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Fall
2005
Disaster Giving
Lessons Learned
Recent forums sponsored
by both the Minnesota Council on Foundations and the Forum of Regional
Associations of Grantmakers on the current crisis in the mid-south
offered perspectives on disaster philanthropy from previous disasters —
from 9/11 to this year's Asian tsunami.
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Consider providing support for
immediate needs and reserving some portion for long-term needs. Ask the
board to name a figure but hold off on naming the recipient until you've
assessed what is needed. Some of the disaster relief organizations,
based on their charters, are charged with providing immediate,
short-term relief and, as a result, will complete their work in the
first few month following the disaster. The long-term horizon for
recovery after such a disaster is five to 10 years, if not more.
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Find out what is needed from
coordinating organizations within the affected region. Ask what is
needed before making decisions. The key question is getting
contributions to people at the local level, where local citizens need to
determine their futures. In researching opportunities, be respectful of
local people and organizations in terms of their time and their
balancing on-the-ground issues. Seek counsel from pertinent regional
associations of grantmakers, local community foundations, United Ways
and statewide nonprofit associations.
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Work with other grantmakers to
form a collaborative effort that is more powerful than a single effort
alone. Coordination and collaboration can provide innovative projects to
serve long-term needs. Pool funds to work on housing and economic
development. Adopt-A-Town, Adopt-A-County or Adopt-A-Stretch of the Gulf
Coast. Involve affinity groups for specific streams of funding.
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Support processes, not just
outcomes. Entire cities and town have been wiped out along the Gulf, and
little remains. Yet the needs are not just for buildings and
infrastructure. There is a need for people to tell their stories, and
part of the process is hearing people's pain. Engaging those most
directly affected in designing long-term recovery initiatives is
critical for success.
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Simplify, simplify, simplify.
The disaster grantmaking process requires less bureaucracy and more
cooperation.
More Links from the
Fall 2005 Edition of Giving Forum
© Copyright 2005 Minnesota Council on
Foundations
Reproduction in any form without the written permission of the publisher
is prohibited.
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