How to Apply for a Disaster Grant

What is a Disaster Grant?:

Do Something Disaster Grants fund project ideas and existing projects that assist people in emergency situations – everything from disaster preparedness to first responders to those who are still working hard to rebuild months or years later. Great projects include those that do something about food insecurity, help soldiers returning from active duty, rebuild communities after natural disasters, or provide resources for those afflicted by a crisis.
Need ideas? Click here Not sure if your project fits in? Email aashton@dosomething.org and we’ll let you know!

Eligibility Rules:

  • The applicant must be 25 OR UNDER.
  • The applicant must be a U.S. or Canadian citizen (You will be asked to prove citizenship and age if you win).
  • You can APPLY for as many grants as you'd like, but you can only win ONE grant from Do Something in a twelve month period (excluding the Do Something Award).

Do Something Grants can not be used to fund:

  • Travel Costs (If you are looking for grants to help you cover a travel abroad experience check out mytravelbug.org or studyabroadfunding.org)
  • Individual Sponsorships
  • Shipping Costs
  • Individual School Fees (Do Something Grants are not educational scholarships)
  • Fundraisers

Steps to Apply:

*Helpful Hint: You will notice that the categories on the project posting are similar to those on the application. Your project posting is a public place for you to let others know about your project. Your application is private and what the judges see. Keep you project brief and concise in your project posting and go into more detail in your application.

The Application:

Our grant application questions follow Do Something's "Path to Change".
You will need the following to complete your application:
Required

  • A budget detailing how the $500 will be used
  • A recommendation from a non-family member

Optional (but recommended)

  • Links to photos and video of your project
  • Your project's website



How do I go back and edit my application?

You can edit your application by logging into www.dosomething.org, going to MY ACCOUNT (On the top right side of the site, right above the "Sign Up" box.

What criteria do the judges use when judging my application?

CLICK HERE to view our judging criteria

How do I find out if I won?

Disaster Grant applications are accepted on a "rolling basis" (meaning, you will find out if you won 2-3 months after you submit your application). It's annoying to wait, we know, but we have to read through a lot of applications! Non-winning applicants will be notified by email. Winning applicants will be notified by phone.

Who is The Dunkin’ Brands Community Foundation?

The Dunkin’ Brands Community Foundation brings together a wide network of stakeholders, including our Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins franchisees, crew members and employees, to support the service and leadership of emergency response organizations – especially in times of crisis. The Foundation supports emergency responders by providing financial assistance, building capacity, developing partnerships, encouraging volunteerism and honoring local heroes. To learn more about the Dunkin’ Brands Community Foundation, please visit www.dunkinbrands.com/foundation.

I am getting an error or "Access Denied" message when I try to apply.

If you are having trouble posting a project or viewing the application it is most likely because you have not verified your email address. When you created a log in for the Do Something site you were sent an email. In that email there is link to verify your email address. Check your junk mail. If you can't find the email or are still having trouble please submit a help ticket with our tech department. Ben, will get back to you pronto.*****

Who should I approach to get a good recommendation?

The strongest applicants have recommendations written by people who are well informed about their projects/project ideas. Send the Judging Criteria to any potential recommender. Having other technical issues? CLICK HERE Have non-technical questions? Email aashton@DoSomething.org GOOD LUCK!

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