The United States Department of Labor (DOL) recently announced that $27.7 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grants are available to the New York State Department of Labor for Hurricane Sandy recovery and cleanup efforts.

At first, the U.S. DOL is releasing $13.8 million of the funds to enable the department to hire workers for land and infrastructure restoration projects. As the projects demand greater funding needs, the DOL will approve additional funds up to the approved total.

These funds were made available with the aim of creating jobs for those in areas hit hardest by the disaster, including the Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Queens, Richmond and Suffolk counties, which were deemed eligible for FEMA's Public Assistance Program. Workers who lost positions as the result of the natural disaster are eligible for employment opportunities on these projects, according to the Times Union.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the millions of New York residents affected by the storm," said Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis. "This Labor Department funding is one part of the federal government's collaborative efforts to offer immediate emergency assistance as the long process of cleanup and rebuilding begins."

Organizations that are providing funds for multiple nonprofit programs might find it easier to manage their large-scale efforts with fundraising management programs that can account for funds as they are disbursed to recipients.