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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



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

Tornadoes in Mississippi - March 2023

 On March 24, 2023, deadly storms and tornadoes swept along a 90-mile-long path of destruction, causing significant damage and affecting millions of people across the South and Southeast. As needs emerge, donations to the following funds will support relief and longer-term recovery efforts run by local, vetted organizations in the impacted area.

  • The Disaster Fund at the Community Foundation for Mississippi was created to enhance disaster responses based on community knowledge and connections, whether it's funding food, medical supplies, shelter or something completely unforeseen.
  • The South Delta Disaster Recovery Fund at the Community Foundation of Washington County serves as a funding source for local relief to the South Delta communities.
  • The Southeast US Tornado Relief Fund is collecting donations to support relief and recovery efforts in Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and other impacted areas. Initially, the fund will assist first responders in meeting the immediate needs of survivors, such as food, fuel, clean water, hygiene products, and shelter. After completing the initial relief work, this fund will shift its focus towards supporting longer-term recovery efforts run by local, vetted organizations.

Türkiye and Syria Earthquake - February 2023

There are an estimated 23 million people in need of relief from the devastation caused by the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that hit southeastern Türkiye and northern Syria on February 6, 2023. The following organizations are providing support in areas hardest hit by the quake and aftershocks.

  • Doctors Without Borders is on the ground treating patients in supported hospitals and donating medical kits to facilities across the region.
  • UNICEF is in Syria, prioritizing water, sanitation, hygiene, nutrition, and the reunification of unaccompanied children with their families.
  • White Helmets (EIN: 82-3505967) is a volunteer-based organization in need of funds to acquire more equipment and supplies to continue search and rescue operations in the region. To make a financial contribution, follow this link.

Hurricanes Ian and Fiona - September 2022

The following funds were created to provide relief in areas hard hit by Hurricanes Ian and Fiona and have been vetted by the Community Foundation for a greater Richmond.

  • SWFL Emergency Relief Fund, a partnership with the Collaboratory (formerly Southwest Florida Community Foundation) and the local United Way to address relief and recovery in Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee Counties.
  •  Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund at the Community Foundation of Sarasota County will support Hurricane Ian recovery and resilience in Sarasota, Manatee, Desoto and Charlotte Counties.
  • Florida Disaster Fund at Volunteer Florida Foundation, the State of Florida’s official private fund established to assist Florida’s communities as they respond to and recover during times of emergency or disaster.
  • Hurricane Fiona Fund at the Community Foundation for Puerto Rico
  • Center for Disaster Philanthropy Atlantic Hurricane Season Recovery Fund is a perpetual fund that provides the flexibility to respond to the latest storms.

As recovery efforts continue in the months to come, we may provide updates or additional options here. Please check back or contact us at 804-330-7400 or info@cfrichmond.org if you have questions.