Philanthropy's Response to 2020 Hurricane Laura

OVERVIEW

Communities across the Caribbean are reeling from Atlantic Tropical Storm Laura, which caused loss of life in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Laura strengthened into a Hurricane as it is forecasted to strike the upper Texas and Louisiana coasts. This is particularly devastating for the country that continues to adapt to the challenges confronted with the impact of COVID-19, hampering emergency response activity, safety shelters, and an already strained public health system due to the virus.

As updates about the impact of this disaster is known as well as the opportunity to support long-term recovery in affected communities becomes available, this page will be regularly updated with more resources and information surrounding response and recovery.

RESOURCES

• Webinars: The Council remains in partnership with the Center for Disaster Philanthropy and as funding needs become more clear we will provide more information on virtual learning opportunities. In April, we hosted a joint webinar: Listening and Learning from Nonprofit Partners During Disasters. This discussion provides insight as to how funders can provide support during a disaster.
• Council Disaster Grantmaking: Foundations can access our Disaster Grantmaking Resources to understand how to effectively respond to a disaster.

RESPONSE FUNDS

As various local, state and regional and philanthropic institutions establish response funds for disaster recovery, we will keep this information up to date.

• Baton Rouge Area Foundation
• Community Foundation of Southwest Louisiana - Lake Charles, LA and nearby parishes
• Global Giving's Hurricane Laura Relief Fund
• Greater New Orleans Foundation
• The Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi - Mississippi Delta area

PARTNERS

• The Center for Disaster Philanthropy is the Council's recommended partner for those needing support in mobilizing a philanthropic response to disasters. For more information, see their 2020 Hurricane Season page.
• FEMA is a critical federal partner of the Council that often relies on community foundations and place-based funders before, during, and after a disaster hits. Visit FEMA’s Tropical Storm Laura page for additional news and information. The Council's Senior Advisor for Public Policy and Partnerships, Stephanie Powers, remains a vital resource and connection between communities and FEMA.