Council on Foundations Announces Partnership with Federal Emergency Management Agency

The Council on Foundations has announced a new partnership with FEMA that will allow for increased knowledge sharing around disaster response and relief, strengthening the ability of philanthropic organizations to assist in disaster situations.

Given the important role that philanthropic organizations and the federal government play in disaster situations, organizers believe this collaboration will allow for increased efficiency and coordination of disaster relief efforts, and further the mutual vision for stronger and more resilient community response.

Under a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding between the two organizations, FEMA and the Council will participate in events to share best practices, key learnings, and important data; help identify opportunities and barriers around creating effective relief efforts; and work to better coordinate those efforts.

“We’ve seen how powerful it can be when philanthropy and the government work together, and we’re excited to partner with FEMA to improve our efforts,” said Stephanie Powers, Council vice president of policy and partnerships. “We have seen too many communities struggle to rebuild after a hurricane or flood while organizations unknowingly duplicate efforts.  Through collaboration and consistent communications, we can best aid these communities during the ongoing recovery duration.”

Foundations have long offered support to organizations that work in all stages of post-disaster recovery, providing not just grants, but also leveraging expertise to improve the efforts on the ground. For years, the Council has served as a resource for philanthropic organizations during disasters as well as a liaison for its members to much-needed government resources. To learn more, click here.

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An active philanthropic network, the Council on Foundations (www.cof.org), founded in 1949, is a nonprofit leadership association of grantmaking foundations and corporations. It provides the opportunity, leadership, and tools needed by philanthropic organizations to expand, enhance and sustain their ability to advance the common good. With members from all foundation types and sizes, the Council empowers professionals in philanthropy to meet today’s toughest challenges and advances a culture of charitable giving in the U.S. and globally.