In a recent episode of The Guide to Good Series, Brandolon Barnett, Head of Innovation and Philanthropy at Giving Compass, sat down with Patty McIlreavy, President and CEO of the Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP). The conversation offered an expansive view of disaster philanthropy — one that moves beyond immediate relief and asks donors to think long-term, support community-led solutions, and reflect on their own giving mindset.

Here are three powerful lessons from the conversation.

1. Every Donor is a Disaster Donor

Disasters impact more than just infrastructure. They expose vulnerabilities in every part of society, including education, healthcare, racial equity, and economic systems. McIlreavy explains that disaster philanthropy isn’t only about hurricanes or wildfires; it’s about addressing the systemic vulnerabilities that disasters reveal and exacerbate.

“If you're actually investing in education, if you're investing in social justice, if you're investing in economic recovery… you're a disaster funder,” she said. “And I don't mind if you call yourself that. I thank you for doing it.”

For donors whose giving already focuses on community well-being, disaster philanthropy may already be part of your work, you just might not be calling it that.

2. Disaster Recovery Requires More Than Emergency Relief

McIlreavy emphasized that the common approach of “truck and chuck” giving — focusing solely on immediate supplies and services — often falls short of addressing long-term recovery needs. The path to recovery is complex and deeply tied to local vulnerabilities, which differ by community and even by geography.

“Plastic sheeting, warm meals, those only go so far,” she said. She explained that recovery could include small business loans, replacement of roofs, or investments in infrastructure.  

She cited the Truist Foundation’s $21 million commitment to recovery in Western North Carolina as a leading example of philanthropy investing in the long-term resilience of a community. This kind of sustained, community-led support helps move recovery efforts from surviving to thriving.

3. Disaster Philanthropy Starts with Listening

Philanthropy can’t fill every gap left by government funding, and McIlreavy is candid about that: “There is never enough money to do all that is needed. And so you have to make some hard decisions.” But donors can help build local capacity before the next disaster strikes.

That means supporting preparedness efforts—an area often overlooked because its impact is harder to quantify. “It’s very hard to get funding for preparedness because it’s really hard to put your name against something that didn’t happen,” she explained.

But just as important as the funding is the mindset behind it. McIlreavy challenges donors to reflect on their own motivations: “Do I believe I know more than those who happen to live in a place where they were hit by an event?” She urges donors to recognize and resist centering themselves in the narrative of disaster giving, and instead to follow the lead of communities themselves.

A Mindset Shift That Benefits Everyone

Supporting people affected by disaster requires more than generosity—it demands humility, foresight, and a willingness to embrace complexity. As McIlreavy puts it: “We are part of it. We are not it.” Donors don’t need all the answers, but they do need to listen, trust, and act with communities in mind.

Listen to the full episode of The Guide to Good Series for more insights from Patty McIlreavy on how donors can help communities not just recover, but lead their own way forward.

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