABA Foundation Executive Director Corey Carlisle. “By donating to the ABA Disaster Relief Program, we can get meaningful support directly into the hands of bank employees and their families. We hope those within and outside the banking industry will consider contributing and spreading the word among their networks.”
Donations will be accepted until Jan. 25, 2022. To donate, visit aba.com/donaterelief. To learn more about the Kentucky Bankers Relief Fund, visit kybanks.com/relieffund.