Louisiana Floods: How Can Funders Help?

Hit by one of the largest U.S. disasters since Hurricane Sandy, residents and communities in the State of Louisiana are experiencing historic flooding and need your help. Several deaths have been attributed to the flooding, tens of thousands of people have been evacuated, and thousands are currently in shelters. Federal and state government aid won’t be enough; our charitable contributions are critical to helping thousands of families and individuals recover and rebuild. 

The Council on Foundations and the Center for Disaster Philanthropy co-hosted a webinar for funders to discuss how to address recovery needs from the devastating Gulf Coast flooding.

CDP President and CEO Robert G. Ottenhoff moderated a discussion that included opening remarks from Council on Foundation's Knowledge Center Manager Stacie Freasier and the following panelists: 

• Lori J. Bertman, Center for Disaster Philanthropy Board Chair and President, and CEO of the Pennington Family Foundation 
• Denise Morgan Gilliam, Philanthropic Advisor, Voluntary Agency Coordination Section, FEMA Individual Assistance Division 
• Jessica Vermilyea, State Director, Lutheran Social Services Disaster Response 

While the flooding in Louisiana and the numbers of affected individuals and communities will continue to change over the coming days and weeks, we know that non-governmental organizations working to answer the call will require tremendous additional support to work in disaster-affected communities. 

By acting collectively, together we can have a far greater impact on Louisiana’s recovery.