New Resource for Funders Concerned with Global Refugee Crisis

by Posted in Disaster Philanthropy, Resources

Funder Resource for Global Refugee Crisis

The Center for Disaster Philanthropy’s team of experts have developed a guide to provide funders with information on the complex humanitarian emergency of the global refugee crisis as well as offer ideas on how to effectively allocate philanthropic dollars.

With the critical humanitarian needs, unrelenting political turmoil, and civil conflicts that cause this flow of people changing daily, it’s a crisis that demands attention. To help funders get started, CDP created “5 Things Funders Can Do to Address the Global Refugee Crisis.”

Find out how others are addressing the crisis by

  • focusing on key areas of effective response;
  • supporting long-term solutions;
  • and, forming creative partnerships.

This guide is an example of how the Center for Disaster Philanthropy helps funders make thoughtful, effective investments to mitigate humanitarian crises.

Funder Resources to Respond to Hurricane Matthew

by Posted in Disaster Philanthropy, Events

Funder Resources to Respond to Hurricane Matthew

Center for Disaster Philanthropy Resources

Sample of Hurricane Matthew Relief and Recovery Funds

  1. The United Way of Northeast Florida, United Way of St. Johns County, The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, and the Jewish Federation of Jacksonville established the Florida’s First Coastal Relief Fund to help those affected by Hurricane Matthew in Northeast Florida. Every dollar donated up to $250,000 will be matched by the Jessie Ball duPont Fund.
  2. Global Giving has launched a fund that will assist its vetted, locally driven nonprofit partners on the ground in Haiti and across the Caribbean.
  3. The Haiti Development Institute is a newly established organization born from The Haiti Fund at the Boston Foundation. The Haiti Fund was created in the wake of the January 2010 earthquake in Haiti. The five-year fund was created to provide long-term relief and reconstruction support to communities in Haiti and Haitian-Americans in the greater Boston area. Now, the Haiti Development Institute will leverage the depth and breathe of its work over the past five years to promote sustainable and equitable development in Haiti.
  4. The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington has set up a Hurricane Matthew Relief Fund to provide immediate support for the most critical and urgent needs identified in places like Haiti, throughout the Caribbean and the southeastern United States.
  5. North Carolina Community Foundation has re-activated its statewide Disaster Relief Fund to support relief efforts related to Hurricane Matthew in North Carolina. The fund will support nonprofits with programs that help hurricane victims included in the 31 counties that have been designated a federal state of emergency.

Continued Support for West Virginia Flood Recovery

by Posted in Disaster Philanthropy, Events, Uncategorized

Continued Support for West Virginia Flood Recovery

Communities that are affected by disasters receive extensive support to deal with the immediate aftermath of the tragedy — governmental and private resources flow in as the news coverage highlights the community need.  Unfortunately, when the news cameras leave, the attention, as well as the resources often dry up, even as complex and expensive needs remain.  Through our partnership with affiliate regional associations, GCRI provides information rovide information about needs and resources for areas affected by disasters, but please also visit the Center for Disaster Philanthropy’s website for additional information.  It is a hub of information and resources, as well as updates on its blog.

Two recent blog posts from the Center for Disaster Philanthropy provide updates on the needs in West Virginia:

 Don’t Forget WV: An Opportunity for Resilient Investments 

From Tragedy to Triumph: WV’s Flood Recovery Continues

Also, Philanthropy West Virginia continues to host a weekly Friday conference call (noon-1pm) to keep the philanthropic sector aware of developments and work underway for rebuilding. This Friday, August 12’s call will feature West Virginia Cabinet Secretary for Commerce J. Keith Burdette, who was appointed by Governor Tomblin as the State Disaster Recovery Officer, along with updates from local community leaders.  As the recovery plans come together, greater investments are needed now to make things a reality.  You can RSVP to be included on these calls by emailing info@philanthropywv.org

As long-term investments are needed for the rebuilding and recovery, Philanthropy West Virginia has set up a listserve for all those wanting to be updated weekly on Flood Recovery Needs.  Sign up by emailing info@philanthropywv.org or by calling 304.517.1450.

Responding to West Virginia Floods

by Posted in Disaster Philanthropy, Uncategorized

Responding to West Virginia Floods

West Virginia is struggling to cope with the “once in 1,000 years” storm that caused flooding in which 23 lives and more than 500 homes were lost.   As you can imagine, immediate clean up and recovery are the focus now, but they are also beginning to assess needs for the region’s long term recovery.

Philanthropy West Virginia, GCRI’s sister organization, is organizing support for the long term recovery of the region. Both Nicholas and Greenbrier counties are plentiful in donations of supplies, but need monetary donations, particularly as they look towards long-term recovery.  

Complete information on recovery efforts and needs

Link to conference call on recovery efforts and funding needs

  • If you have any questions, needs, or resources to share, please contact Philanthropy West Virginia at 304.517.1450.

 

 

Responding to the Tragedy in Orlando

by Posted in Disaster Philanthropy, Resources, Uncategorized

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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:

OneOrlando Fund

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

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:

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:

Funders for LGBTQ Issues

Center for Disaster Philanthropy

Florida Philanthropic Network

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:

Everytown for Gun Safety

Coalition to End 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.