Disaster Philanthropy News
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Appalachia Funders Network Aims to Make Climate Disaster Giving Easier
With a new tool, the network is hoping to guide funders to where their dollars can do the most as the region recovers from Hurricane Helene and prepares for future disasters.
20 Years After Katrina, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation Is Still All-In on New Orleans and Mississippi
The foundation’s Rhea Williams-Bishop discusses how grassroots organizations have rebuilt health, education and food systems with an eye toward structural equality.
Here Are Some of the Funders Stepping Up Amid Texas’ Devastating Floods
Disaster relief commitments have been incoming from a range of donors and organizations, including private foundations, billionaires, corporations, sports franchises and smaller donors via GoFundMe.
Donor Support Is Urgently Needed in the Occupied Palestinian Territories
The loss of USAID funding is making things even harder for NGOs operating in Gaza and the West Bank, Jo-Ann Mort writes. But that doesn’t mean philanthropy can’t make a difference.
A Defining Moment: Will Philanthropy Stand Strong for Girls Around the World?
Shanna Marzilli, president and CEO of Plan International USA, calls on funders to step up for girls as aid support is frozen by the Trump administration.
Disaster Philanthropy in the Age of Climate Crisis
Hurricanes Helene and Milton were only two of 87 major disasters declared so far in 2024. Philanthropy needs to step up.
43.4 Million and Rising: Five U.S.-Based Funders Supporting Refugees
The global refugee population reached 43.4 million at the end of 2023, and is only set to rise. Here are some key grantmakers based in the U.S. funding efforts to help them.
When Vulnerabilities and Disparities Turn Weather into Disasters, What’s Philanthropy’s Role?
Guest author Tiffany Benjamin argues that disasters aren’t just “natural,” and that funders must proactively address underlying disparities to limit the damage weather hazards can do.
The WHO Foundation: Applying a “Start-up Mentality” to the Challenges of Global Health
Founded amid the pandemic, the World Health Organization’s foundation channels philanthropic cash to rapid responses, several medium-term priorities, and bigger bets. We connected with CEO Anil Soni to learn more.
A Global Relief Organization Keeps the Spigot Open for Community Healthcare Providers Closer to Home
Direct Relief is known for its global work, but it’s also backing safety net health providers in the U.S. through its Fund for Health Equity, channeling donations from MacKenzie Scott and several pharma philanthropies.
How Grassroots International Is Funding in Gaza and Haiti Amid Devastating Violence
Grassroots International backs global movements for justice, with two of its longest-running programs in Palestine and Haiti. Organization leaders discuss the situations on the ground in both places and how funders can respond.
Post-Disaster Legal Aid Funding Fills a Growing Need — And Could Help Shore Up Democracy
Increasing demand for legal aid in the wake of disasters casts light on a system that’s failing large numbers of Americans. Funders looking to restore trust in government institutions and democracy may want to take note.
With $500 Million Committed So Far, Howard Buffett Stays the Course in Ukraine
When we last spoke with the mega-donor, his foundation had moved nearly $150 million to the Ukraine recovery effort. He’s now committed more than a half-billion, demonstrating a unique level of commitment and flexibility.
Cities Don’t Get Much Support for Migrant and Refugee Aid. This Global Fund Aims to Change That
Most migrants and refugees end up in cities, which seldom have the resources to support them. The Global Cities Fund is helping municipalities respond with the aim of opening up larger funding avenues.
Five Things to Know About Unbound Philanthropy’s Funding for Immigrants and Refugees
Dedicated to building welcoming societies and just systems for people on the move, Unbound Philanthropy funds in both the U.S. and the U.K. These days, it’s seeking to shine a light on solutions around climate-driven migration.
This Year at the UNGA, Philanthropies Unite Behind Democracy and Locally Led Development
Reflecting sector-wide trends, philanthropies threw their weight behind two collaborative global development efforts, seeking to bolster citizen engagement and shift power to those close to the ground.
K-Giving: How South Korea Went from Aid Recipient to Philanthropic Force
South Korea has experienced a remarkable surge in wealth, and with it, a surge in giving. Reporting from Seoul, Wendy Paris unpacks the country’s growing philanthropy, driven by tech wealth, pop stars and a history of generosity.
With a Big Grant in Uganda, the Hilton Foundation’s Commitment to Refugees Is Growing
The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation has grown significantly in the past few years, including an expanding program dedicated to helping global refugees. Here’s a closer look at a key grant in Africa.
Can Philanthropy Curb the Growing Threat of Wildfire? West Coast Funders Are Giving It a Shot
For a century, communities in the Western U.S. have worked hard to prevent and extinguish wildfires. But residents may have to learn to get along with a certain amount of fire. A few funders are navigating this tricky territory.
A Top Science Funder Wants to Keep Ukraine’s Scientists at the Blackboard
The war in Ukraine offers scope for funders to draw on their strengths to assist the embattled nation. For the Simons Foundation, that means helping Ukraine’s physicists, biologists and other scientists continue their work.
MacKenzie Scott’s Far-Reaching Giving Continues to Grow. What Impact Is She Having?
Another update from America’s most exciting mega-donor shows an ever-evolving set of focus areas, which now include charter schools and lots of global giving. One question we still have: How does it all fit together?
How Funders Can Better Support Puerto Rico After Hurricanes
Puerto Rico is reeling from Hurricane Fiona, and too often ignored by U.S. foundations until there’s a disaster. Guest authors from the Puerto Rico Women’s Foundation and the Women’s Funding Network offer a better way.
Responding to Displacement from Ukraine: Reflections on Funding in an Emergency
In this guest piece, Milica Petrovic of the European Programme for Integration and Migration discusses what philanthropy should keep in mind about emergency funding, drawing on lessons learned since Russia’s invasion.
A Fund’s Unique Mission Helps Refugees and Immigrants Chart a Better Path to the Future
The WES Mariam Assefa Fund supports efforts in the U.S. and Canada to give immigrants and refugees a leg up — and a decent paycheck.
Charities Aiding Immigrants and Refugees Fare Better When They Raise Money from Private Sources
Ongoing crises and political developments have challenged nonprofits serving immigrants and refugees, but sometimes also pose fundraising opportunities. Unsurprisingly, well-established operations tend to have a leg up.
This U.N.-Created Fund Is Moving $1 Billion and Counting for Education During Times of Crisis
Education Cannot Wait is a U.N.-created fund with a mission to support children’s learning during times of crisis. Director Yasmin Sharif details how the organization works, and its plans for future philanthropic fundraising.
The Refugees Needed Toilets “More Than One Can Imagine.” A Donor Stepped Up
To mark World Refugee Day, we look at how a nimble philanthropist swung into action to meet the sanitation needs of a group of severely disabled refugees who heroically escaped from war-torn Ukraine and found shelter in Poland.
With Millions Displaced, Who’s Helping Ukraine’s Refugees?
An initial wave of support for Ukraine focused largely on humanitarian aid. With the war entering its third month, organizations are channeling funds to help more than 5 million who have fled the country.
Success Is Bittersweet as Global Humanitarian Relief Charities Rake in Record Fundraising
A raft of national and global crises have led to surges in giving to humanitarian relief organizations. We spoke to fundraisers at four charities about how they’re navigating an evolving landscape.
MacKenzie Scott’s Green Giving Expands, Sending Millions to the Front Lines of Climate Change
MacKenzie Scott’s latest round of grants gave unprecedented, unrestricted resources to regranters working with marginalized communities confronting climate change globally. “It’s seismic,” said one grantee.
