When disaster strikes, it can be overwhelming to know how best to help. As a funder, you want to ensure that your contributions make a real difference in both the short and long term. Experts and experience have shown that the most effective grantmaking in disaster situations follows four key principles—Connect, Collaborate, Consider, and Communicate. Here’s how you can apply these “Four Cs” to maximize your impact.
1. Connect: Tap into Reliable Sources of Information
In the chaos of disaster response, local organizations are your best guides. They understand the immediate needs, as well as the political, social, and cultural context. Reach out to:
- Local grantmakers’ associations
- Charitable organizations on the ground (or U.S.-based international aid groups)
- Government agencies active in the area
These groups offer valuable insight into how you can direct your resources where they’re most needed.
2. Collaborate: Partner with Others for Greater Impact
Working in isolation limits your potential. Instead, connect with:
- Peers in your community, including other foundations, individuals, and giving circles
- Local and international charities such as churches or advocacy groups
- Larger foundations or regional associations of grantmakers
- Government agencies
By collaborating, you can pool resources, avoid duplication of efforts, and make a larger collective impact.
3. Consider: Focus on Both Short and Long-Term Needs
Your grants should support not just emergency relief, but also long-term recovery efforts. Consider funding:
- Basic necessities like food, clothing, and shelter
- Emergency medical care and mental health support
- Rebuilding essential infrastructure like schools, hospitals, and roads
- Strengthening local charities to build resilience for future disasters
Take time to think about how your grants will contribute to lasting recovery and rebuild affected communities.
4. Communicate: Share Results and Reflect on the Process
Effective communication is key to sustaining disaster response efforts. Be sure to:
- Stay in touch with recipient organizations and community leaders to assess ongoing needs
- Share the results of your work with your network to inspire further contributions
- Reflect on your approach—evaluate what worked and what could be improved for future disaster responses
By following through and sharing your lessons learned, you strengthen your own disaster philanthropy and that of others.
Key Tips for Funding Disaster Relief
The Council on Foundations and the European Foundation Centre offer valuable guidance on how to ensure your disaster relief efforts do the most good. Their recommendations include:
- First, do no harm—not all disaster relief is beneficial.
- Stop, look, and listen before acting—assess the situation carefully.
- Avoid isolation—coordinate with others to avoid duplicating efforts.
- Think long-term—focus on both immediate relief and sustained recovery.
- Leverage local expertise—local organizations often know best.
- Be accountable—ensure transparency and responsibility in your efforts.
- Share your work—use communication as an educational tool.
Legal Considerations
When giving in times of disaster, U.S.-based charities are typically the easiest and safest options. If you’re donating through U.S. organizations, including international intermediaries, verify their 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and track record in disaster relief.
For both leanly-staffed foundations and individual donors, it’s important to get sound legal advice before donating directly to individuals or less traditional groups, such as foreign organizations, governments, or businesses.
Action Items for Lean Foundations
Having a pre-disaster relief strategy will make responding easier when disaster strikes. Whether it’s a formal written plan or an informal discussion with your board, your strategy should reflect:
- Your foundation’s mission
- What you will fund and likely recipients
- Potential partnerships with other organizations
This foresight improves both the speed and effectiveness of your grantmaking in times of crisis.
Action Items for Individual Donors
In the face of a disaster, the urge to help immediately is natural. However, strategic giving will yield a greater impact over time. Take a moment to plan:
- The causes you want to support
- Your values and funding priorities
- Your level of involvement—whether giving directly, through a donor-advised fund, or a giving circle
Having a plan in place helps you respond more effectively when the time comes to act. By following these guidelines, both foundations and individual donors can ensure their disaster relief efforts are meaningful and lasting.