Disaster Giving

During major disasters, MCF collects and reports information about contributions by Minnesota grantmakers. Giving information can be submitted here.

When disaster strikes, philanthropy plays a crucial role. Grantmakers give generously to meet immediate emergency needs, and they contribute thoughtfully toward long-range relief efforts.

Minnesota philanthropists -- organizations and individual donors -- have a strong tradition of supporting those in need in the wake of natural and manmade disasters.

Disaster Response that MCF Has Monitored:

• Minneapolis North Side Tornado
• Japan Tsunami and Earthquake
• 2011 Minnesota Flooding
• Famine in Somalia

Before Disaster Strikes: Readiness Resources for Grantmakers

Disaster Giving
The Council on Foundations
Learn how foundations fund immediate needs and make long-term investments in communities where disaster strikes. Add a response about what you've done. This page also links to other COF resources, guidelilnes and more.

Philanthropic Grantmaking for Disasters (PDF)
Conrad N. Hilton Foundation
Thoughts on where disaster giving by foundations fits in the larger context of humanitarian assistance worldwide, lessons learned from experiences of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, and a suggested "Best Practice Checklist" for private foundations.

Planning Disaster: The Role of Philanthropy in Anticipating and Responding
The Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University
In October 2009, The Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University held a summit on how grantmakers can assist communities in planning effectively for and responding to disasters. Online resources from the conference can be accessed for free, including video interviews, research and session resources.

Disaster Relief Resources for Charities and Contributors
Internal Revenue Service
The IRS provides a number of resources to help those involved in providing disaster relief through charities.

A Decade of Disasters (PDF)
U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Business Civic Leadership Center
This report features best practices and lessons learned in disaster resiliency and recovery from leaders in the business, nonprofit, and government sectors.

After the Storm: Steps to Disaster Recovery
A PowerPoint from Lutheran Social Service's Nancy Beers on the use of long-term recovery committees and temporary disaster employees.

Individual Assistant Sequence of Delivery (PDF)
A Chart from FEMA demonstrating the sequence aid is delivered after a disaster.

Minnesota Disaster Recovery: A Collaborative Approach (PDF)
An overview of emergency management from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety's Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management

Using GiveMN.org for Disaster Response (PDF)
Four steps to effectively use a GiveMN.org page to raise funds to respond to disasters.

Responding When Disaster Occurs: Resources for Individual Donors

Tips For Safe Charitable Giving In Response To Disasters
The Charities Review Council offers tips on smart giving during disasters and how to exercise caution when responding to disaster-relief appeals.

Information on Past Disasters

• MCF's Philanthropy Potluck Blog: Disaster Category

Photo Credit Marion Doss