In the aftermath of Hurricane Florence, communities across Eastern North Carolina are beginning to heal and rebuild. Having trustworthy, accurate and timely news and information is vital for North Carolina’s communities as they recover, but, as Melanie Sill wrote in an op-ed in the News & Observer, there aren’t emergency agencies to help the news outlets and to keep information flowing. It is a crucial time for communities that still need important information about recovery when the major networks have packed up and left.

Communities’ information needs are immediate, substantial, and long-lasting when recovering from disasters. Communities also should be involved in the process of recovery, which news organizations and others can help facilitate if they have the resources to do so. This lack of information, oversight and news after Hurricane Matthew led to many communities being overlooked – making Florence’s effects even worse.

To help organizations in these efforts, the North Carolina Local News Lab Fund has opened a call for proposals for information and engagement projects that address critical information needs. Applications are due April 15.

Click here to learn more about this funding opportunity and how to apply.