Guidelines and application information are given in Section 8 of the Texas PTA Handbook . In its desire to help local units and councils provide assistance to persons who have suffered economic hardship due to illness, accidents, or natural disaster, Texas PTA established the Texas PTA Emergency Relief Fund in 1995. This fund is used to provide emergency assistance grants for victims of hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, catastrophic illness, and accidents. Financial aid is provided only to the truly needy and is consistent with the need. Aid is continued only as long as the need exists.
Funding comes from tax-deductible donations from individuals and PTAs.
Contributions may not be earmarked for a specific recipient. All PTA members and their immediate families are eligible to apply for a grant. Applications may be submitted to the Texas PTA Emergency Relief Committee by either an individual or a PTA on behalf of one of its members. Submitting an application does not require a vote by the local unit board of directors or body, but does require the signature of the local unit president. Grant awards are based upon expenses incurred and on a combination of factors such as hospital bills and medicines, insurance availability, number of dependents, and family income.