Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
RENO, Nev. (Sept. 29, 2025) — Families across Northern and Rural Nevada will be better prepared for disasters thanks to a $10,000 grant from the NV Energy Foundation to the American Red Cross of Northern Nevada. The funding will strengthen efforts to respond quickly to emergencies, ensuring families receive the critical support they need during times of crisis.
“Disasters can happen without warning, and it’s essential that we’re ready to respond when families need us most,” said Bridget Posson, Executive Director for the American Red Cross Northern Nevada Chapter. “This generous grant from the NV Energy Foundation allows us to provide vital resources, train volunteers and maintain the tools we need to deliver help and hope to those affected by disasters.”
The funding will support Red Cross of Northern Nevada disaster response efforts by supplying emergency items such as blankets and food, training volunteers who make up the majority of the Red Cross workforce and ensuring emergency vehicles are ready to deliver aid to impacted communities. In addition, the NV Energy Foundation donated $10,000 to the Red Cross in Southern Nevada, bringing their total contribution to $20,000 to support disaster relief efforts statewide.
Making a Difference in Northern and Rural Nevada
Home fires are the most common disaster in the United States, and Northern and Rural Nevada are no exception. This year alone, Red Cross volunteers have responded to nearly 70 home fires, helping more than 200 people recover. Last year, Northern Nevada Red Cross volunteers assisted over 325 people affected by nearly 90 home fires.
“Supporting the American Red Cross is one way we can help make a real difference in the lives of our neighbors,” said Ryan Bellows, NV Energy Vice President, General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, Government Relations and an NV Energy Foundation Board Director. “We’re proud to partner with an organization that provides such critical assistance to families in need and helps build stronger, more resilient communities.”
Building Resilient Communities
The Red Cross is actively recruiting volunteers in Northern and Rural Nevada to meet the growing demand for disaster response. Volunteers receive training to assist during local emergencies and, with additional experience, can deploy to major disasters across the country. To learn more about becoming a volunteer, visit redcross.org/DAT.
In addition to responding to disasters, the Red Cross is committed to helping families prevent them. Through the Sound the Alarm campaign, residents can receive free smoke alarm installations and fire safety education. During these visits, Red Cross volunteers provide tips on fire prevention and evacuation planning for all members of the household, including pets. To schedule a visit or learn more, visit SoundTheAlarm.org/Nevada.
About the NV Energy Foundation
The NV Energy Foundation provides charitable grants the nonprofit organizations and causes most important to NV Energy customers and the community including the environment, education, workforce development and community wellbeing that addresses utility assistance, food insecurity, homelessness, affordable housing and public safety. In 2023, the foundation donated over $5.3 million to hundreds of nonprofit organizations across the state to address community needs. NV Energy employees also contributed more than 32,000 volunteer hours last year.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
