Clover, thank you for giving the IFC ( http://www.ferretcongress.org )
and F.E.R.R.E.T. ( http://www.ferretemergency.org ) the opportunity
to address this question. By the way, F.E.R.R.E.T. was formed by the
IFC to deal with ferret-related disasters and has a lot of excellent
information on the website. Both groups are non-political, with the IFC
addressing educational aspects of the ferret community and F.E.R.R.E.T.
addressing physical aspects.

To answer your question, the grants do have a $500 limit for specific
requests. HOWEVER, when the IFC/ELF accepts donations for specific
causes, ALL the money designated to that cause will be used for that
cause. Because other shelters are taking in large numbers of ferrets
quickly, ELF donations may go to some of them also. As always, the IFC
Board, in consultation with the rest of the IFC committee members, may
choose to override the $500 limit in times of extreme emergency.

Individuals who want their dollars to be used to assist in the effort
can paypal [log in to unmask] and mark it DMK. It will
go directly to the fund and will be used to provide specific items to
the ferrets and to assist with veterinary costs associated with them.

We are a 501(c)(3) organization and, therefore, tax-deductible. If your
employer has a matching funds program, any donation you make can be
matched by them and your gift will be worth twice as much.

In addition to using ELF dollars for the rescue, the IFC is also
providing funds to ship food and supplies to Ohio. We have been in
contact with manufacturers and large companies to assist in the timely
dispersal of products as well. We hope that the purchase of the cages
will help not only now, but later. Done properly, it will allow them
to be in places where they can be moved rapidly to an area in need. We
are happy you think it is a good idea. Thank you.

For those of you who are interested, the information can be found on
the IFC website at http://www.ferretcongress.org . It says: One of the
goals of the International Ferret Congress is to enhance the welfare of
the domestic ferret. The Emergency Love Fund was created to fill gaps
in relief efforts for ferret shelters. This fund is now referred to as
the ELF.

The purpose of the fund is to provide relief in case of natural or
man-made disasters, such as, but is not limited to: fire, flood,
earthquake, hurricane, tornado, and other situations the directors
deem appropriate. The IFC will work closely with the Ferret Emergency
Response, Rescue and Evacuation Team (FERRET) in providing assistance
to those needing it the most.

ELF Guidelines.

Recipients of the funds must be a ferret shelter in the United States
or Canada.

Disbursements may be in any amount up to $500.

Funds disbursed may be directed for use for a specific purpose such as
a generator, roof repair, veterinary bills, transport assistance, etc.,
or may be granted without limitations on use, as determined by the IFC
board.

Anyone may recommend shelters to be recipients. Recipients are
determined by the IFC board and require a unanimous vote.

More guidelines may be added or amended as time reveals new or
different needs.

-- 
Renee Downs
It's amazing how much can be accomplished if nobody cares who gets the
credit!
"The most effective way to do it, is to do it." Amelia Earhart
Ferret Emergency Response, Rescue & Evacuation Team ( F.E.R.R.E.T.)
http://www.ferretemergency.org
[log in to unmask]
International Ferret Congress
http://www.ferretcongress.org
American Red Cross
http://www.redcross.org

[Posted in FML 5740]