Nashville launches Winter Storm Recovery Fund; Tractor Supply gives $250,000 seed gift

Mayor O'Connell announced a Winter Storm Recovery Fund on Friday to support Nashvillians displaced or otherwise harmed by winter storm Fern and said the fund will be managed with established volunteer organizations and nonprofits.

The fund, coordinated with the Nashville Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), United Way and the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, "is now available to help individuals and families affected by the storm to apply for relief," O'Connell said. He named United Way and the Community Foundation as partners for fundraising and deployment.

Erica Mitchell of United Way said partner organizations will prioritize funding for VOAD groups based on needs logged in CharityTracker and calls to the 211 helpline. "The funds will be used as needed to address current and emerging needs, such as food and supplies," Mitchell said. She encouraged residents to dial 211 or text their ZIP code to 898211 to request help.

O'Connell announced Tractor Supply Company's initial $250,000 donation to seed the fund and said the company also offered emergency response supplies to the Office of Emergency Management. The mayor said the fund will initially cover immediate needs and, "in the coming days, once community needs can be assessed, funds will be used for cleanup and debris removal."

United Way emphasized that those seeking assistance should document damage and keep receipts and photos to support future claims and FEMA assessments. To donate, officials said people may scan the QR code displayed during the briefing or visit unitedwaygn.org; residents seeking help can call 211 or visit nashvilleresponse.com to log needs.

The fund will prioritize nonprofit partners already active in the recovery network and will direct payments based on documented need, officials said. Mayor O'Connell and United Way representatives urged patience from callers as 211 is handling increased volume.