Blog By Candace Rotolo

For Claymore Elementary School teacher, Lisa Lawson, 2024 was a year of unimaginable loss and hardship. In January, she lost her husband of 30 years, a tragedy she thought would define her year. But then, hurricane season arrived. Having lived in Tampa since 1990, Lisa had weathered many storms, but this time was different—she had to navigate two back-to-back hurricanes, Helene and Milton, alone.

The storms wreaked havoc on her home. A tree crashed into the house during Hurricane Milton, splitting a section of her home and destroying the sprinkler system. With Lisa evacuated, water gushed into the exposed foundation for 36 hours, leaving behind extensive damage.

Emotional Support Resonates

Amidst the devastation, Lisa’s school principal encouraged her to apply for a grant through the Hillsborough Education Foundation, a nonprofit supported by United Way Suncoast’s Together We Recover Fund. Lisa, who admits she is usually the one to provide help, was initially hesitant. But she realized that this time, she was the one in need.

“The financial support was desperately needed, and very much welcomed and appreciated,” said Lisa, who recently shared her story with FOX13’s Charley Belcher. “But it was also the emotional support. I feel like I’m here to inspire kids as a teacher, but I can’t do this alone … I felt like my community was there to support me.”

Now, more nonprofits and small businesses can receive similar support. United Way Suncoast has announced a new round of grants through the Together We Recover Fund, aimed at helping organizations recover from Hurricanes Helene and Milton and build resilience for the future. Since its launch, the fund has distributed $40,000 to educational foundations in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Manatee to support teachers like Lisa.

Grant Opportunities for Nonprofits, Small Businesses

United Way Suncoast is currently accepting applications for two categories of grants:

• Nonprofits: Grants can be used for recovery efforts, preparedness initiatives, or both. Eligible organizations must operate within the Suncoast region (DeSoto, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pinellas, and Sarasota counties). The application period is open from February 4 through February 18. Apply here: Nonprofit Grant Application.
• Small Businesses: In collaboration with VISTRA Communications and PNC, United Way Suncoast is offering recovery grants to for-profit businesses with fewer than 50 employees that are headquartered and operating in at least one of the eligible counties. The application deadline is February 27. Apply here: Small Business Grant Application.

“Initially, we prioritized emergency relief—food, shelter, home and business repairs and mental health support,” said Josh Dunn, Vice President for Investments & Partnership Strategies at United Way Suncoast. “In December, we shifted to long-term recovery, addressing needs that emerge weeks or even months later, such as facility repairs and personnel support to restore essential programming. Now, this third round of funding expands our reach to include small businesses and preparedness efforts, ensuring organizations and communities are better equipped for future storms.”

Learn more by visiting the United Way Suncoast Disaster Resilience Page.

Making A Difference

United Way Suncoast’s mission is to mobilize communities to action for all. During disasters, this work becomes even more critical, as United Way Suncoast coordinates resources, connects individuals to aid, and strengthens local resilience.

Lisa’s story is just one example of how the Together We Recover Fund is making a difference.

“I’m profoundly grateful to United Way Suncoast and the Hillsborough Education Foundation for this grant,” she said. “It provided immediate relief and reminded me that I’m not alone.”

For more information on United Way Suncoast’s disaster relief and resilience initiatives and to apply for funding, visit www.unitedwaysuncoast.org.