(Stillwater, OK) – Beginning July 1, 2025, Stillwater residents impacted by the March wildfires can apply for financial assistance through the Stillwater Strong Relief Fund at www.unitedwaypaynecounty.org/stillwater-strong. Applications will remain open through August 1 and are available to both renters and homeowners who claim primary residence in the affected area. The process is short, simple, and designed to ease the burden on those recovering.

Thanks to the generosity of approximately 1,500 donors who donated more than $545,000 to support Stillwater families. The Stillwater Strong Relief Task Force, comprised of community leaders focused on disaster recovery, developed a process to fairly review applications and determine assistance amounts based on need. Once approved, the Oklahoma Community Foundation (OCF) will distribute the funds accordingly.

“We are so proud to live in a place where neighbors immediately step in to help one another,” said Vice Mayor Amy Dzialowski. “Stillwater is special because we lean into each other in times of need with no hesitation, only heart. The outpouring of support after the wildfires showed how deep that care runs. I’m especially grateful to the United Way of Payne County, Ruth Cavins, and her team for being such a trusted partner in this process. Their compassion, integrity, and willingness to serve made this relief effort possible.”

The United Way of Payne County served as the collection partner for the relief funds, but did not benefit from the donations. This effort is entirely separate from the organization’s annual fundraising campaign. The City of Stillwater thanks United Way for its generosity and commitment to serving the community without hesitation or gain.

This relief initiative is rooted in the spirit of Stillwater Strong, a phrase born out of tragedy that has come to define the character of Stillwater. First embraced after the 2015 OSU Homecoming parade incident, it remains a symbol of unity, resilience, and hope. In the aftermath of the March 2025 wildfires, the community once again lived up to that motto – coming together to lift up friends, neighbors, and strangers alike.

The launch of this application process was briefly paused to allow residents to focus on applying for federal and state aid through FEMA and the Small Business Administration (SBA). We are deeply grateful for the state and federal resources made available to our wildfire victims and value these partnerships in recovery efforts.

To learn more or apply for assistance through Stillwater Strong Relief, visit: www.unitedwaypaynecounty.org/stillwater-strong. Applications are open
July 1-August 1, 2025.

Additionally, all residents, homeowners, and renters, affected by the March wildfires and straight-line winds are urged to apply for federal assistance through FEMA and SBA, even if they have insurance.

Individuals who sustained damage to homes, vehicles, mobile homes, travel trailers, or personal property between March 14 and March 21, 2025, are encouraged to act now.

Registering with FEMA and SBA isn’t just about immediate help – it can also open the door to future programs. Residents are encouraged to apply even if they believe they will not qualify.

The deadline to apply/register for SBA and FEMA assistance is July 22, 2025. To register with FEMA, call (800) 621-3362, or go online to: disasterassistance.gov. To register with SBA, call (800) 659-2955, go online to: sba.gov/disaster, or meet with someone in person at Meridian Technology Center, Business Technology Building, Rooms 127 and 129, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

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