08/14/2026
COMMUNITY RESPONSE FUND UPDATE
Across Winnebago County and the Fox Valley, we have seen an extraordinary response from people who simply wanted to help their neighbors.
We are grateful to the individuals, families, businesses, organizations, volunteers, and donors who have given their time, money, and resources to support those affected by the tornado. We are also thankful for the local nonprofits that continue working directly with residents through the recovery.
United Way Fox Cities and the Community Response Fund partners have now released an update outlining the next phase of financial assistance for affected households.
We are sharing their update so residents can hear directly from the organizations managing these funds and learn more about the process for moving assistance into the community.
This is an important step forward. Winnebago County looks forward to working with the local nonprofit organizations involved in this next phase and to seeing these resources reach affected residents who continue to need help.
As recovery continues, the County will keep listening to our residents, communicating the needs we are seeing, sharing reliable information, and helping connect people with available resources.
The road to recovery will take time, but the generosity shown throughout this region has been remarkable, and we remain grateful to everyone who continues to stand with the people and communities affected by this storm.
One of the most powerful parts of this recovery has been seeing people come together to help. Gifts have come from across our communities and from across the country — from companies and foundations to families, neighborhood fundraisers, lemonade stands and Legion brat fries. Every contribution is part of a remarkable show of care for our neighbors.
The next phase of the Community Response Fund will provide financial assistance to households affected by the tornadoes. At least $1 million has been committed to help people with the costs of recovering and rebuilding.
Local nonprofit partners with experience in this kind of work will connect directly with households, listen to what they need, and help them find the right support.
That support will look different for every household. It may help with housing, utilities, repairs, temporary lodging, childcare, or other expenses that come with recovery. Depending on the need, assistance may be provided directly to a household or paid on their behalf to a service provider.
We’re working to make these resources available to households as quickly as possible.
Read more https://bit.ly/TornadoRecovery-1M
Stay informed as recovery continues. https://unitedwayfoxcities.org/tornado-recovery-impact/