The Colleagues Helping Colleagues (CHC) Fund was established in 2005 in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina as a means for staff members working in public broadcasting to directly support their colleagues who suffered losses in natural disasters.
DEI administers the fund on behalf of the public broadcasting system at no charge, and oversees the panel evaluation process, the disbursement of funds and the attendant IRS reporting.
Initially envisioned as a "one-time activity," the CHC is still operating today thanks to the generosity and caring of public broadcasting employees across the country. Since that first disastrous event, the CHC fund has collected and distributed over $15,000 to assist staff members affected by floods, fires, hurricanes, and other natural disasters nationwide.
To apply for CHC funding: The CHC provides funding specifically for losses sustained in the course of a natural disaster such as flood, fire, earthquake, tornado, etc. A three-member panel from various public broadcasting organizations reviews the requests as they are submitted and recommends funding. Decisions are made quickly and DEI sends checks immediately upon notification of award.
The application process is simple. Any employee at any public broadcasting station anywhere in the U.S. simply sends an email to deichten@deiworksite.org outlining the loss, and the need. The applicant should be as specific as possible regarding what funds will be used for, and should save and submit receipts for all expenditures (an IRS requirement). Please note that CHC funds may cover, but are not limited to, lodging, food, transportation, medical care and other identified expenses not covered or reimbursed by insurance. DEI will notify you to let you know whether your application is approved.
To contribute to the CHC fund - so that funds are available when your colleagues need them most - you can PLEDGE ONLINE or send a check to:
DEI/CHC Fund
401 N. 3rd St.Suite 370
Minneapolis, MN 55401
or, call DEI at 1-888-454-2314 to make a gift by credit card. Gifts in any amount will be welcome to our colleagues in need.