FATHER MICHAEL McGIVENY

Knights of Columbus

Texas State Council / State Council Charities

When a disaster or emergency occurs that affects a community in Texas served by the Knights of Columbus, the State office and the Emergency Response Coordinators (ERC) will reach out to the Diocesan Deputies, District Deputies and Grand Knights in the affected areas to determine the severity of the disaster and to provide guidance and assistance. Depending on the level of need, the State Council Charities (SCC) response will follow a graduated response scenario.

Tier 1 - Small, Local Disaster (1 to 5 Knights effected and no major effect on the community)

1. Most of the support will come from local and diocesan councils.

2. If approved by the SCC President and board, up to $300 may be given to Knights in need of immediate assistance by the Diocesan ERC within 30 days after the disaster.

3. If additional long-term assistance is needed, councils in the community may solicit funds and send them to the SCC disaster relief fund. These funds will then be distributed according to need.

Tier 2 – Mid-Size Disaster (5 to 30 Knights effected and some short-term disruption to the community)

1. Support will come from local and diocesan councils, and the SCC

2. If approved by the SCC President and board, up to $300 may be given to Knights in need of immediate assistance by the Diocesan ERC within 45 days after the disaster.

3. If additional long-term assistance is needed, the SCC may approve grants of up to $700 (in addition to the gift cards). Funds will be distributed 30 to 90 days after the disaster. Grants are to be funded by donations to the SCC disaster relief fund.

4. With the SCC President’s approval, up to $2000 may be used to reimburse councils – with prior approval from the State ERC (State ERC will assure expenditures stay within the budget) 

   a. Up to $400 for meals for 1st responders and disaster victims (not to exceed  

       $5/meal). b. Up to $200 for supplies for 1st responders, disaster victims, or tools 

       to make emergency repairs for disaster victims.

Tier 3 – Major Disaster – (30+ Knights effected and/or major disruption to the community)

1. Support will come from local and diocesan councils, SCC, and the Supreme Council.

2. If approved by the SCC President and board, up to $300 may be given to Knights in need of immediate assistance by the Diocesan ERC within the first 60 days after the disaster.

3. If additional long-term assistance is needed for Knights, the SCC may offer grants of up to $1000 (in addition to the gift cards). Funds will be distributed 30 to 120 days after the disaster. All grants are to be funded by donations, funds from the Supreme Council, and funds from the SCC. If after awarding grants to all eligible Knights disaster relief funds are available, the SCC may approve additional grants.

4. With the SCC President’s approval, funds may be used to reimburse councils (normally funded by the Supreme Council) with prior approval from the State ERC (State ERC will assure expenditures stay within the budget). 

   a. Up to $500 per day for meals for 1st responders and disaster victims (not to 

       exceed  $5/meal).

   b. Up to $250 for supplies for 1st responders, disaster victims, or tools to make 

       emergency repairs for disaster victims.

Corpus Christi Area Chapter ERC Luis Cadena 361.694.2734