Lost tools/equipment to fire? Jackson County Rotary Club offers Back to Work grants

Armed with $117,000 funded by Rogue Credit Union and Rotarians, Jackson County’s 10 Rotary clubs have begun accepting applications to replace tools and equipment lost in the recent wildfires by individuals and small businesses.

The United Rotary Clubs of Southern Oregon previously distributed $50,000 in tools to sole proprietors who had lost tools in the Almeda or South Obenchain fires that began on Sept. 8.

The United Rotary clubs are expanding the program, called the Back to Work Project, to include small businesses with employees. Individuals and small businesses are eligible to receive up to $5,000 in tools or equipment. In most cases single-person businesses will be limited to $1,000, with the maximum for all businesses limited to $5,000.

Those interested in applying for the award should fill out the application form available at rotaryrebuildssouthernoregon.com. Copies of the form will also be available at the Phoenix and Talent city halls and the Phoenix Talent School District main office, 401 W. Fourth St., Phoenix.

The funds will be used to replace tools and equipment of individuals and businesses that find themselves under-insured, with no insurance, or who will not qualify for enough additional aid to return to full employment. Loss of revenue, income, salaries and wages are not eligible. Funds donated include a $100,000 grant from Rogue Credit Union and donations from several Rotary International clubs.

The funds will be distributed as soon as possible after the applications are reviewed.

United Rotary Clubs of Southern Oregon represents approximately 600 Rotarians from all 10 clubs in Jackson County. The coalition of clubs has set a fundraising goal of $1 million to assist fire victims through such efforts as the Back to Work program.

For more information or to donate to the clubs’ fundraiser, see rotaryrebuildssouthernoregon.com or on Facebook.