The past few years have fundamentally changed how many of us live and engage with our communities. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, many individuals, nonprofits, governments, and corporations gave in radical ways and came together like never before to support one another. We should celebrate this.

However, systemic inequities—including in access to funding—continued throughout the pandemic and until today.

Recognizing this pattern is especially important as disasters increase in frequency and severity. Recovery from disasters, including pandemics, isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. It’s highly unequal, with the most vulnerable people and communities bearing the brunt of long-term consequences.

That means giving thoughtfully to communities most affected and under-resourced is a moral imperative for making the world a better place. As more resources reach these communities, more equitable recovery is possible.

The private sector is recognized in moments of crisis for its ability to quickly mobilize resources and strengthen emergency preparedness and recovery. Your company can play a critical role in tipping the scales and giving where others do not, bringing relief to communities forgotten in the headlines.

But the question is: Who and what is underfunded in crisis response and recovery? We hope this list serves as a helpful starting point and sparks new ideas for your future giving.

  • Humanitarian Crises
  • LGBTQIA+, BIPOC-Led, and Mutual Aid
  • Immigrant, Undocumented, and Refugee Led
  • Mental Health

When we measure the impact of disasters by their social and economic damage, rather than the emotional suffering they cause, ensuring funding for post-disaster mental health care becomes difficult. That is highly problematic for disaster-prone communities that may experience repeated trauma from recurring disasters and disproportionately impacted BIPOC individuals, children, rural societies, and other populations that have less access to resources and frequently live with pre-existing trauma due to systemic inequity. Regardless of size or type, disasters can have a traumatic impact on survivors. And that trauma requires greater attention through programming and funding.

Read the full article about neglected crises by Kyra Zimmerman at GlobalGiving.