4. Think beyond the immediate crisis to the long-term.
5. Bear in mind the expertise of local organizations.
6. Find out how prospective grantees operate.
7. Be accountable to those you are trying to help.
8. Communicate your work widely, and use it as an educational tool.
Resources on Global Disasters and Philanthropy’s Response
To assist its members and the field with leadership and guidance on global disasters, the Council on Foundations compiles timely, crisis-specific resources and summarizes the philanthropic response.
The Council encourages members to tell us how you are responding—whether directly, through a partner organization, or through those in your local communities—so that we can share the information with others in our field. Visit our Disaster Grantmaking page on the main Council website to submit your philanthropic response.
If you are seeking information on the grantmaking response to the 2011 Spring disasters (tornadoes and floods) in the United States, click here for the information.
Responding to the Earthquake and Tsunami in Japan (updated 3/11/11)
Here is the latest roundup of information for grantmakers in the U.S. seeking to give to relief efforts in the wake of the 8.9 magnitude earthquake in Japan off the coast of Honshu (230 miles northeast of Tokyo) that occurred at 2:46 pm Friday local (Tokyo) time March 11, 2011.
We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates to information as it becomes available.
Responding to the Earthquake in New Zealand (updated 6/23/11)
Here is the latest roundup of information for grantmakers in the U.S. seeking to give to relief efforts in the wake of the New Zealand earthquake. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates to information as it becomes available. For questions, or to provide information on disaster grantmaking efforts you are aware of please contact Andrew Ho, manager, global philanthropy, at .
Responding to the Tsunami and Eruption in Indonesia and Cholera Outbreak in Haiti (updated 10/28/10)
In recent days, two major humanitarian disasters have affected Indonesia and Haiti.
Indonesia was hit with a two-pronged disaster. A powerful earthquake and resulting tsunami on Monday night killed at least 343 people on the Mentawai Islands in western Indonesia and almost 400 are unaccounted for, amid fears they were swept away by the wave. On Tuesday, the government was handed another natural disaster in the form of the erupting Mount Merapi in Java, about 800 miles from where the tsunami hit.
On Wednesday, the Haitian government said that the death toll from Haiti's cholera outbreak had risen to 292 with 4,147 confirmed cases. Many fear that the situation could get much worse.
Learn more about philanthropy's response to the humanitarian relief efforts.
Responding to Floods in Pakistan (updated 9/20/10)
Torrential rains over the past three weeks have caused devastating floods in large parts of Pakistan, which have covered at least one-fifth of the country and affected as many as 20 million people. Learn more about philanthropy's response to the humanitarian relief efforts.
Responding to the Earthquake in Chile(2/27/10)
An earthquake with a magnitude of 8.8 occurred in the early morning hours of February 27, 2010. View a list of international relief agencies providing support. Learn more about philanthropy's response to humanitarian relief efforts.
Responding to the Earthquake in Haiti (1/13/10)
Foundations across the globe immediately responded to the devastation in the wake of the 7.0-magnitude earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12, 2010. See detailed commitments of the 120+ foundations and giving programs that collectively pledged nearly $76 million in support.
Disaster Grantmaking: A Practical Guide for Foundations and Corporations. A joint product of the Council on Foundations and the European Foundation Centre, this free publication suggests eight principles, plus practical tips for grantmakers to consider when responding to emergency situations.
Community Foundations Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Plan outlines strategy for responding to a disaster, provides information essential to continuity of critical business functions, and identifies the resources needed to ensure safety of personnel, effective communications, and other mission-critical services.
Legal Guidelines for Corporate Grantmakers Providing Disaster Relief will guide you through legal issues.
Search a Map of Cross-Border Giving for foundations that are currently giving in the disaster-struck region. This dynamic tool is an exclusive member benefit from the Council on Foundations and the Foundation Center.
Resources and Philanthropic Activity from Past Disasters
