Women’s Foundation of the South (WFS) knows that women of color are often expected to do more with less. This also rings true for our nonprofits led by women of color. According to a recent report from the Ms Foundation, philanthropic giving is approximately $5.48 for each woman or girl of color in the United States. However, for womxn and girls of color in the South, philanthropic giving is a mere $2.36, and half that amount for nonprofits led by Black womxn. Womxn of color always do the most with the least amount of philanthropic investment, and often they must tackle multiple hurdles to receive funding at all.

Some of these organizations are working to reopen, bring back staff, and stand back up to continue to provide essential services to communities across Southeast Louisiana that were devastated by Hurricane Ida. With the help of womxn across our region, WFS has compiled a list of vetted nonprofit organization led by womxn of color who are on the frontlines of Hurricane Ida response. Equitable disaster recovery must include a gender lens. When exploring avenues for giving in the aftermath of this catastrophic event, WFS encourages you to consider supporting the following vetted nonprofit organization with gifts of volunteer time, supplies, donations, and corporate sponsorships for supplies.

Birthmark Doula Collective & New Orleans Breastfeeding Center

A birth justice organization dedicated to supporting, informing, and advocating for pregnant and parenting people and their families in New Orleans. Birthmark Doula Collective recently merged with New Orleans Breastfeeding Center, sharing clinic space to provide infant feeding drop-in clinics, virtual, in-clinic and in-home lactation services, support groups as well as education programs.

In response to Hurricane Ida, Birthmark Doula established the Mutual Aid Fund for Black and Undocumented Pregnant and Postpartum Families. The Fund is providing mutual aid to Birthworkers and Birthing and Postpartum families impacted by the hurricane. Within hours of opening the application to non-clients, the Fund received nearly 100 applications. Birth Doula is a small organization and is working to continue fundraising efforts to reopen the mutual aid fund again soon.

Read the full article about equitable disaster recovery in Louisiana by the Women's Foundation of the South at Medium.