Disaster Giving & Grantmaking

Wildfires, hurricanes and earthquakes have caused devastation both on our shores and beyond. We stand with those affected and have compiled selected resources to help inform effective giving. As we know from past local experience with the Soberanes Fire and Big Sur Relief Funds, effective areas of support include relief, recovery and rebuilding.

How to Give: 4 Areas of Support

When giving in response to a disaster, its important to keep in mind there are several ways to provide assistance.

1. Respond to immediate need
2. Fund recovery
3. Invest in mitigation or reform
4. Get ready for the next one

(Excerpted from: 4 Tips for Donors Responding to Hurricane Harvey by Kris Putnam-Walkerly, Contributor, Forbes 8/28/17)

What to Give

• Money Monetary donations are preferred over material items, which can often go to waste and create difficulties for recovery groups.
  • Look for trusted organizations, like community foundations worldwide, in the affected area, who know the landscape of local nonprofits.
  • Give to organizations with a proven track record and Investigate those you are unfamiliar with to avoid scams. You can visit sites like www.guidestar.org for information.

• Time Research the websites of local organizations who have experience in the area to see where help may be needed most, as needs may change over time.
  • You can also search general volunteer opportunities for non-emergency volunteer opportunities

Where to Give

Camp Fire – Butte County

• The Monterey Firefighters Association has activated their Monterey Fireman’s Charitable Association Fund of the Community Foundation for Monterey County: www.cfmco.org/mfcaf to receive monetary donations. Fire stations in Monterey , Pacific Grove and Carmel by-the-Sea will be collecting gift cards through Dec. 3, 2018 to distribute through their network of responders to those in need.
• North Valley Community Foundation Camp Fire Relief Fund to assist the many community organizations serving evacuees and first responders.
• American Red Cross has set up a California Wildfire Fund 1-800-733-27677 or text REDCROSS to 90999
• United Way of Northern California  is providing emergency cash grants to those who lost their homes; assisting non-profit partners in their provision of direct services to survivors, and providing help for survivors. To donate text BUTTEFIRE to 91999 or visit the nonprofit’s website.

Hill Fire/Woolsey Fire – Ventura & Los Angeles counties

• The Monterey Firefighters Association has activated their Monterey Fireman’s Charitable Association Fund of the Community Foundation for Monterey County: www.cfmco.org/mfcaf to receive monetary donations. Fire stations in Monterey , Pacific Grove and Carmel by-the-Sea will be collecting gift cards through Dec. 3, 2018 to distribute through their network of responders to those in need.   
• Ventura Community Foundation has set up the Hill Fire/Woolsey Fire Sudden and Urgent Needs Effort Fund
• American Red Cross has set up a California Wildfire Fund 1-800-733-27677 or text REDCROSS to 90999
• United Way of Greater Los Angeles, in partnership with United Way of Ventura County, has created the Disaster Relief Fund or text UWVC to 41444 or visit https://app.mobilecause.com/f/23ef/n?vid=4n8t to donate to Ventura County only.

Funds for Previous Fires

Hurricane Relief

Hurricane Relief

Mexico Earthquake Relief

Mexico Earthquake Relief

If you have a donor advised fund with the Community Foundation for Monterey County, you can direct a grant to any qualified 501(c)3 nonprofit. You can log on to Donor Central, call 831.375.9712 or email our Philanthropic Services staff with any questions.

Rebuilding After Disaster

In a 2017 Washington Monthly article, Community Foundation for Monterey County CEO Dan Baldwin teamed up with colleagues from the Oklahoma City Community Foundation and Arizona Community Foundation to dive into how their organizations responded to disasters, ensuring confidence in relief and recovery grantmaking through the unique abilities of community foundations.

• Rebuilding After Disaster (Washington Monthly)

Updated 11/20/18