The U.S. Department of Labor recently approved a $1.5 million National Emergency grant to help Rhode Island launch recovery efforts following the disaster left by Hurricane Sandy. To kickstart work on land recovery efforts and infrastructure restoration, the DOL will release $500,000 of the funds, and make more available pending continued need.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that several counties in Rhode Island were eligible for relief in the wake of the storm, including Bristol, Newport and Washington. The Rhode Island Department of Transportation director Michael Lewis recently discussed some of the most critical work the state requires, including roads in coastal areas such as Block Island, Bristol and the seawalls in Narragansett and Newport.

"Hurricane Sandy unleashed incredible winds and rainfall that affected many lives in Rhode Island," said Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis. "As directed by President Obama, the Labor Department has expedited funding in order to offer state and local partners immediate support for their storm recovery efforts."

Organizations that plan to contribute to relief efforts in the wake of major natural disasters, they can consider using digital channels such as online fundraising programs that allow them to receive and disperse much-needed funds sooner.