The storm systems that moved through southern and central Missouri (as well as other states) in March and April 2025 affected a number of communities in the CFO region with high winds, tornados and wildfire. Several of our affiliate foundations quickly activated existing or new disaster response and recovery funds to help meet the needs of their communities.
These funds are designed to accept tax-deductible donations, which will then be granted to local nonprofits (not individuals) that support immediate needs and long-term recovery efforts of citizens, businesses and communities.
The response efforts below are current as of Thursday, April 3, for those who may be interested in supporting. We will continue updating this list as we learn more.
Response and Recovery Funds for April 2 Storms
- Cape Area Community Foundation Community Impact Fund — The Cape Area Community Foundation and Cape Girardeau County Emergency Management Services will be partnering with the East Missouri Action Agency (EMAA) to distribute funds through EMAA to address the needs of those residents, entities and municipalities affected by the April 2, 2025, tornado of Cape Girardeau County including the communities of Delta and Cape Girardeau.
- Vernon County Disaster Relief Fund — this is a new fund held by the Nevada/Vernon County Community Foundation, established in response to the destruction in Vernon County brought on the April 2025 tornado.
Response and Recovery Funds for the March 14 and 15 storms
- West Plains Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund will support impacted areas in Howell County and neighboring counties where homes were lost, more than 390 electricity poles were damaged and several transmission towers were taken down. This includes the Camp Arrowhead area. This fund is held by the Community Foundation of West Plains Inc.
- Ozark County Disaster Relief Fund will support the area in and around Bakersfield, which was severely impacted with at least three people confirmed dead. This fund is held by the Ozark County Community Foundation.
- Perry County Family Relief Fund is accepting donations to distribute to the East Missouri Action Agency to address the needs of Perry County residents affected by the tornado, which severely damaged a Perryville school and many other homes and properties. To maximize gifts to the fund, the Perryville Development Corporation will match any donations dollar for dollar up to $25,000.
- The Perry County Community Foundation is also partnering with Society of St. Vincent De Paul to connect residents in need of clothing or household items.
- Dent County Disaster & Recovery Fund will support area impacted by a 750-acre wildfire that destroyed homes and other property. This fund is held by the Dent County Community Foundation.
- Phelps County Disaster Relief Fund contributions will be distributed through the Phelps County and Meramec Regional Community Foundations to nonprofits assisting with tornado relief and long-term recovery efforts near Rolla, where a tornado damaged numerous properties.
Also on our radar:
- The Poplar Bluff area, as well as Butler, Carter and Wayne counties, were impacted by tornados; the Ozark Foothills Regional Community Foundation is currently assessing needs in those counties.
- The Greater Seymour Area Foundation reports that a tornado hit the Amish community and destroyed a large chicken farm and a few homes. Hundreds of folks from Amish communities all over the surrounding states have descended and are rebuilding.
- Other regional affiliates report wind damage with few significant losses.
