Giving Compass' Take:

• The Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP) addresses the flooding that has occurred in the U.S. in 2019 and highlights ways that donors can support affected communities.

• How does disaster relief and recovery fit into your giving strategy? Have you shifted to the long-view as suggested by CDP? 

• Read more about the risks of extreme weather occurrences, such as flooding and extreme heat. 

Floods are a slow, and sometimes predictable, disaster. This means that communities will often know ahead of time that they are going to be hit, especially those on major rivers that have flooded further upstream. But significant rainfall – especially rain bands setting up over a specific area – can upset even the best laid plans.

Whether nationally or internationally, funders should seek out the organizations with long-standing relationships in place, in addition to those who understand unique cultural, geographical, and operational differences.

CDP has also created a list of suggestions for foundations to consider related to disaster giving. These include:

  • Take the long view: Even while focusing on immediate needs, remember that it will take some time for the full range of needs to emerge.
  • Recognize there are places private philanthropy can help that government agencies might not: Private funders have opportunities to develop innovative solutions to help prevent or mitigate future disasters that the government cannot execute.
  • All funders are disaster philanthropists: Even if your organization does not work in a particular geographic area or fund immediate relief efforts, you can look for ways to tie disaster funding into your existing mission.
  • Ask the experts: If you are considering supporting an organization that is positioned to work in an affected area, do some research.

Read the full article about philanthropy for flooding at Center for Disaster Philanthropy.