Disaster Grantmaking

Disaster Relief: A Practical Guide for Foundations and Corporations

council-webteam — Tue, 25 Nov 2014 03:56:55 +0000

Disaster Relief: A Practical Guide for Foundations and Corporations council-webteam Mon, 11/24/2014 - 22:56

Disaster Relief: A Practical Guide for Foundations and Corporations

Moved by widely publicized human suffering and increased disaster aid requests, foundations and corporations are becoming more active in the disaster relief field. Grantmakers have a distinct role to play in disasters because of their ongoing relations with grantees, long-term perspective, flexibility, and convening capacity. Lacking the sizable emergency relief resources of governments and some well-known nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), foundations and corporate grantmakers nevertheless can make a significant contribution — for instance, by filling critical gaps in underfunded areas like disaster rehabilitation, prevention, research, and education.

Based on lessons learned from a year-long joint study of the European Foundation Centre and the Council on Foundations, we concluded that grantmakers can be more effective and strategic in addressing disasters by following eight principles:

First, do no harm.
Not all disaster assistance is beneficial. Inappropriate items can overwhelm limited transportation, storage, and distribution capacities, thereby delaying the delivery of assistance that is desperately needed. Aim to ensure that your grant contributes to the solution and not to the problem.
Stop, look, and listen before taking action.
Information is the key to good disaster grantmaking. Every disaster has unique characteristics. Take the time to learn about the specifics of a disaster before deciding how to respond.
Don't act in isolation.
Coordination among disaster grantmakers, among NGOs operating on the ground, and between these two groups can reduce duplication of effort, make efficient use of resources, and ensure that the highest-priority needs are addressed first. Grantmakers can participate in various standing and ad hoc fora - both real and virtual - where needs are discussed, information is exchanged, and assistance is coordinated.
Think beyond the immediate crisis to the long term.
The emergency phase of a disaster attracts most of the attention and resources. Grantmakers can play a very useful role before the crisis by supporting disaster prevention and preparedness activities and afterward by filling gaps between emergency relief and long-term development programs.
Bear in mind the expertise of local organizations.
Community-based organizations and NGOs with a local presence are the first on the scene when disasters occur. They know best what assistance is needed and they understand the complex political, social, and cultural context of a disaster. However, these organizations are often hampered by the lack of resources and organizational capacity to carry out their important role. Working with and/or supporting these organizations can prove mutually beneficial.
Find out how prospective grantees operate.
Organizations that work on disasters vary greatly in their approaches and overall philosophies. Some specialize only in emergency relief, while others have a long-term development orientation. Some support the work of local organizations, while others do not. It is wise to know what approach you are supporting before making a grant.
Be accountable to those you are trying to help.
Grantmakers should be accountable not only to their donors, boards, and shareholders, but also to the people they seek to assist. Grantmakers need to go beyond merely determining how their grant was spent to engage their grantees in a process that assesses social impact.
Communicate your work and use it as an educational tool.
Highlighting examples of good disaster grantmaking is an excellent way for grantmakers to educate both internal and external audiences about the disaster process. It is useful to build a knowledge base, capture lessons learned, and share your experience with boards, staff, employees, other grantmakers, the media, community groups, public officials, and international organizations.

A number of practical suggestions for good disaster grantmaking flow from these principles and are highlighted in this guide.

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Disaster Relief: A Practical Guide for Foundations and Corporations

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FAQ: Disaster Grantmaking for Corporate Grantmakers

council-webteam — Sun, 10 Nov 2013 03:24:39 +0000

FAQ: Disaster Grantmaking for Corporate Grantmakers council-webteam Sat, 11/09/2013 - 22:24

FAQ: Disaster Grantmaking for Corporate Grantmakers

In the aftermath of a natural disaster, corporate grantmakers often wish to address the needs of employees and the community at large. Grantmakers must understand the legal rules that govern disaster grantmaking. Below are the answers to many common questions on providing disaster relief.

Although this information provides the legal context for corporate grantmakers' response to disasters, corporations and their foundations should always review their particular approach with knowledgeable legal counsel.

Why is the qualified disaster designation important?

Legislation passed after September 11, 2001 (the Victims of Terrorism Tax Relief Act of 2001) defined qualified disasters and made it easier for corporations and corporate grantmakers to provide assistance in such situations. First, the legislation provided that qualified disaster relief payments (defined below) do not count as wages or other income and recipients do not have to pay income taxes on them.

Second, the act's legislative history directed the IRS to issue new guidance permitting company foundations to provide disaster relief to company employees, as long as certain safeguards are in place. IRS Publication 3833 includes the IRS response: As long as the disaster is a qualified disaster and specified criteria are met, a company foundation may offer disaster relief to employees. (Private company foundations may not assist company employees in a disaster that does not meet the definition of a qualified disaster, however, as the IRS reasons that such assistance is serving the business purpose of the corporation and therefore is not charitable.)

What is a qualified disaster?

A qualified disaster is: (1) a disaster that results from a terrorist or military action (2) a presidentially declared disaster (3) a disaster resulting from an accident involving a common carrier (4) a disaster caused by any other event determined by the secretary of the treasury to be of a catastrophic nature. For example, Hurricane Katrina was declared a qualified disaster.

How do I know if a disaster is a “qualified disaster?”

For domestic disasters, grantmakers should check the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) website at www.fema.gov. FEMA does not indicate whether a disaster is “qualified” but does indicate whether a domestic disaster is a presidentially declared disaster. If this occurs, the disaster is considered “qualified.” For disasters outside the U.S., the Secretary of the Treasury will determine whether to make the qualified disaster designation. This information can typically be found on the IRS website at www.irs.gov, but there can be considerable delay before a declaration is announced. The Council will also update its website with whether or not a disaster is qualified, as that information becomes available.

What is a qualified disaster relief payment?

Qualified disaster relief payments include payments or reimbursements attributable to a qualified disaster for reasonable and necessary personal, family, living or funeral expenses and reasonable and necessary expenses incurred for the repair or rehabilitation of a personal residence or the repair or replacement of its contents.

How can we assist affected employees?

Direct corporate giving. The easiest way for companies to assist employees affected by a qualified disaster is usually through direct company support. A program that uses corporate resources is not required to meet the special conditions that the company foundation must follow. Whether provided by the company or the foundation, qualified disaster relief payments are not taxable income to employees.

Company-sponsored private foundation. In the event of a qualified disaster, a company-sponsored private foundation may make disaster relief distributions to employees and their families as long as the following requirements are met (comments on the rules are in italics):

The class of beneficiaries must be large or indefinite.

There is little conclusive guidance from the IRS as to how big a group must be to be deemed "large." A few affected employees would not be a charitable class, while a number in the hundreds probably would be. Private foundations can avoid uncertainty by creating programs that provide assistance not just to employees who are victims of Hurricane Katrina, but also to those who suffer losses in subsequent qualified disasters. Opening the program to future victims should satisfy the charitable class requirement because the class of beneficiaries is indefinite.

Recipients must be selected based on an objective determination of need.

The process for determining need may vary depending upon the circumstances. Immediate needs for shelter and food, for example, may be met without a determination of financial need. Longterm assistance, such as financial assistance to pay for housing for a period of months, would require the foundation to determine the financial need of the individual.

The foundation should maintain documentation that demonstrates individuals' needs. This documentation should include:

(1) A complete description of the assistance

(2) The purpose for which aid was provided

(3) The objective criteria the foundation used to provide assistance

(4) The name and address of each recipient and the amount distributed to him or her

(5) Any relationship between the recipient and officers, directors and key employees of the foundation or its substantial contributor (the company).

The recipients must be selected by an independent selection committee (or by other substitute procedures that ensure that any benefit to the employer is incidental and tenuous).

A committee is considered independent if a majority of the members of the committee are not in a position to exercise substantial influence over the employer. Members of the board of directors, the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer are examples of individuals typically in a position of substantial influence.

If a private foundation follows those requirements, the IRS will presume that any distribution is consistent with the foundation's charitable purpose and the payment will not be taxable wages for the employee. Also, any distribution to employees?other than individuals who are directors, officers or trustees of the foundation or members of the selection committee?will be presumed not to violate the prohibition against self-dealing. (The self-dealing rules prohibit private foundations, including company foundations, from entering into a range of financial transactions with disqualified persons. Disqualified persons include substantial contributors to the foundation, as well as foundation directors and officers.)

Note that if a private foundation chooses to provide scholarships to assist in the aftermath of a disaster, the foundation still must obtain advance approval of the grantmaking procedures and either follow the requirements for employer-related scholarships and education loans or be able to demonstrate that the scholarships for those affected by the qualified disaster are neither compensatory nor self-dealing. Grants to Individuals by Private Foundations contains more information about the requirements for scholarships.

Public charity. A public charity, whether sponsored by the corporation or completely independent, such as a community foundation, may also make payments for disaster relief. The guidelines outlined above for company-sponsored private foundations should be closely adhered to in order to ensure that the grants are made for charitable purposes.

How can we help the affected communities at large?

Direct corporate giving. The rules for the deductibility of company contributions of products and cash are unchanged by the qualified disaster determination. Contributions of products and grants provided to charities and government bodies for the purpose of disaster relief will be deductible.

Note that contributions of inventory?property held for sale to customers?made to charities for the care of the ill, needy or infants generally qualify for greater deductibility than contributions of inventory for other purposes. Typically, companies may receive a charitable deduction of no more than the cost basis of inventory. However, companies donating inventory for the care of the ill, needy or infants may receive a charitable deduction for no more than twice the cost basis of the property. The term "needy" is defined to include a person who lacks the necessities of life as a result of temporary distress and includes victims of a natural disaster. Companies should consult with their advisors to determine the amount of any deduction for contributions of inventory.

Grants to non-charities, such as a chamber of commerce or an individual, will not be deductible as a charitable contribution by a corporation.

Corporate-sponsored private foundations and public charities. Aside from the differences in grantmaking to employees, there are no special rules for contributions by private foundations and public charities in the event of a qualified disaster. Most relief work is being conducted by public charities and governmental entities. However, a chamber of commerce or other non-charity may be facilitating the support of evacuees in some communities. When making grants to non-charities, private foundations must exercise expenditure responsibility to ensure that the grants are used for charitable purposes. Included in the requirements of expenditure responsibility are the use of a written grant agreement and receipt of follow-up reports from the grantee on the use of the money. Most payments for disaster relief presumably will be charitable, but private foundations must ensure that they follow the rules of expenditure responsibility to avoid incurring an excise tax. Public charities have more flexibility in making grants to non-charities, but still need to ensure that any grant is used for charitable purposes.

Our employees want to assist affected coworkers, how can we facilitate and/or encourage this giving?

While corporations may set up bank accounts to collect contributions for coworkers affected by a disaster, payments to such a bank account would not be charitable and, thus, the donor would receive no charitable deduction. However, employees may contribute to a disaster relief fund at a company-sponsored private foundation or public charity and receive a deduction.

Company-sponsored private foundations that typically only receive contributions from the corporation should be particularly aware of the substantiation rules. Generally, donors will need receipts for contributions over $250 so that they may claim a charitable deduction. See the IRS publication Charitable Contributions?Substantiation and Disclosure Requirements (www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p1771.pdf) for more information.

Company foundations should also take into account state charitable solicitation laws and consider whether they must register in states with such laws before accepting employee donations. Even if gifts from employees would permit the private foundation to be classed as a public charity, this would not happen unless the foundation applies to the IRS for reclassification.

Many corporations are mobilizing their matching gift programs through their direct giving program or foundation to encourage employee giving. These programs frequently match gifts either to a particular charity chosen by the corporation?such as the American Red Cross?or to charities of the employees' choice that are providing disaster relief.

What are some additional resources for more information?

IRS Publication 3833: Disaster Relief: Providing Assistance through Charitable Organizations (www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p3833.pdf)

Disaster Relief? Current Developments, IRS FY 2003 Continuing Professional Education material (www.irs.gov/pub/irs-tege/eotopicm03.pdf)

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Disaster Grantmaking

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Philanthropy's Response to the Haiti Humanitarian Crisis

jessica.chaparro@cof.org — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 17:54:24 +0000

Philanthropy's Response to the Haiti Humanitarian Crisis jessica.chapar… Fri, 04/05/2024 - 13:54

News

Philanthropy's Response to the Haiti Humanitarian Crisis

Friday, April 5, 2024

Resources to Guide Philanthropic Response

Overview

Violence by groups armed with mostly American firearms has intensified in Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince, resulting in the internal displacement of 362,00 people, with nearly 50,000 people displaced since the beginning of the year. Due to the level of violence and insecurity, reduced access to aid is exasperating an already compromised humanitarian space.

The ongoing hunger crisis has since heightened due to the escalated armed gang violence, inflation, and the lingering impacts of the August 2021 earthquake leaving nearly 1.4 million Haitians close to famine. This number is projected to increase to over 4 million by June 2024.

This page will continue to be developed as additional information becomes available.

Resources

Haiti Development Institute | Haiti Is Not Port-au-Prince
Council on Foundations | Disaster Grantmaking and Global Grantmaking Resources

Response Funds

Center for Disaster Philanthropy | Haiti Humanitarian Crisis
Charities Aid Foundation America | Humanitarian Crisis in Haiti
GlobalGiving | Haiti Crisis Relief Fund

Partner

The Center for Disaster Philanthropy is the Council's recommended partner for those needing support in mobilizing a philanthropic response to disasters.

Disaster Grantmaking

Global Philanthropy Updates

International Giving

Questions?

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Philanthropy's Response to the Taiwan Eathquake

jessica.chaparro@cof.org — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 17:17:59 +0000

Philanthropy's Response to the Taiwan Eathquake jessica.chapar… Fri, 04/05/2024 - 13:17

News

Philanthropy's Response to the Taiwan Eathquake

Friday, April 5, 2024

Resources to Guide Philanthropic Response

Overview

A 7.4 magnitude earthquake hit Taiwan causing massive landslides and destroying buildings and roads, causing at least 10 deaths. Despite being the most powerful earthquake in over 25 years, Taiwan's preventative measures and earthquake preparedness helped avoid mass casualties and destruction.

This page will continue to be developed as additional information becomes available.

Resources

Council on Foundations | Disaster Grantmaking and Global Grantmaking Resources

Response Funds

Give2Asia | China-Taiwan Earthquake Response
GlobalGiving | Taiwan Earthquake Relief Fund

Partner

The Center for Disaster Philanthropy is the Council's recommended partner for those needing support in mobilizing a philanthropic response to disasters.

Disaster Grantmaking

Questions?

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Philanthropy's Response to 2024 California Winter Storms

jessica.chaparro@cof.org — Tue, 06 Feb 2024 18:39:06 +0000

Philanthropy's Response to 2024 California Winter Storms jessica.chapar… Tue, 02/06/2024 - 13:39

News

Philanthropy's Response to 2024 California Winter Storms

Tuesday, February 6, 2024

Resources to Guide Philanthropic Response

Overview

A powerful atmospheric river swept through Southern California, causing over 300 mudslides and record-breaking rainfall. With devastation to homes and buildings and nearly 150,000 people grappling with power outages, Governor Newsom declared a state of emergency in Southern California.

As updates about the impact of these storms are known and opportunities to support long-term recovery become available, this page will be updated with resources and information.

Resources

Center for Disaster Philanthropy | Floods - California
Council on Foundations | Disaster Grantmaking
Philanthropy California | 2024 California Disaster Response

Relief Funds

League of California Community Foundations | Disaster, Relief, Recovery, and Resilience Fund
San Diego Foundation | San Diego Flood Response Fund
Santa Barbara Foundation | Community Disaster Relief Fund
The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County | Disaster Support Fund
Ventura County Community Foundation | Ventura County Storm Fund

Partners

The Center for Disaster Philanthropy is the Council's recommended partner for those needing support in mobilizing a philanthropic response to disasters.

Disaster Grantmaking

Questions?

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Philanthropy's Response to the 2024 Chile Wildfires

jessica.chaparro@cof.org — Tue, 06 Feb 2024 17:37:00 +0000

Philanthropy's Response to the 2024 Chile Wildfires jessica.chapar… Tue, 02/06/2024 - 12:37

News

Philanthropy's Response to the 2024 Chile Wildfires

Monday, February 12, 2024

Resources to Guide Philanthropic Response

Overview

The deadly wildfires spreading across Chile have destroyed thousands of homes and buildings in the Valparaiso and Vina del Mar regions. At least 120 people have been killed and hundreds are still missing, making this Chile's deadliest wildfire on record.

This page will continue to be developed as additional information becomes available.

Resources

Center for Disaster Philanthropy | 2024 Chile Wildfires
Council on Foundations | Disaster Grantmaking and Global Grantmaking Resources

Response Funds

GlobalGiving | Chile Wildfire Relief Fund
Charities Aid Foundation - America | Chilean Wildfire Response

Partner

The Center for Disaster Philanthropy is the Council's recommended partner for those needing support in mobilizing a philanthropic response to disasters.

Disaster Grantmaking

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Global Philanthropy’s Crucial Role in Ukraine on the Second Anniversary of Russia’s Invasion

melissa.nolan@cof.org — Mon, 22 Jan 2024 14:33:11 +0000

Global Philanthropy’s Crucial Role in Ukraine on the Second Anniversary of Russia’s Invasion melissa.nolan@… Mon, 01/22/2024 - 09:33

Peer Event

Global Philanthropy’s Crucial Role in Ukraine on the Second Anniversary of Russia’s Invasion

Join this online event, hosted by Philea and the Council on Foundations, to learn more about the present state of Ukraine and opportunities for philanthropy.

Date & Time

Thursday, February 29, 2024 - 10:00 am

Thursday, February 29, 2024 - 11:00 am

Location

Zoom
Audio capabilities required

Cost

Free to Grantmakers - Members and Non-Members

Global philanthropy generously provided initial humanitarian aid to the Ukraine crisis caused by Russia's unprovoked war, offering essential support like food, clothing, and shelter. Yet, as Putin's invasion shows no signs of ending, Ukrainians confront escalating needs. Despite reduced news coverage, Ukraine’s large-scale devastation and human suffering demand a renewed philanthropic commitment.
Join this online event, hosted by Philea, Mott Foundation, and the Council on Foundations, to learn more about the present state of Ukraine and opportunities for philanthropy. This event will feature remarks by:

Timothy Snyder, renowned Yale University Historian and Author of Bloodlands: Europe Between Hitler and Stalin and The Road to Unfreedom: Russia, Europe, America
Ondřej Liška, Regional Director, Europe, at Porticus
Yuliya Tychkivska, Executive Director of the Aspen Institute Kyiv, which supports values-based leadership, promotes a culture of dialogue and creates opportunities for the exchange of ideas
Delphine Moralis, CEO of Philea will moderate the discussion

Event Summary

Yuliya Tychkivska, Executive Director of the Aspen Institute Kyiv: It is clearer than ever that Russia is not just aiming to capture territory but is waging a genocidal war against Ukraine. The economic situation is extremely challenging with over half the budget dedicated to Ukraine’s defense needs. International support remains vital and $300 billion of frozen Russian assets abroad should urgently be used to pay for Ukraine’s recovery. Regarding the social situation, Ukrainian society is exhausted and burned out but remains united and focused on victory. Social stability is maintained thanks to strong horizontal connections and dedicated civil society organizations that inspire Ukrainians to continue their fight for freedom. The top political question for Ukrainians is how to strike a balance between national security requirements and an unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s democratic principles.

Communication with the international community is crucial as Ukrainians deal with this existential threat. What would happen next if Ukraine were to be erased as a sovereign state and nation? How would it impact democracy, the economy, and security globally?

What are the best ways to assist Ukraine now? The first priority is to help arm Ukraine’s soldiers on the frontline. Other priority needs include rehabilitation of veterans, civic education, humanitarian demining, social dialog and cohesion, cultural diplomacy, and combatting disinformation.

Ondřej Liška, Regional Director, Europe, at Porticus: Ukraine has responded to the war astonishingly and civil society has become the heart of the Ukrainian nation. Civil society has provided innovation, transparency, scrutiny, and efficiency in delivering assistance. However, international attention to the war and the desperate needs of Ukrainians is decreasing and there has been less talk of bold aid packages.

Our role is to keep creating space for Ukrainian voices, be it with governments or be it with events such as this. Ukrainians are under two kinds of pressure – they wage war against the invading Russian military but there is also a struggle for global attention. And we have to assist them – to push our governments to provide security and military support but also to create enough space to hear Ukrainian voices.

Philanthropy in Europe has been working with Ukrainian civil society for many years. Emergency humanitarian aid was mobilized very quickly. Now the focus is on challenges like education and psycho-social support. Are we able to listen very carefully to the needs and the voices of Ukrainian civil society?

Ukrainians ask European philanthropy to spread our assistance efforts to the grassroots. Let’s be as flexible as possible and not allow rules to stand in the way of helping.

There have been increasing efforts among philanthropies to share knowledge, collaborate, coordinate open up their networks, and join forces.

Timothy Snyder, Yale University Historian: Regarding American sentiment about the war, the American elite is pretty sound on this issue overall, American public opinion is pretty sound on this issue too, and there is a majority for passing aid to Ukraine in both houses of the American Congress. At the same time, we have a very organized minority in the U.S. House of Representatives, led by the Speaker of the House, who in turn is following the instructions of Donald Trump. That organized minority has for the last 4 or 5 months prevented the United States from passing aid. It is a problem which will hopefully be overcome.

Many people think in terms of what we are doing for the Ukrainians. But the geopolitical and moral stakes have to do with what Ukrainians are already doing for us. Ukraine has been defending the international order of the postwar period that Russia is now trying to undermine. Autocratic Russia has been trying to destroy democratic Ukraine and Ukraine’s victory is essential to stopping democratic decline globally. Ukrainians are absorbing the war by themselves but with foreign assistance, they are doing the work that NATO was designed to do. Ukraine’s success has an impact on China’s ambitions and global energy politics.

As for Philanthropy, when it does get down to the grassroots it has been life-changing. By helping the right people we’ve made sure that quite a few Ukrainians, rather than being handlers and fixers for Westerners, have the opportunity through their art, their journalism, whatever their discipline or profession might be, to carry their concept or agency to us.

As stated by the moderator of the discussion, Delphine Morales of Philea, 100% of the population of Ukraine are victims of the war.

In partnership with:

Moderator

Delphine Moralis

Chief Executive Officer

Philea

Speakers

Timothy Snyder

Author, Richard C. Levin Professor of History

Yale University

Ondřej Liška

Regional Director Europe

Porticus

Yuliya Tychkivska

Executive Director

Aspen Institute Kyiv

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Philanthropy's Response to the Israel-Hamas War 2023

jessica.chaparro@cof.org — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 19:04:45 +0000

Philanthropy's Response to the Israel-Hamas War 2023 jessica.chapar… Tue, 10/10/2023 - 15:04

News

Philanthropy's Response to the Israel-Hamas War 2023

Thursday, February 1, 2024

Resources to Guide Philanthropic Response

Overview

Since October 7, 2023, thousands have been killed and more than a hundred thousand people have been displaced in Israel and Gaza. According to CNN, more than 1,400 Israelis were killed in the Hamas assault, and more than 240 were taken hostage, according to a count by Israeli officials. The Ministry of Health in Ramallah says more than 25,000 Palestinians have died in the military campaign launched in response by Israel.

In addition to this devastating loss of life, the pain, suffering, and targeting of innocent civilians makes this a uniquely terrible crisis. Notably, there are justified concerns that this conflict will exacerbate existing antisemitic and Islamophobic movements across the world amid heightened tensions, emotions, and rapidly spreading misinformation.

Recognizing the deeply complex history and geopolitical issues at play, we are offering resources for funders to support these current unfolding humanitarian crises. These civilian relief efforts are facing significant challenges, as delivering new aid will be difficult and existing resources, such as medical supplies, are already depleted.

This page will continue to be developed as additional information becomes available.

OFAC Guidance

On November 14, 2023, OFAC issued Guidance for the Provision of Humanitarian Assistance to the Palestinian People, which provides clarity about how funders, individuals, and NGOs can provide humanitarian assistance within Gaza. Notably, OFAC reminds funders to comply with specific sanctions targeting Hamas but reiterates there is no jurisdiction-based sanctions regime. Additionally, OFAC offers clarity around the import of fuel (a significant issue facing relief organizations), permitting this so long as the ultimate beneficiary is not a sanctioned individual or entity.

Latest News About Philanthropy's Response

Alliance Magazine - "Major philanthropic institutions urge governments to ‘stop enabling war crimes’ in Gaza open latter"
Devex - "Philanthropists play it safe on Israel-Hamas war"
Inside Philanthropy - "How Philanthropy is Responding to the Israeli-Palestinian Crisis So Far"
The Chronicle of Philanthropy - "Foundations and Companies Pour Millions Into Aid for Victims of Israel-Hamas Conflict"

Resources

American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee | Our Issues
Center for Disaster Philanthropy | Palestinian-Israeli Humanitarian Crisis
Council on Foundations | Disaster Grantmaking and Global Grantmaking Resources
Israel Trauma Coalition (ITC) | Work in Israel
NATAL- The Israel Trauma and Resiliency Center | Treatment & Support
Shine A Light | Resources
Shoulder to Shoulder | Programs
United Religions Initiative | Global Action

Response Funds for Humanitarian Relief

Alliance for Middle East Peace
- Donation Fund
American Friends of Magen David Adom
- Donation Fund
Arab Foundation Forum
- Gaza Appeal
CARE USA
- Donation Fund
CDP
- Israel and Gaza Relief and Recovery Fund
Doctors Without Borders
- Donation Fund
GlobalGiving
- Israel-Palestine Crisis Relief Fund
Global Impact
- Israel-Palestine Crisis Fund
International Red Cross
- Donation Fund

IsraAID
- Israel Emergency
Middle East Children's Alliance (MECA)
- Emergency Support for Palestinian families in Gaza
Norwegian Refugee Council
- Donate to Gaza
Palestine Children's Relief Fund
- Gaza Urgent Relief
Project Kesher
- Emergency Fund for Israel
Save the Children
- Donation Fund
United Hatzalah of Israel
- Donation Fund
Zakat Foundation
- Gaza Emergency

Partner

The Center for Disaster Philanthropy is the Council's recommended partner for those needing support in mobilizing a philanthropic response to disasters.

Disaster Grantmaking

Questions?

Connect with Council Staff

Philanthropy's Response to the Afghanistan Earthquake

jessica.chaparro@cof.org — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 14:52:21 +0000

Philanthropy's Response to the Afghanistan Earthquake jessica.chapar… Tue, 10/10/2023 - 10:52

News

Philanthropy's Response to the Afghanistan Earthquake

Thursday, October 12, 2023

Resources to Guide Philanthropic Response

Overview

More than 2,000 people have been killed and upwards of 11,000 affected after a powerful 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan, resulting in the deadliest earthquake to hit the region in nearly 20 years. Afghanistan’s healthcare system is heavily reliant on foreign aid and has faced cutbacks since the resurgence of the Taliban, resulting in a reduction in international assistance. In addition to humanitarian concerns, economic pressures, and recent natural disasters such as the 2022 earthquake and year-long drought, Afghanistan's ability to contend with crises is severely restricted.

As updates about the impact of this earthquake are known and opportunities to support long-term recovery become available, this page will be updated with resources and information.

Resources

Council on Foundations: Disaster Grantmaking and Global Grantmaking Resources
Center for Disaster Philanthropy: Afghanistan Humanitarian Crisis

Response Funds

GlobalGiving – Afghanistan Earthquake Relief Fund
Give2Asia – Afghanistan Earthquake Response
Center for Disaster Philanthropy – Global Recovery Fund

Partner

The Center for Disaster Philanthropy is the Council's recommended partner for those needing support in mobilizing a philanthropic response to disasters.

Disaster Grantmaking

Questions?

Connect with Council Staff

Philanthropy Supporting Ukraine - November 2023

melissa.nolan@cof.org — Wed, 04 Oct 2023 14:21:08 +0000

Philanthropy Supporting Ukraine - November 2023 melissa.nolan@… Wed, 10/04/2023 - 10:21

Peer Event

Philanthropy Supporting Ukraine - November 2023

A Funder Roundtable Series

This roundtable discussion focused on how philanthropy can support the ongoing and widespread relief, recovery, and rebuilding efforts as a result of Russia's war on Ukraine.

Date & Time

Wednesday, November 15, 2023 - 11:00 am

Wednesday, November 15, 2023 - 12:00 pm

Location

Zoom
Audio capabilities required

Cost

Free to Grantmakers - Members and Non-Members

Supporting Media Coverage in Ukraine

This panel of distinguished speakers shed light on the challenges faced by Ukraine's media landscape and offered solutions to empower its resurgence and meet the needs of Ukraine's democracy. Through this discussion, participants fostered a deeper understanding of the vital role media plays in Ukraine’s democracy and the significant challenges it faces post-war.

Our panel of distinguished experts engaged in a thoughtful discussion, including:

Taras Shevchenko shared insights into the severe damage inflicted upon Ukraine's media landscape by the war. He discussed what is needed to rebuild and empower the media sector and to meet the evolving needs of Ukraine's democracy.
Daryna Shevchenko provided a unique journalistic and management perspective on the challenges faced by Ukrainian news media both during and after the war. The Kyiv Independent served as a success story of how an independent media organization continues to play a crucial role in Ukraine's ongoing narrative.
Marta Dyczok, a renowned expert in Ukrainian media development, provided invaluable insights into Ukraine's media challenges and offered a broader perspective on the path to recovery.

This crucial conversation offered ways to contribute to Ukraine's journey toward a more resilient, informed, and democratic future.

Recommendations to Funders:

Flexible Funding Models: Strategic and flexible approach to supporting media outlets in Ukraine. This will allow media outlets to allocate resources based on their understanding of the needs of their audiences and communities. Consider unrestricted funding to allow media organizations to address immediate needs about their coverage.
Capacity Building: Investing in capacity building, which includes training, modernizing, technology upgrades, and strategic planning will help media organizations become more sustainable and impactful. NGOs like the Souspilnist Foundation, Internews and IREX provide continuing education, training, and internships for journalists.  The Kyiv Independent is organizing a training program to teach Ukrainian journalists how to report to foreign audiences.

Event Summary:

Impact of Russia's Invasion on Ukrainian Media: Russia’s invasion has caused significant damage to media infrastructure, with a focus on transmission towers, offices, and studios. The Ministry of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine is cataloging the losses from Russia’s deliberate targeting of communications infrastructure, but how do you calculate the number of stories that were never written due to the disruptions caused by the war?
The concerns in the frontline areas include the inundation of disinformation from Russian outlets in frontline towns and villages. Generally, the concern of the decline of local newspapers and the impact on older readers with limited online access.

Journalists' Displacement, Mental Health, and Resilience: Many journalists are forced to leave their communities due to the invasion. The journalists who cover the war at the frontlines face physical trauma, as well as mental health trauma. Media professionals working in offices throughout the country are exposed to a daily deluge of terrifying images and stories, which results in many journalists suffering burnout from the continuous 24/7 war coverage. Ukrainian journalists showcase resilience in chronicling war crimes for future international judicial proceedings. Advocacy for individual-focused therapy services is more effective than group therapy.

Media Landscape Transformation: Ukrainian radio has experienced a resurgence, especially in frontline areas where Ukrainian TV and the internet have been disrupted. Suspilne, the public broadcaster, as well as the Kyiv Independent and Hromadske radio, are examples of Ukrainian media outlets that have successfully met the challenge of serving their audiences in wartime.
Some journalism schools need modernization and underdeveloped areas include training for media executives and financial managers. Some NGOs, such as the Souspilnist Foundation, Internews, and IREX, provide continuing education, training, and internships for journalists. The Kyiv Independent is organizing a training program to teach Ukrainian journalists how to report to foreign audiences.

Funding Challenges in Ukraine: The Kyiv Independent has been sustaining its operations through crowdfunding platforms and the direct support of its readers abroad. The situation is much more dire for media serving the internal Ukrainian market. Due to the war’s crushing blow to the economy, the advertising market in Ukraine has collapsed. Media outlets cannot rely on revenue from advertisers or subscribers in Ukraine and often must avail themselves of funding from donors. However, donors often set requirements about the specific types of topics they want media grantees to cover rather than allowing media outlets to drive the coverage based on their own understanding of the needs of the audiences and communities they serve. Also, funders might inadvertently be skewing the media market by supporting many small outlets at the expense of more viable, professional, and impactful media that would also benefit from assistance. Could donors focus more on supporting the best media and helping them grow and succeed?