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How to support disaster recovery

Philanthropy plays an important role after disasters, with national emergency response and relief organizations providing immediate assistance and community foundations often working with local partners to address and monitor the longer-term rebuilding efforts. We have compiled a list of charitable funds established by our experienced and trusted partners in philanthropy. When a disaster strikes here or elsewhere, we will add specific opportunities as we become aware of them. 

Reliable Disaster Response Organizations

Community Foundations
Our peer community foundations across the country and the world have a pulse of the needs of their specific communities and the organizations that provide support in critical areas of need.

Center for Disaster Philanthropy

The Center for Disaster Philanthropy is a full-time resource that helps donors in the U.S. and abroad make more thoughtful disaster-relief giving decisions and maximize the impact of their gift. 
 

American Red Cross

 American Red Cross provides immediate relief in disaster zones including shelter, ready-to-eat meals, comfort kits, cleaning supplies and blood supply to those affected.

 

Volunteer & In-Kind Donation Guidance

Here are some important tips to help guide individuals on the best ways to respond in a disaster, as it is important to ensure that your time and resources are spent in response to actual needs and that they do not hinder response efforts. 
>> See our Tips for Volunteers



Israel-Hamas War - October 2023

Since October 7, 2023, thousands have been killed and more than a hundred thousand have been displaced in the Israel-Hamas War. To assist funders with supporting the unfolding humanitarian crisis, this page includes resources and response funds working on civilian relief efforts in the region. These relief efforts are facing significant challenges as delivering new aid will be difficult and existing resources, such as medical supplies, are already depleted.

 

The Jewish Community Federation of Richmond is working with partners in Israel to support victims of terror, rebuild damaged infrastructure, and address trauma and emergency preparedness for those living in close proximity to the Gaza border.

American Friends of Magen David Adom is providing resources to first responders including training, equipment and medical supplies to ensure they have what they need to treat all injured and ill people in Israel.


Doctors Without Borders is donating essential medicines and medical equipment to the main hospitals in Gaza, as well as surgical teams and a downtown clinic.

United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) is providing emergency aid to displaced families in Gaza like shelter, emergency heath care, remote psychosocial support and psychological first aid. When granting to UNRWA through your donor advised fund, please mention this specific campaign.

Hurricane Idalia - August 2023

In late August, Hurricane Idalia made landfall in Florida as a dangerous Category 3 storm, bringing destructive winds and life-threatening storm surges.

  • Community Foundation Tampa Bay has launched the Tampa Bay Rapid Response Fund as a trusted and reliable way to make donations to address emergency situations, including Hurricane Idalia, in the Tampa Community. To make a donation, click here. 

Maui Wildfires - August 2023

In August 2023, devastating wildfires on the Hawaiian island of Maui upended communities and forced thousands of residents to evacuate. Volunteers and aid groups have mobilized to help feed and shelter those who have been affected.

  • The Maui Strong Fund has been activated at the Hawai'i Community Foundation. With the generosity of donors, the Fund has $1 million in commitments to support residents affected by the Maui wildfires. 

  • The Hawaii Wildfire Relief Fund has been formed by GlobalGiving to help first responders meet survivors' immediate needs for food, fuel, clean water, medicine, and shelter. Donations will support longer-term recovery efforts run by local, vetted organizations in impacted areas, particularly those working with low-income, historically underserved communities.
  •  The Kākoʻo Maui Fund is providing resources that can be deployed quickly and efficiently to support recovery efforts on Maui. Funding will support evolving needs, including shelter, food, financial assistance, and other services as identified by our partners doing critical work to support Maui.  Fore more information on this effort visit hawaiiancouncil.org/helpmaui.

  •  CDP’s Hawaii Wildfires Recovery Fund supports equitable recovery for wildfire-affected families and communities who face unique challenges in the aftermath of disasters that can prolong recovery. Your support will have a direct and significant impact on our efforts to help communities in Hawaii recover equitably from wildfires.

Richmond Graduation Shooting - June 2023

On June 6, 2023, a mass shooting occurred after Huguenot High School’s graduation ceremony, killing two and injuring several other victims.  The following local organizations are helping students, families and neighbors experiencing grief, trauma and loss from this tragic event.

Richmond Public Schools Education Foundation: RPS Trauma Healing Response Fund

The RPS Trauma Healing Response Fund manages donations for the immediate and ongoing response to support RPS survivors and their families. All donations will be directed to support the healing of those affected by gun violence. 
Donate Now

ChildSavers
ChildSavers’s therapists are reaching out to clients and families for safety checks as their Immediate Response therapists are on-call through their 24/7 hotline to provide a supportive response to those who were affected. They are working closely with Richmond Public Schools to engage with their Family Support Center and therapists, including Spanish-speaking staff.
Hotline: 804-305-2420  |  Donate Now

Latinos in Virginia Empowerment Center
The Latinos in Virginia Empowerment Center’s 24/7 hotline will be available for any Latino/Hispanic individual affected by the shooting. In addition, they are hosting a crisis intervention group conducted entirely in Spanish.   
Hotline: 804-728-0048  |  Donate Now

Richmond Behavioral Health Foundation
The Richmond Behavioral Health Authority (RBHA) is providing support through a 24/7 hotline for RPS students and families. Additionally, the RBHA Mobile Crisis Unit along with other partners will serve as a support to RPS families and staff. 
Hotline: 804-646-4741  |  Donate Now