The Tucson Together fund, the only officially sanctioned fund for victims of the Jan. 8 mass shooting, has raised about $325,000 so far.
The fund's review board will begin reviewing requests for reimbursement of expenses at its March 18 meeting, said board chair Bill Carnegie.
Donations have come from Tucson and across the United States, said Carnegie, who also serves as the president and CEO of the Community Food Bank.
"We do need to raise more money," he said Monday. "The sad part of this thing is that the state trial is not going to start for another four or five years. So victims and family members will need help for many years to come."
The Tucson Together fund will cover a variety of expenses, including the cost of travel, food and lodging. The fund might also pay for some expenses that are ineligible under the federal and local Crime Victim Compensation Program, such as loss of wages, funerals and counseling.
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Any expense that's not covered fully by another source will be considered by the board, Carnegie said.
The Crime Victims Compensation Program, in the Pima County Attorney's Office, will review all requests for reimbursement, so that those funds, which are subject to various restrictions, will be exhausted first.
"The board has worked hard to make the process as simple and fair as possible," said Carnegie, who added that "three or four" victims already have said that they do not need any money at this time.
The Tucson Together fund, which merged three separate funds for victims set up in the days following the tragedy, is held by the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona.
To make a donation, go online to tucsontogetheraz.com
