http://www.redcross.org/services/governance/0,1082,0_234_,00.html
The Red Cross is federally chartered, is part of the Geneva Convention and Treaties of the Red Cross. It has official functions in times of war and disaster. It is not just a charity.
“On May 11, 2007, H.R. 1681, the American National Red Cross Governance Modernization Act, was signed into law by
President George W. Bush. This marked the completion of a comprehensive assessment of Red Cross governance launched on February 24, 2006, by its Board of Governors. The following documents have been updated to reflect the approved reforms to Red Cross governance.”
I’m guessing your county, like most counties, awards grants every year to local service agencies who provide local emergency and supportive services.