Disaster Grantmaking
Indicates Members-Only Content
Philanthropy's Response to the 2026 Earthquake in Colombia
OverviewA powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on August 10, 2026 causing widespread destruction across critical infrastructure. The earthquake killed over 200 people, with 4,000 missing and nearly 2,000 injured. Recovery efforts from complex humanitarian emergencies will be…
Philanthropy's Response to 2026 Washington Wildfires
OverviewWildfires forced the evacuation of more than 60,000 people within the city limits of Spokane, WA. The fire is the largest of 15 burning across the state, destroying more than 700 buildings and over 7,000 acres. It is considered the worst disaster in Spokane's history.As updates about the…
Disaster Communications Quick Start Kit
Toolkit
This guide was prepared for the Council on Foundations by ECPR Texas, as part of Communicating Around Disaster: A Crisis Communications Workshop. Download this guide as a PDF.Jump to section:Before a DisasterDuring a DisasterAfter the Immediate ResponseFive Communication PrinciplesPre-Crisis…
Communicating Around Disaster: A Crisis Communications Workshop
Recording
Our facilitators draw on real experience — including the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country’s response to the July 2025 Kerr County floods, along with lessons from Uvalde, Texas, the Maine and California wildfires, and the Baltimore Key bridge collapse.Facilitators walk through a…
Philanthropy's Response to the 2026 Earthquakes in Venezuela
OverviewTwo cataclysmic earthquakes hit northern Venezuela on June 24, 2026 - the first 7.2 magnitude earthquake hit San Felipe and the second 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck just three miles north in Yumare. The death toll has risen to over 900 people and nearly 3,000 people injured. These…
Our facilitators draw on real experience — including the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country’s response to the July 2025 Kerr County floods, along with lessons from Uvalde, Texas, the Maine and California wildfires, and the Baltimore Key bridge collapse.Facilitators walk through a…
This workshop draws on real experiences from:July 2025 Kerr County floodsUvalde school shootingMaine and California wildfiresBaltimore bridge collapseFacilitators will walk through a practical framework for building public understanding before a crisis, managing communications in the moment,…
Legal Compliance Guidance
When disaster strikes a community, disaster relief funds administered through community foundations offer an efficient way to quickly get aid to those who need it. But it’s important to understand how the Internal Revenue Code requires these charitable funds be used, which can vary depending on the…
Legal Compliance Guidance
When disaster strikes and employees are affected, employers may provide financial assistance to their employees through corporate foundations and employer-sponsored funds at community foundations. The legal framework governing employee hardship assistance programs can vary, though, depending on the…
As is the case with most military conflicts, humanitarian needs will inevitably escalate in the region. For those interested in providing aid or support to people affected by the war, this page offers legal guidance, background information, and suggested funding avenues.This page will be updated as…
Publication, Research
In September 2023, a group of 15 foundations joined 20 bilateral donors in signing a Donor Statement committing to advancing locally led development. After recent global shifts in foreign assistance and the dismantling of USAID, the Council on Foundations wanted to understand how philanthropy has…
Overview
Extreme rainfall in central Texas led to unprecedented, catastrophic flooding. At least 120 people have died and rescuers are still working to find dozens of missing people. Flash flood warnings are still in effect for parts of central Texas and a Major Disaster Declaration has been…
Overview
A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar and Thailand. The earthquake is the most powerful to strike Myanmar in over a century, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Entire buildings have collapsed in Bangkok and Mandalay, causing thousands of people to be…
Publication, Toolkit
Navigating Disasters and Crises: A Practitioner Playbook for Corporate Responsibility and Philanthropy is a free resource designed to guide corporate leaders through navigating disasters and crises at a time when disaster response has grown more comprehensive and complex. It provides a new…
Overview
Wildfires in the greater Los Angeles area have forced nearly 180,000 people out of their homes and have left over 350,000 people without power. At least five fires have burned over 60 square miles causing it to be the most destructive fire in L.A. history. Both a state of emergency…
Overview
Throughout the United States, severe weather events are expected throughout the year. However, unusually warm temperatures have caused increased storm systems, often resulting in catastrophic severe weather events. As various local, state, and regional community foundations and…