Disaster Giving
Natural disasters and tragic events cause great harm and devastation. We stand with those affected and have compiled resources to help inform effective giving.
Where to Give
Fires
Maui
Our hearts are with everyone affected by the devastating Maui wildfires which began August 8, 2023. The Hawaiʻi Community Foundation activated the Maui Strong Fund to provide flexible, quickly deployed resources to support Maui residents. 100 percent of the funds will be distributed for community needs.
- CFMC – Supporting Hawaii (additional giving opportunities)
Monterey County/California
- Monterey County Fire Relief Fund of the Community Foundation for Monterey County
- See also League of California Community Foundations Disaster Relief Funds for other areas.
Storm Relief
- Monterey County Storm Relief Fund
- See also League of California Community Foundations Disaster Relief Funds for other areas.
Earthquake Response
The Council on Foundations has listed several philanthropic organizations responding to the February 6, 2023 earthquake affecting Turkey and Syria.Earthquake Response Funds
Turkey and Syria Earthquake Relief
Gun Violence
Gun Violence
Ukraine
How to Give: 4 Areas of Support
As we know from past local experience with the Monterey County Fire Relief and Big Sur Relief Funds, effective areas of support include relief, recovery and rebuilding. 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.
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.
Resources for Families
- The State of California’s Guide to Disaster Assistance Services provides detailed information about the types of federal, state and local disaster assistance services available in California. There are many services available to all Californians impacted by the wildfires, regardless of legal status.
Rebuilding After Disaster
In a 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.
Updated 2/7/23