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 the Earthquake in Iran
Last Updated February 24, 2005
Charitable organizations interested in responding to that earthquake that struck Iran's southeastern Kerman province early on Tuesday February 22nd may find the following resources, networks and organizations useful.
Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) Guidelines & Information for Iran:
Current embargoes against Iran (found in Executive Order 13059) impose sanctions and prohibit new investments by U.S. persons in Iran. The term "new investment" is defined broadly to include any contribution of funds. Read the applicable regulation issued by the U.S. Department of Treasury.
For a number of embargoed countries like Sudan where there is conflict, U.S.-based NGOs can apply for a licence to undertake humanitarian work. An exception to sanctions on Iran for humanitarian aid was made for 90 days following the Bam earthquake in 2003. However, no allowances were made following the February, 2005, earthquake in Iran. In other words, U.S. based NGOs are not authorized to provide humanitarian assistance to those affected by the earthquake. (see http://www.treasury.gov/offices/enforcement/ofac/regulations/ngo_reg.pdf).
United Nations: United Nations teams are in southwest Iran discussing with the country's authorities the need for international assistance. The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) has also dispatched emergency relief supplies to the affected regions in response to a request from the Iranian Ministry of Health.
ReliefWeb: A project of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. ReliefWeb serves as a clearing house for information on the situation in the southeastern region of Iran.
AlertNet: A humanitarian news network from Reuters that provides updates on the humanitarian crises in the affected regions.
Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS): IRCS is the leading the rescue and relief activities and has deployed nearly 50 disaster response teams to the area.
General Disaster Grantmaking Resources
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 (listed to the left) plus practical tips for grantmakers to consider when responding to emergency situations. Download the PDF.
