Update: The Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers hosted a conference call on the short-term and long-term needs following the Orlando shooting. Listen here
In the face of the horrific tragedy in Orlando this weekend, GCRI wanted to share a letter and resources from the President of the Florida Philanthropic Network, GCRI’s sister organization in Florida.
Dear Colleagues,
We are horrified and heartbroken over yesterday’s tragedy in Orlando. In the early morning hours, a gunman opened fire at a gay nightclub, leaving 50 individuals dead and more than 50 injured. Our hearts are with our fellow Floridians and the LGBTQ community, their families and friends reeling from this senseless act of terror and the tragic loss of innocent lives.
As flags fly at half-staff today, let us recognize that they still wave proudly and stand for peace, understanding and acceptance. The response from our brothers and sisters across Florida and the country has been remarkable. Residents have appeared in thousands to donate their time and blood to those in need, not only in Orlando but throughout the state. Our fellow regional associations and funders stand ready to offer assistance and support.
For some of us, it can feel overwhelming on where and how to lend a hand. Monetary donations are fast, flexible and effective ways to make a direct impact during Orlando’s time of need. You and your organization can be part of an effort to provide immediate and long-term assistance to the victims of tragedy, as well the broader community. As Florida nonprofits and philanthropic organizations address the short-term and long-term needs of the community, you can join them in the following ways:
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and City of Orlando have announced the formation of the OneOrlando Fund. The distribution of the funds will be administered by the Central Florida Foundation. The purpose of the Fund is to provide a way to help respond to the needs of our community, now and in the time to come, after the effects of the Pulse nightclub tragedy.
Central Florida Foundation announced this afternoon the creation of the Better Together Fund. The Better Together Fund provides a way to respond to the needs of Central Florida now and in the time ahead. This effort will take place through a transparent, accountable grant-making process addressing the following priorities:
- Nonprofits that are supporting the victims and families
- The LGBTQ, Hispanic, faith and other affected communities
- Underlying causes of this tragic event (not related to policy or advocacy)
- Other needs we cannot anticipate until we face them
Read letter from Central Florida Foundation President & CEO Mark Brewer.
FPN will release more details as they become available and you can monitor up-to-date developments at their website, http://cffound.org.
Our Fund Foundation, a community foundation whose mission is to support South Florida’s LGBTQ agencies, is collecting tax-deductible donations. 100% of the tax-deductible funds raised through Our Fund will be donated to the nonprofits in Orlando supporting survivors and victims’ families and friends and their efforts to restore peace, joy and wellness to Orlando’s LGBTQ community. To make a tax-deductible donation through Our Fund, visit https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/OurFund/Orlando.html
Governor Rick Scott announced the activation of the Florida Disaster Fund following yesterday’s terror attack in Orlando. The Florida Disaster Fund will help provide financial support to organizations that serve survivors, their families, and all those in need. To make a contribution, please visit http://www.FloridaDisasterFund.org.
- Pulse Victims Fund
Equality Florida is collecting contributions via a GoFundMe page to support every single victim of the Orlando shooting. This includes victims’ families, survivors, and those in the club who may not have suffered physical injury but in need of support. Equality Florida is working with the National Center for Victims of Crime (NCVC) to distribute the contributions via NCVC’s National Compassion Fund.
The City of Orlando is also coordinating volunteers and donations for those located in Central Florida. You can fill out an online form, and someone will contact you regarding services and donation needs.
As more information emerges, you can follow these Twitter accounts for ways to help:
Florida Philanthropic Network @flphilanthropy
Central Florida Foundation @cffound
Equality Florida @EqualityFL
Heart of Florida United Way @hfuw
City of Orlando @citybeautiful
Together we can support the victims and their families and loved ones while we continue working to build a better Florida – one fueled by respect and unity.
Thank you all for your thoughts, concerns and kind words,
Stacy Carlson, Ph.D.
President & CEO, Florida Philanthropic Network
Lessons From Roseburg: The Ford Family Foundation
The Ford Family Foundation in Roseburg, Oregon has been a key leader in the response to the mass shooting that took place in Roseburg on October 1, 2015, at the Umpqua Community College. Below are some resources from the foundation about what they’ve learned:
- How a Foundation Can Help: Unusual Circumstances Require an Unusual Philanthropic Response
- The First 72 Hours: Taking Action
In addition, another of GCRI’s sister organizations, Philanthropy New York, has assembled a list of resources related not just to Orlando, but gun violence as well:
Funder Networks Assembling Information and Resources to Respond:
Center for Disaster Philanthropy
Possibilities for Donors Looking to Make Contributions:
Funds for the Victims of the Orlando Shooting:
Equality Florida (Florida Philanthropic Network has referred people to the website of Equality Florida, the main LGBTQ rights organization in the state, where you can find information and updates on this horrific situation.) Equality Florida has said that “We are working with a team of attorneys and experts, including the National Center for Victims of Crime, which deployed funds in both Chattanooga and Aurora, to ensure funds are distributed correctly.”
The Center, an LGBT advocacy group that is providing a crisis hotline (407-227-1446) and grief counselors for people in the Orlando area, also set up a GoFundMe page
Muslims United for Victims of Pulse Shooting. American Muslim leaders called on members of their community who are fasting during the holy month of Ramadan to break their fast if needed in order to donate blood. And, Muslim community members in Florida have launched a fundrasing campaign to support the shooting victims and their families.
The Red Cross is also accepting donations toward the response in Orlando. Donate at 800-733-2767 or redcross.org.
Ending Gun Violence:
Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence
States United to Prevent Gun Violence
LGBT Community:
Stonewall Community Foundation
The New York City Anti-Violence Project, a New York City-based nonprofit working to address hate-violence in the LGBTQ community, offers a 24/7 bilingual hotline and devotes their resources to addressing hate violence in the queer community. Donate to its efforts here or reach the hotline at 212-714-1141.