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.
Responding to Floods in
Western India
Last Updated August 8, 2005
Record rainfall in Western India has left more than a thousand dead and many more rendered homeless and suffering from dysentery, cholera and gastroenteritis problems. The state capital Mumbai, was hit by the heaviest monsoon rains in a century.
This page contains links to organizations currently responding to the crises and provides general advice on the most appropriate ways to help those affected by overseas disasters.
The following is provided for educational purposes only. Please consult the Disclaimer for a full explanation of the purposes and limitations of this information.
Intermediary Grantmaking Organizations -- Intermediaries are generally public charities that offer fee based-services designed to meet the needs of grantmakers and individuals who wish to give outside the country in which they are based but prefer not to take on the responsibilities of doing so directly. Consult the Links section for a list of intermediaries organized by issue area and geographic focus.
Government and Multilateral Agencies
ReliefWeb is a project of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. The web site serves as a clearing house for information related to particular crises and disaster situations. View latest updates on the floods in Western India organized by sector, lists of appeals and funding, and who's working in affected regions. NGOS, government and multi-lateral agencies working in the area include several InterAction members such as Care International, Direct Relief International, Oxfam, World Vision etc.
United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF): UNICEF is making use of emergency supplies such as water treatment materials, sanitation equipment and medicines already in the area, to assist people affected by the flood.
The following information is provided as a convenience for grantmakers interested in giving direct funding to local organizations. Please note that the Council on Foundations has no first-hand experience with any of the local organizations and has compiled this list based on information provided to it by either Council members or partner organizations.
The Times Foundation works with several local Indian NGOS and accepts donations through the Times of India Relief Fund. The Mumbai Flood Relief and Rehabilitation Resource Centre in association with The Times Foundation coordinates an online disaster relief resource at http://karmayog.com/floods/flooding.htm. This website lists NGO relief efforts and identifies areas of need.
GiveIndia Foundation partners with NGOs in Mumbai to provide immediate relief to people who lack food, medical aid, drinking water and clothing. U.S.-based organizations may make donations through GiveIndia's U.S.-based partner GiveWorld.
Disaster Grantmaking: A Practical Guide for Foundations and Corporations (in PDF)-- a joint product of the Council on Foundations and the European Foundation Centre, this free publication suggests eight principles (listed to the left) plus practical tips for grantmakers to consider when responding to emergency situations.
Disaster Relief: Providing Assistance Through Charitable Organizations (in PDF)-- prepared by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service Exempt and Government Entities division. Although this publication does not focus on international grantmaking it extends advice on how to give through existing U.S. charitable organizations, how to set up a new charitable organization and the requirements for documentation.
