Rugby is still drying out. Let’s help them rebuild.
Back-to-back flash floods filled basements, collapsed foundations, and pushed families out of their homes. Federal aid isn’t expected. Neighbors are the safety net now.
Donate to Rugby Flood Relief ↗Affected? Start here ↓
Or call 701-791-1797. A volunteer picks up.
*Credit card processing fees still apply to online gifts.
One night that changed everything for Rugby families
On the night of Sunday, August 23, heavy storms parked over Rugby and dropped roughly eight inches of rain. By early Monday morning, water was pouring into basements across the southwest and northwest parts of town. Some families woke to water rolling across their kitchen floors and escaped through waist-deep water in their own backyards. Cars, furnaces, appliances, and a lifetime of belongings were lost. Several basements collapsed.
The Rugby Volunteer Fire Department, Public Works, and local contractors pumped water around the clock, and power was cut to flooded blocks for safety. Then, on September 3, just as recovery was getting underway, a second round of flash flooding sent water back into homes.
Why your gift matters so much here
Local officials say federal disaster assistance is unlikely because much of the damage falls below FEMA’s thresholds. Many homeowners are also finding that their sewer-backup coverage doesn’t cover flooding. That leaves families facing the cost of rebuilding largely on their own. Your donation fills that gap.
Donate to the Rugby Flood Relief Fund
The North Dakota Community Foundation, an established 501(c)(3), set up a dedicated disaster-response fund for families affected by the Rugby floods. ND Lions Emergency Relief works alongside NDCF to identify unmet needs and recommend where the money goes, so it reaches the people who need it most.
Mail a check
Make it payable to NDCF and mail it to:
North Dakota Community Foundation
PO Box 387
Bismarck, ND 58502-0387
Memo line: “Rugby flooding”
Start here. No paperwork needed to call us.
Call 701-791-1797
A volunteer picks up. Tell us what you lost and what you need right now, and we’ll work to connect you with help.
Report your damage
Fill out the City of Rugby’s damage assessment online, on paper at City Hall, or by phone. Report it even if you already tore out the carpet yourself. Every report helps show the true need.
Stay connected
We post updates fastest on Facebook: what’s needed, where to be, and when.
Working together for Rugby: ND Lions Emergency Relief partners with the North Dakota Community Foundation, North Dakota VOAD, state disaster recovery officials, and local leaders in Pierce County to help Rugby recover.
Flood help resources for Rugby residents
Whether you need help after the floods or want to help your neighbors, here is where to start.
Report your damage
If the floods damaged your home, please fill out the official Homeowner/Renter Damage Reporting form. Prefer paper? A paper version is available through the Rugby City Auditor’s office – Jennifer Stewart, 701-776-6181.
Need a helping hand?
Contact Sara Pachl at Catholic Charities North Dakota, 701-805-9836. Sara is the referral point person for Rugby flood assistance and will connect you with the right help.
Donate to Rugby relief
Give online and go straight to the Rugby fund at the North Dakota Community Foundation. Prefer to mail a check? Make it payable to NDCF and send it to PO Box 387, Bismarck, ND 58502-0387, with “Rugby flooding” on the memo line. Rugby fund checks are payable to NDCF (not to ND Lions Emergency Relief) because the Rugby fund is held at the North Dakota Community Foundation.