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]