Thursday, December 20, 2012

Hearts Broken - How to Help Newtown

Hearts Broken - How to Help Newtown: Update: The Chronicle of Philanthropy reported on Tuesday that donations are pouring in to several memorial funds set up for the families of the Sandy Hook victims. More Than $1-Million Raised for Newtown's Survivors.

It's been a very hard week for everyone. The tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut on Friday took away our breath and our joy.

My emotions have been both grief and helplessness. But I also experienced a deep need to do something, anything to help.

Monday, December 17, 2012

How to Respond to a National Tragedy | Nonprofit Marketing | Getting Attention

How to Respond to a National Tragedy | Nonprofit Marketing | Getting Attention: How to Respond to a National Tragedy

Like you, my heart and head are heavy in the wake of Friday’s tragedy in Newtown, CT. Especially since I feel so helpless.

My gut is that’s how many of your supporters and prospects are feeling as well, and what will be top of mind for at least a few more days. So be responsive, even though you’re pressured by the year-end push for support.

Opinion: Losing Charitable Tax Break A Societal Deduction - TheNonProfitTimes

Opinion: Losing Charitable Tax Break A Societal Deduction - TheNonProfitTimes: he Center on Philanthropy (CoP) in Indianapolis, Ind., estimated that after three weeks, fundraising for Sandy, which rampaged up the East Coast impacting 65 million people in 11 states, stood at $219 million. Fundraising for the 2005 tsunami was $610 million after the same time period. Haiti received $752 million. Fundraising for September 11 was $876 million, and $1.3 billion for Katrina.

Four weeks out from Sandy, CoP’s estimate of the fundraising total was $244 million. The bulk of that went to the American Red Cross.

Friday, December 14, 2012

Strengthening coordination of UN humanitarian and disaster relief assistance

Strengthening coordination of UN humanitarian and disaster relief assistance: Strengthening coordination of UN humanitarian and disaster relief assistance
13-12-2012 Statement

United Nations, General Assembly, 67th session, Plenary, Item70(a) of the agenda, statement by the ICRC, New York, 13 December 2012.

Full title: Strengthening of the coordination of humanitarian and disaster relief assistance of the United Nations, including special economic assistance

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Taiwan donates helicopters to Guatemala disaster-relief work - The China Post

Taiwan donates helicopters to Guatemala disaster-relief work - The China Post: AIPEI, Taiwan -- Taiwan donated two helicopters to Guatemala on Monday and has revamped two of the Central American ally's existing choppers to bolster its humanitarian and disaster-relief operations, the Ministry of Nation Defense (MND) said yesterday.

FEMA Says That Nonprofits Should Notify the State of Damage in Case a Public Assistance Grant Is Needed | LoanSafe

FEMA Says That Nonprofits Should Notify the State of Damage in Case a Public Assistance Grant Is Needed | LoanSafe: The program reimburses government entities, tribal nations and nonprofits for debris removal, emergency protective measures and permanent restoration of disaster-damaged infrastructure to pre-disaster condition.

IRS Gives Additional Time to Small, Automatically Revoked Tax-Exempt Organizations Affected by Hurricane Sandy | Planned Giving Design Center

IRS Gives Additional Time to Small, Automatically Revoked Tax-Exempt Organizations Affected by Hurricane Sandy | Planned Giving Design Center: As part of the administration’s efforts to bring all available resources to bear to support state and local partners impacted by Hurricane Sandy, the IRS is postponing the filing date until Feb. 1, 2013, for some small tax-exempt organizations affected by Hurricane Sandy to take advantage of transitional relief when applying for reinstatement of their exempt status.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Charity: Water Founder Focuses on NYC :: Articles :: Gotham Magazine

Charity: Water Founder Focuses on NYC :: Articles :: Gotham Magazine: When Hurricane Sandy struck the East Coast, the apocalyptic images of thousands of New Yorkers without shelter and clean drinking water stuck a chord for Charity: Water founder Scott Harrison. “People see pictures of kids filling our ubiquitous jerricans [yellow jugs pictured] from hydrants and are absolutely shocked,” says Harrison, who volunteered with other Charity: Water staffers to pass out water and supplies in Chelsea and the Lower East Side. “This is what we see in the developing world, but it’s water from a pond or a muddy river. There’s been that kind of tension of, ‘How do we best serve people in our own backyard,’ but also, we’ve made a commitment to 400,000 people [overseas] over the next couple months. The people that we are championing are not on television; they’re silently walking and waiting for people like us to be their voice and stand in the gap for them.”

Monday, December 10, 2012

Haiti - Fund Created by Clinton and Bush to Close - NYTimes.com

Haiti - Fund Created by Clinton and Bush to Close - NYTimes.com: A pro-business fund that was created by former Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush in the aftermath of Haiti’s devastating earthquake nearly three years ago will cease operations at the end of this month, an executive for the organization said Friday.

State, Not Aid Group, to Run N.Y. Governor's Sandy Fund - Philanthropy Today - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

State, Not Aid Group, to Run N.Y. Governor's Sandy Fund - Philanthropy Today - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: State, Not Aid Group, to Run N.Y. Governor’s Sandy Fund

December 10, 2012, 8:51 am

The Empire State Relief Fund., established by New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo to help victims of Superstorm Sandy, will be overseen by a government agency rather than a large aid charity, The Wall Street Journal reports.

Post-Sandy Donor Fatigue Worries N.Y. Charities - Philanthropy Today - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

Post-Sandy Donor Fatigue Worries N.Y. Charities - Philanthropy Today - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: The rush of donations to aid victims of Superstorm Sandy is straining giving to other New York City-area nonprofit groups, writes The Wall Street Journal.

Tuesday, December 04, 2012

Steven Cohen: We Need a Federal Disaster Superfund

Steven Cohen: We Need a Federal Disaster Superfund: Hurricane Sandy's unprecedented impact on the New York-New Jersey region is still being felt over a month after the storm has passed. The storm resulted in a massive response effort that continues today and has involved every level of government along with an impressive outpouring of private help. It is now clear that it will take a long time to recover from this disaster. Despite the wealth of this region, we will need help from the rest of the nation if we are to fully recover. The nation must develop a more routine and adequate method of funding response to disasters. We need a federal Disaster Superfund.

Monday, December 03, 2012

Lawmaker Wants To Create “New York State Natural Disaster Relief Fund” | Albany Watch

Lawmaker Wants To Create “New York State Natural Disaster Relief Fund” | Albany Watch: Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb, R-Canandaigua, is proposing to create a state natural disaster relief fund to help families impacted by Superstorm Sandy and prepare for future disasters, Gannett’s Haley Viccaro reports.

Reuniting Families with Lost Hurricane Sandy Pets - Causes Blog

Reuniting Families with Lost Hurricane Sandy Pets - Causes Blog: When New York City Animal Care & Control began sheltering lost pets after Hurricane Sandy’s destruction of the East Coast, cause leader Danielle Karr knew all too well what would result of their lives. After a certain period of time, the NYC ACC creates “To Be Destroyed” lists for pets unable to find a home. Danielle, reluctant to allow for mass euthanizing of pets, decided to act. Soon after Hurricane Sandy’s landfall, Danielle created a petition asking NYC ACC to halt their “To Be Destroyed” lists for the sake of families hoping to find their pets. After initially seeking 1,500 signatures on Causes.com, her petition has now attracted more than 50,000 signers, people who are adamant to help families reconnect with their pets.

After 2007 wildfires, corporate philanthropy tests its limits

After 2007 wildfires, corporate philanthropy tests its limits: In the days after after devastating 2007 wildfires sparked by backcountry power lines, utility executives set up a new charity, the Sempra Energy Foundation, intent on helping victims of a conflagration that killed two and burned 1,300 homes in San Diego County.

In the months to follow, the nonprofit foundation funded by Sempra Energy investors distributed $5,158,000 among 1,238 property owners and renters who were left homeless by the fire or lost significant holdings. An additional $60,000 went to a dozen recovery groups that rallied behind people whose home burned.

Japan to give U.S. $5 million for tsunami debris - Times-Standard Online

Japan to give U.S. $5 million for tsunami debris - Times-Standard Online: Japan's government announced on Friday it would give $5 million to the U.S. to clean up debris expected to wash ashore from the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

The funds, donated to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Marine Debris Program, will be used for removal of debris, disposal fees, cleanup supplies, detection and monitoring.

App manages disaster relief - AltoonaMirror.com - Altoona, PA | News, Sports, Jobs, Community Information - The Altoona Mirror

App manages disaster relief - AltoonaMirror.com - Altoona, PA | News, Sports, Jobs, Community Information - The Altoona Mirror: LORETTO - When disaster strikes, first responders can now turn to their iPads for support.

At least that was the goal of developers at St. Francis University with the creation of the Preliminary Disaster Assessment Reporting application, an iPad app tailored for emergency management officials.

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

MediaShift Idea Lab . During Hurricane Sandy, News Participation Starts at 'Home' | PBS

MediaShift Idea Lab . During Hurricane Sandy, News Participation Starts at 'Home' | PBS: Recently, Hurricane Sandy here in the United States demonstrated this, with Twitter and Instagram in particular serving as major platforms for people to participate in an unfolding, news-worthy event. And media outlets took notice, with extensive reports around the effort of citizen participation. Some lauded the efforts of individuals to share information on Twitter; while others noted the changing flavor of the tweets, which evolved from humorous pokes at media coverage to critical information exchange. And of course, one user's account was famously unmasked for its false and potentially dangerous tweets.

Sandy’s Challenge for Grant Makers: Fix Water, Food, and Transit Systems - Opinion - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

Sandy’s Challenge for Grant Makers: Fix Water, Food, and Transit Systems - Opinion - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: Superstorm Sandy and the subsequent nor’easter laid bare the precarious state of the physical systems that make our cities and towns tick—our infrastructure.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo of New York declared what we have long known: America faces “a new reality when it comes to these weather patterns. We have an old infrastructure and we have old systems, and that is not a good combination.”

Students spend holiday helping with disaster relief � News Archive � Appalachian State University News

Students spend holiday helping with disaster relief � News Archive � Appalachian State University News: BOONE—Nine students from Appalachian State University traded Thanksgiving with their families for the opportunity to clean up damage from Hurricane Sandy in the Rockaway neighborhood of Queens, N.Y.

Sandy Fundraising by Charities to Be Tracked by New York - Bloomberg

Sandy Fundraising by Charities to Be Tracked by New York - Bloomberg: New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman is requesting information from charities on fundraising related to Hurricane Sandy to ensure that money is spent on storm relief.

The attorney general’s office sent letters to 75 nonprofit groups requesting information on their fundraising and relief activities, Schneiderman said today in a statement. The office’s charities bureau will compile the information and report it online.

Vermont Disaster Relief Fund raises another $3 million in past three months

Vermont Disaster Relief Fund raises another $3 million in past three months: BURLINGTON, Vt. – The Vermont Disaster Relief Fund has raised $6.6 million, David R. Coates, the fund’s chairman announced on Monday.

“We have made tremendous progress in the past three months, raising more than $3 million since the first anniversary of Irene,” said Coates. “We are two-thirds of the way to our goal of $10 million.”

Monday, November 26, 2012

Public Still Plans to Give to Charities During the Holidays Despite Increased Donations... -- WASHINGTON, Nov. 26, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --

Press release

Public Still Plans to Give to Charities During the Holidays Despite Increased Donations... -- WASHINGTON, Nov. 26, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --: Annual Survey by Red Cross Finds Encouraging News for all Charities

WASHINGTON, Nov. 26, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Most Americans say that their giving to political causes in 2012 and Hurricane Sandy relief efforts will not reduce their year-end gifts to charity, according to a poll by the American Red Cross.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090108/RedCrossLOGO )

A telephone survey of 1,010 adults conducted earlier this month found that 78 percent of those who have already given to Hurricane Sandy relief efforts say it will not impact their year-end charitable giving, while 90 percent of those who gave to political causes say it will not reduce their giving to non-profits this holiday season.

No N.H.L. Labor Deal Yet, but Glimpse of Hockey at Charity Game in Atlantic City - NYTimes.com

No N.H.L. Labor Deal Yet, but Glimpse of Hockey at Charity Game in Atlantic City - NYTimes.com: The crowd of fans starved for the sport got just that, an evening of fast-paced, no-checking hockey that was easily as good as any N.H.L. All-Star Game. The team led by the Rangers’ Brad Richards beat the team led by the Flyers’ Scott Hartnell, 10-6, in a game called Operation Hat Trick that benefited families affected by Hurricane Sandy.

Sandy Adds to N.Y.'s Burden on Housing and Hunger - Philanthropy Today - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

Sandy Adds to N.Y.'s Burden on Housing and Hunger - Philanthropy Today - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: Sandy Adds to N.Y.’s Burden on Housing and Hunger

November 21, 2012, 10:45 am

Already strained by record-breaking numbers of homeless people, New York’s emergency-housing system is being further stretched by damage from Superstorm Sandy, writes The New York Times. Advocates contend the disaster exposed and

800 homes flooded as storms hit England, Wales

800 homes flooded as storms hit England, Wales: More than 800 homes have been flooded after storms hit parts of England and Wales, the Environment Agency has said.

According to BBC, the agency confirmed that 816 houses have been affected after a band of heavy rain and strong winds swept across the country.

Devon and Cornwall are badly hit, along with Malmesbury in Wiltshire and Kempsey in Worcestershire.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Local Foundations Call on Other Philanthropists: Support Nonprofits in Sandy Aftermath! - NPQ - Nonprofit Quarterly

Local Foundations Call on Other Philanthropists: Support Nonprofits in Sandy Aftermath! - NPQ - Nonprofit Quarterly: In an opinion piece posted on NJ.com, representatives of the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation and the Community Foundation of New Jersey pledge to help support nonprofit organizations in the wake of Superstorm Sandy. The article points out that a hidden and potentially devastating fallout from the storm is the impact it will have on nonprofit organizations that have seen demand for services skyrocket, but resources diminish as a result of the storm.

ShelterBox former chief executive denies gross misconduct allegations | Third Sector

ShelterBox former chief executive denies gross misconduct allegations | Third Sector: Home �
News �
S

ShelterBox former chief executive denies gross misconduct allegations

By Andy Hillier, Third Sector Online, 20 November 2012

Tom Henderson, founder of the disaster relief charity, says he was removed because the board disliked his 'forthright management style'

The founder and former chief executive of ShelterBox has strenuously denied allegations that he was guilty of gross misconduct and said he was wrongfully dismissed.

‘HPU Cares’ Matches Student Donations for Hurricane Sandy Relief :: High Point University :: High Point University | High Point, NC

‘HPU Cares’ Matches Student Donations for Hurricane Sandy Relief :: High Point University :: High Point University | High Point, NC: HIGH POINT, N.C., DATE, 2012 – High Point University students are showing their support for families and friends affected by Hurricane Sandy through numerous fundraising events. The university is matching every dollar raised by the students to support relief and rebuilding efforts through the American Red Cross, totaling $13,500 raised so far.

Monday, November 19, 2012

Charitable parents raise charitable kids | Reuters

Charitable parents raise charitable kids | Reuters: No one knows how many kids have participated along with those who have funneled $117 million to the Red Cross since the superstorm, but experts say schoolkids' charitable initiatives spike after national disasters such as Sandy. And the lessons learned can stay with children for a lifetime.

Sandy’s Lesson: Today’s Relief System Doesn’t Work for the Vulnerable - Opinion - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

Sandy’s Lesson: Today’s Relief System Doesn’t Work for the Vulnerable - Opinion - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: Grass-roots leaders who lived through Superstorm Sandy have learned many painful lessons.

We now fully understand that extreme weather in the age of climate change and global warming knows no class, race, or privilege boundaries.

Art for Sandy: 12 Iconic Photographs to Benefit Hurricane Relief - LightBox

Art for Sandy: 12 Iconic Photographs to Benefit Hurricane Relief - LightBox: n collaboration with TIME’s photography editors, has launched Art for Sandy Relief, a curated collection of Hurricane Sandy benefit editions. The photographs showcase both milestones and the mundane, characterizing the ever-changing and now ever-changed landscape of the authentic New York. Art for Sandy Relief comprises one of the largest art-fundraising efforts for Sandy to date. Twelve photographs in all, these museum-quality prints of New York and New Jersey will launch in two sets: Monday, November 19th and Monday, December 3rd, with work from legendary photographers such as Eugene Richards, Joel Meyerowitz and Laura McPhee.

Five Steps to Successful Crisis Communications | Beth’s Blog

Five Steps to Successful Crisis Communications | Beth’s Blog: Five Steps to Successful Crisis Communications – Guest Post By Meghan Teich at Big Duck

With more than two weeks since Superstorm Sandy hit, many nonprofits are asking the same question: how do we communicate during a crisis like that?

Nearly $220M in charitable donations for Sandy relief raised thus far - NorthJersey.com

Nearly $220M in charitable donations for Sandy relief raised thus far - NorthJersey.com: Donors have given nearly $220 million to charities for superstorm Sandy relief and recovery efforts.

Non-profit officials say that's the largest outpouring of donations for any domestic disaster in the past five years. But it's only about one-third of what was raised in the first two weeks after Hurricane Katrina pounded the Gulf Coast in 2005 and about half the donations made in the same amount of time following the 2010 Haiti earthquake.

Buddhist Disaster Relief Agency Gives $10 Million For Sandy Victims � CBS New York

Buddhist Disaster Relief Agency Gives $10 Million For Sandy Victims � CBS New York: NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) — The Buddhist disaster relief agency the Tzu Chi Foundation will be giving $10 million to help victims of Superstorm Sandy, city officials announced Sunday.

Sandy may be to blame for lagging holiday donations at Mercer County charities | NJ.com

Sandy may be to blame for lagging holiday donations at Mercer County charities | NJ.com: While Hurricane Sandy has prompted an outpouring of kindness, it has left some local charities reeling from dwindling contributions and holiday event ticket sales.

Friday, November 16, 2012

With Recovers.org, Two Sisters Revolutionize Disaster Relief

With Recovers.org, Two Sisters Revolutionize Disaster Relief: We realized a community like ours was ill-equipped to manage recovery," O'Neill said. "So we thought: Let's build that platform."

What she and her sister launched was Recovers.org, a barely 6-month-old crowd-sourcing disaster relief website that has suddenly found its work cut out for it in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. The site works by linking volunteers with where they're needed in specific communities, offering up-to-the-minute social media updates on relief programs, and databasing even the most random donation items so they're easier to disperse exactly where they're needed.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

How Does Hurricane Sandy Fundraising Compare to Other Disasters? | npENGAGE

How does fundraising in support of Hurricane Sandy compare to other disasters? That’s a question that people have been asking a lot this week and I wanted to try to give an answer.
On the surface, disaster fundraising for Hurricane Sandy appears to be lagging other major events like the Haitian Earthquake in 2010 and Hurricane Katrina in 2005. That might make for provocative headlines, but there is a lot more going on here than initial appearances.
How Does Hurricane Sandy Fundraising Compare to Other Disasters? | npENGAGE


Insight: Red Cross response to Sandy fails to meet expectations | Reuters

Insight: Red Cross response to Sandy fails to meet expectations | Reuters: In interviews with public officials and Red Cross staff, as well as first responders from other aid organizations, it has become clear the Red Cross was hampered by the sheer magnitude of the disaster, by its decision to position supplies and staff well outside the areas likely to be hardest hit by the storm, and by misperceptions about what kinds of relief it would provide in New York City.

The sense of letdown is all the more stark because the Red Cross, the fifth-largest charity in the United States by private donations, is viewed by many as the place to donate money when there is a major disaster at home or abroad. It has raised nearly $120 million since Sandy - spending about $40 million of that so far.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

New Tech City: The Future of Disaster Relief: Food, Water, Shelter…and Wi-Fi Blimps? - WNYC

New Tech City: The Future of Disaster Relief: Food, Water, Shelter…and Wi-Fi Blimps? - WNYC: Using technology to get communities back on their feet faster after a crisis might include floating blimps with wi-fi over a disaster-hit city or creating a National Guard of tech geeks to take action when the digital infrastructure goes down or maybe even stockpiling electronics and generators for tech reserves, similar to oil reserves.

Sandy Deals Blow to N.Y. Maritime Museum's Recovery - Philanthropy Today - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

Sandy Deals Blow to N.Y. Maritime Museum's Recovery - Philanthropy Today - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: Sandy Deals Blow to N.Y. Maritime Museum’s Recovery

November 13, 2012, 10:28 am

Just as it is beginning to emerge from years of financial struggles, New York’s South Street Seaport Museum has been dealt what its president called “a body blow” by Superstorm Sandy and is desperately seeking donors, says The New York Times. Floodwater surging up to six feet destroyed the building’s electrical and computer systems, cafe, admissions desk, and gift shop.

Relief, rehabilitation work underway in quake-hit regions in Myanmar - Globaltimes.cn

Relief, rehabilitation work underway in quake-hit regions in Myanmar - Globaltimes.cn: Relief and rehabilitation work in quake-hit northern regions in Myanmar have been underway as Vice President Sa Mauk Kham rushed to the scene several hours after a strong earthquake of 6.8 magnitude Mandalay and Sagaing regions Sunday morning.

Monday, November 12, 2012

Update: Charities Raise More Than $174-Million for Sandy Victims - Recovering From Sandy - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

Update: Charities Raise More Than $174-Million for Sandy Victims - Recovering From Sandy - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: As of Friday, charities have reported raising more than $174-million for relief and recovery efforts in the wake of Superstorm Sandy, which devastated the New York and New Jersey region on October 30.

That’s more than the $136-million that U.S. charities had raised within 10 days of last year’s Japan tsunami and earthquake. But it’s dwarfed by the outpouring that followed the 2010 Haiti earthquake ($380-million 10 days after the event) and 2005′s Hurricane Katrina ($740-million nine days after the storm).

Still reeling from Superstorm Sandy, Staten Island now dealing with disaster tourists - NY Daily News

Still reeling from Superstorm Sandy, Staten Island now dealing with disaster tourists - NY Daily News: Still reeling from Superstorm Sandy, Staten Island now dealing with disaster tourists
Gawkers are flocking to Staten Island to see the damage caused by the hurricane. 'It's a little annoying,' said one resident, though he admitted, 'I would do it, too.'

Red Cross pushes back on Sandy response, calls it 'near flawless' - U.S. News

Red Cross pushes back on Sandy response, calls it 'near flawless' - U.S. News: The American Red Cross, which bills itself as “the world's largest humanitarian network,” is pushing back against critics of its response to superstorm Sandy, with the head of the organization saying its relief effort has been “near flawless” despite criticism from stranded storm victims and elected officials.

Corporate Donations Help Red Cross Respond after Superstorm Sandy - PR Newswire - The Sacramento Bee

Corporate Donations Help Red Cross Respond after Superstorm Sandy - PR Newswire - The Sacramento Bee: Throughout the year, corporate members of the Annual Disaster Giving Program (ADGP) allow the Red Cross to prepare for and respond to the needs of people affected by disaster across the United States, regardless of cost. Before Sandy made landfall, ADGP funds were helping the Red Cross open shelters, pre-position supplies and move disaster workers. Beyond their annual commitment, many of these members have made further financial gifts to the Red Cross in support of the ongoing Sandy relief operation.

6 Innovative Fundraising Campaigns for Sandy Relief

6 Innovative Fundraising Campaigns for Sandy Relief: Since Hurricane Sandy affected such specific areas, it hasn’t been possible for everyone to go out and volunteer on the ground. Established organizations, groups and individuals have been doing what they can from their own homes or neighborhoods, using technology and online services such as Indiegogo, Amazon and Facebook to raise money and offer help to those who need it.

Here’s a roundup of inspiring and innovative ways people have supported Sandy relief causes with the Internet and technology.

Sandy relief groups fight ‘disaster after the disaster’: Donations of unneeded, unwanted items - The Washington Post

Sandy relief groups fight ‘disaster after the disaster’: Donations of unneeded, unwanted items - The Washington Post: MOUNT LAUREL, N.J. — Superstorm Sandy has brought out generosity far and wide in the biggest U.S. relief effort for the American Red Cross and other groups since Hurricane Katrina swamped the Gulf Coast in 2005.

And while the response is heartwarming, some of that is also helping create a “second disaster after the disaster,” in the words of one expert.

Sandy Likely Biggest U.S. Relief Effort Since 2005 « CBS Baltimore

Sandy Likely Biggest U.S. Relief Effort Since 2005 « CBS Baltimore

Expedited Exemptions For Sandy-Related Charities - TheNonProfitTimes

Expedited Exemptions For Sandy-Related Charities - TheNonProfitTimes: The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced an expedited review and approval process for organizations seeking tax-exempt status to provide relief for victims of Hurricane Sandy, though the IRS still encourages people to use existing organizations currently working on immediate aid efforts.

Wild Apricot Blog : Disaster Fundraising, Dressing Up That Dog, Serious Questions and More

Wild Apricot Blog : Disaster Fundraising, Dressing Up That Dog, Serious Questions and More: It’s been a wild ride lately - with a Hurricane and a Presidential election! So if you’re just catching up on your non-profit or membership reading, here are 5 of the posts we’ve bookmarked on Apricot Jam this week to get you started.

Friday, November 09, 2012

#Sandy & Social: A Case Study

#Sandy & Social: A Case Study

As Sandy Became #Sandy, Emergency Services Got Social | Fast Company

As Sandy Became #Sandy, Emergency Services Got Social | Fast Company: As New Yorkers took to Twitter to voice concerns, request aid, and offer real-time help, organizations were--more than ever before--there and ready to respond on their native platforms. Here's how the Red Cross, the City of New York, and Occupy Wall Street ratcheted up their Hurricane Sandy relief via the social web.

Foundation agrees to audit of Murrah Disaster Relief Fund | Tulsa World

Foundation agrees to audit of Murrah Disaster Relief Fund | Tulsa World: OKLAHOMA CITY - The foundation administering a fund set up to aid those affected by the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building on Thursday agreed to an independent audit following criticism over its handling of the fund.


The Murrah Disaster Relief Fund was created in 1995 as a result of an outpouring of financial support from across the country.

UPDATE: Red Cross Relief Effort Ramps Back up in New York in Wake of Nor’easter � American Red Cross Disaster Newsroom

UPDATE: Red Cross Relief Effort Ramps Back up in New York in Wake of Nor’easter � American Red Cross Disaster Newsroom: Now that the nor’easter has passed, the American Red Cross is ramping back up and expanding its large relief operations to provide shelter, hot meals, relief supplies and comfort to people in New Jersey and New York.

Here is a snapshot of local relief efforts:

Beyond Competition, Running for a Cause - NYTimes.com

Beyond Competition, Running for a Cause - NYTimes.com: Last year, according to the New York Road Runners, organizers of the New York City Marathon, more than $34 million was raised for charity. Moreover, fund-raising experts expect that the vast majority of runners in this year’s race will still honor their commitments.

“I’m sure they’re disappointed, and there might be some who are annoyed,” said Michael Nilsen, spokesman for the Association of Fundraising Professionals in Arlington, Va. “But based on what we’ve seen in other situations where a charity event has been canceled because of weather or some other once-in-a-lifetime type circumstance, people generally don’t take it out on the charity.”

Mr. Nilsen said he would not be surprised to see “two-thirds, maybe more” of the charity marathoners meet their commitment to deliver the money they raised.

Recovers.org, a Marketplace for Disaster Relief - Businessweek

Recovers.org, a Marketplace for Disaster Relief - Businessweek: O’Neill’s startup, Recovers.org, has set up websites in four New York City boroughs to manage relief efforts and prevent the logistical chaos that often follows catastrophes when well-meaning volunteers overwhelm government officials and relief organizations. Before Sandy, the company, less than a year old, had tested the site in only a handful of communities, including Forney, Tex., and West Pasco County, Fla. Coordinating an operation in the aftermath of a major natural disaster is like “inventing the wheel as the vehicle is in motion,” says Rebecca Williams, who organized aid for tornado survivors in Joplin, Mo., in 2011.

NY1 For You: Not All Charities Are Created Equal - NY1.com

NY1 For You: Not All Charities Are Created Equal - NY1.com: New Yorkers have rushed to the answer the call to donate to charities aiming to help their neighbors recover from Hurricane Sandy, but some organizations can't help in the way they promise. NY1's Susan Jhun filed the following report.

Whether it's food, blankets or money, New Yorkers have been anxious to help their own recover from the effects of Hurricane Sandy. But watchdog groups say those looking to give, should do so carefully.

Thursday, November 08, 2012

Volunteers heart of relief | The Asbury Park Press NJ | app.com

Volunteers heart of relief | The Asbury Park Press NJ | app.com: It’s the legions of committed, organized volunteers, with the ability to shift into crisis mode and run on adrenaline for weeks at a time, who are the underpinnings of disaster relief in any area, and the post-superstorm Jersey Shore is no different.

Update: Fundraising for Sandy Victims Totals More Than $116.2-Million - Recovering From Sandy - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

Update: Fundraising for Sandy Victims Totals More Than $116.2-Million - Recovering From Sandy - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: Update: Fundraising for Sandy Victims Totals More Than $116.2-Million

November 8, 2012, 9:15 am

By Anais Strickland

Here are the latest totals from charities that are raising money for Superstorm Sandy relief and recovery efforts. Combined with previously reported figures, more than $116.2-million has been raised.

Radio World: FCC Grants NCE Waivers for Sandy Relief Fundraisers

Radio World: FCC Grants NCE Waivers for Sandy Relief Fundraisers: The FCC is making it easier for noncommercial stations to host on-air fundraisers for Hurricane Sandy relief efforts.

The commission has received and granted two waiver requests related to Hurricane Sandy relief efforts. For television, the agency granted WNYE(TV) in New York City a waiver to simulcast NBCU’s telethon last Friday.

ABC raises $16.8 mln, MTV to hold fundraiser for NJ shore | Reuters

ABC raises $16.8 mln, MTV to hold fundraiser for NJ shore | Reuters: A "Day of Giving" across ABC television networks raised more than $16.8 million for victims of Hurricane Sandy, ABC said on Tuesday.

Will Sandy Destroy Fundraising? - Association Bisnow (DC)

Will Sandy Destroy Fundraising? - Association Bisnow (DC): Nonprofit Roundtable of Greater Washington president Chuck Bean says not to worry. He’s confident Americans will only dig deeper rather than divert their giving to hurricane relief. Non-hurricane-related non-profits, which start their big fundraising push during the three to four weeks after Thanksgiving, need to continue talking about their mission and what they do with donations to make sure people give the same amount or more. The end of the election today will also allow for more opportunities to capture the public’s attention.

Job Searching

Job Searching: Here's the latest information on Hurricane Sandy unemployment benefits and disaster assistance. There's also information on clean up jobs, including federally funded state jobs and jobs with private companies.

Fundraisers Respond Faster and Smarter With Each Relief Effort - News - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

Fundraisers Respond Faster and Smarter With Each Relief Effort - News - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: The more than $90-million charities have raised in the week since Superstorm Sandy hit landfall is in large part a sign that nonprofits are getting faster and savvier about how they tap the public’s impulse to give before it fades, say nonprofit experts.

NYC leverages social media to map evacuation info for Hurricane Sandy | SmartBlogs SmartBlogs

NYC leverages social media to map evacuation info for Hurricane Sandy | SmartBlogs SmartBlogs: The City of New York utilized its Open Data platform to help residents deal with the effects of Hurricane Sandy. The effort, which is part of the Digital Road Map the City launched last year, integrates geographic information systems (GIS), social media and other private and public assets to inform New Yorkers about the dangers posed by the storm. Highlights of the program include a Hurricane Evacuation Map and an accompanying Hurricane Evacuation Zone Finder residents can use to see if their location is at-risk of flooding and plan an evacuation.

Monday, November 05, 2012

e-News for Tax Professionals Issue 2012-44

e-News for Tax Professionals Issue 2012-44: IRS Provides Tax Relief to Victims of Hurricane Sandy; Return Filing and Tax Payment Deadline Extended to Feb. 1, 2013

One Week On, Sandy Still Disrupts, But Volunteers Innovate | Fast Company

One Week On, Sandy Still Disrupts, But Volunteers Innovate | Fast Company: The disaster has brought out a raft of tech-based aid. Two mapping-based sites sprang up yesterday: NeedMapper connects volunteers with people in need of help; while a co-working crowd map shows office space available for anyone whose work life has been disrupted. And Facebook group SandyBaggers yesterday distributed aid to victims in Staten Island and Queens.

Harvard University Students Running NYC Marathon in Boston for Hurricane Sandy | BostInno

Harvard University Students Running NYC Marathon in Boston for Hurricane Sandy | BostInno: On Sunday, Baker and Whitmore, both Harvard University seniors, did their own 26.2-mile marathon, here in Boston, while raising money to support those in need who were impacted by the furious October storm.

They started a fundraising page on Indiegogo.com and have pledged to give all of the proceeds they collect to the American Red Cross disaster relief efforts in NYC.

NC Governor Activates Disaster Relief Fund | digtriad.com

NC Governor Activates Disaster Relief Fund | digtriad.com: RALEIGH, NC -- Gov. Bev Perdue has activated the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund to help residents and businesses along the East Coast recover from Hurricane Sandy.

Red Cross trains volunteers to help out with Hurricane Sandy disaster relief | syracuse.com

Red Cross trains volunteers to help out with Hurricane Sandy disaster relief | syracuse.com: Dashnau was among nearly 30 people who took the day-long disaster relief shelter course offered Saturday at the Red Cross headquarters on Herald Place in Syracuse. After undergoing the training, the participants will be next to be deployed when and wherever they’re needed. The first group of 14 Red Cross volunteers left Wednesday, and these volunteers need to be ready to leave within 24 hours of being called.

Yahoo’s Homepage Isn’t Raising Enough Money For Hurricane Sandy Relief, Let’s All Step Up | TechCrunch

Yahoo’s Homepage Isn’t Raising Enough Money For Hurricane Sandy Relief, Let’s All Step Up | TechCrunch: Silicon Valley is slowly getting into gear, with Yahoo! doing its normal fundraising on its homepage. There’s only one problem, though: It doesn’t seem like the site is raising that much money. Now mind you, any money during this time is fantastic, but if you look back to 2005 during Hurricane Katrina, Yahoo! performed quite well for fundraising during that period.

Let’s look at Yahoo’s homepage today, which features the donation page and tracks how much money has been raised. I believe this is fantastic and it’s something every major site should add, maybe including ours:

NYC Bars Struggle After Hurricane Sandy - Forbes

NYC Bars Struggle After Hurricane Sandy - Forbes: Those of you who have made it through the past week relatively unscathed, we humbly ask of you: please, support the local businesses that you want to see make it through 2012. Pay in cash, whenever possible. Tip generously. Tell your friends to do the same. A handful of bars in Lower Manhattan are already open for business thanks to the collective energies (and ice) of numerous bars in Brooklyn and upper Manhattan. If you want to get a jump start supporting your favorite local watering holes, here’s an updated list of bars open for business (including many in the Sandy zones). Similarly, Eater has been compiling a list of restaurants open for business.

Further, many bars and restaurants will be hosting fundraising events over the coming days and weeks, which we will try to keep track of on the Classic’s Facebook page. (Tonight, for example, Booker & Dax will be taking over Momofuku Ma Peche starting at 5pm to raise money for the American Red Cross.) Eater is also continually updating a page for fundraising events nationwide.

Haley Barbour: Keep politics out of disaster relief

Haley Barbour: Keep politics out of disaster relief: Having worked as governor with administrations of both parties on several natural disasters, including Hurricane Katrina, I am surprised — to the point of disbelief — at the reactions from both right and left that New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, a Republican, has said favorable things about the Obama administration’s efforts in these early days after Hurricane Sandy.

AT&T Supports Disaster Relief in Hard-Hit States with Additional $250,000 in Hurricane Sandy Grants - PR Newswire - The Sacramento Bee

Press Release

AT&T Supports Disaster Relief in Hard-Hit States with Additional $250,000 in Hurricane Sandy Grants - PR Newswire - The Sacramento Bee: DALLAS, Nov. 2, 2012 -- /PRNewswire/ -- The AT&T Foundation today announced $250,000 in grants to organizations providing Hurricane Sandy relief and care efforts in four hard-hit states. The grant recipients are:

The Federal Government, States, and Cities — The All of the Above Disaster Response | Brookings Institution

The Federal Government, States, and Cities — The All of the Above Disaster Response | Brookings Institution: We have hit another political low. As hundreds of families remain displaced from their homes or stranded without power, disaster recovery falls prey to the tired question of who can govern it best. The reality is that rebuilding New York, coastal New Jersey, and all the communities along the unfortunate path of Hurricane Sandy will require the close coordination of federal, state, and local governments, and private sector partners, no matter the political stripes of the leaders involved.

The question is: Has our nation’s response to major disasters improved since Hurricane Katrina, the last time a storm left such a catastrophic mark on the United States?

SBA Loans For Nonprofit Operations - TheNonProfitTimes

SBA Loans For Nonprofit Operations - TheNonProfitTimes: If your nonprofit operates in any county that has been declared a major disaster area by President Barack Obama due to Hurricane Sandy, it might be eligible for low-interest loan from the Small Business Administration (SBA)

Friday, November 02, 2012

Some Staten Island nonprofit groups postpone fundraisers | SILive.com

Some Staten Island nonprofit groups postpone fundraisers | SILive.com: STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- In consideration of the continuing effort in families and communities to recover from the devastation of Hurricane Sandy, some nonprofits have postponed their fundraisers scheduled for next week.

Baptist disaster relief volunteers respond to Sandy

Baptist disaster relief volunteers respond to Sandy: Twenty volunteers from Oklahoma Southern Baptist Convention Disaster Relief are on their way to help victims of Hurricane Sandy.

They hit the road from Oklahoma City early Thursday morning, picking up additional volunteers as they traveled along I-44.

Katie Halper: Bette Midler Defies Hurricane, Fights Climate Change

Katie Halper: Bette Midler Defies Hurricane, Fights Climate Change: Bette Midler knows that even when it comes to Hurricane Sandy, the show must go on. And so must her annual masquerade Hulaween -- a major fundraiser for the New York Restoration Project. The nonprofit reclaims and restores New York City parks, community gardens, and open spaces throughout the five boroughs. Sandy makes the work of NYRP even more urgent.

DVIDS - News - 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit travels north to assist disaster relief operations

DVIDS - News - 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit travels north to assist disaster relief operations: NEW YORK, NY -Marines and sailors of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) flew aboard USS Wasp, Nov. 1, 2012, to prepare to provide assistance to New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. Within less than a day of receiving the order from the commanding general of II Marine Expeditionary Force, Marines and sailors boarded aircraft and sortied from bases in North Carolina to meet the amphibious assault ship as it sailed off the coast of New York City, preparing to provide medical, logistical, engineering, and heavy airlift support to the storm-damaged a

Storm rages over perspective of disasters in wealthy and poor nations | adelaidenow

Storm rages over perspective of disasters in wealthy and poor nations | adelaidenow: The coverage of Hurricane Sandy in Australia this week has been massive, and understandably so, as we have a close relationship with America, many of us have holidayed there, many of us have lived there.

That said, there have been some aspects of the coverage and the behaviour of some of those affected by the disaster that have shone a light on the lack of proportionality that afflicts our sense of what constitutes a problem in the First World.

#Sandy Relief and Recovery: How You Can Help [Updated] - Forbes

#Sandy Relief and Recovery: How You Can Help [Updated] - Forbes: Homes still smolder and people line up for water. Our highly-developed Northeast infrastructure has been knocked off its pilings like a beach shack along the shore. For those with power and lights and transportation and food, there are ways to help out.

NFL, union donating $1M to Hurricane Sandy relief effort - ESPN Boston

NFL, union donating $1M to Hurricane Sandy relief effort - ESPN Boston: NEW YORK -- The NFL and its players' union and the NBA and its players' union each will donate $1 million to the American Red Cross and other organizations to help in the recovery efforts in the Northeast after Hurricane Sandy.

The NFL and its network broadcasters will run TV pregame and in-game messages to promote donations during this weekend's games, beginning with Thursday night's game on NFL Network between Kansas City and San Diego.

Thursday, November 01, 2012

NBC adds Hurricane Sandy fundraising special Friday, moves 'Revolution' to 9 p.m. | Tulsa World

NBC adds Hurricane Sandy fundraising special Friday, moves 'Revolution' to 9 p.m. | Tulsa World: NBC shuffling its programming for Friday again to add fundraising special featuring performances by Bruce Springsteen and Christina Aguilera.


The special, which will benefit the American Red Cross' Hurricane Sandy relief efforts, will also air on the NBCUniversal channels Bravo, USA, E!, CNBC, MSNBC, Style, Syfy and G4. It will be broadcast live from NBC's 30 Rock studios in New York and live-streamed on NBC.com. There is a possibility other channels may carry the event, according to hollywoodreporter.com.

Superstorm-Relief Donations From Companies and Individuals - Prospecting - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

Superstorm-Relief Donations From Companies and Individuals - Prospecting - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: In addition to the $11-million raised as of this morning by the American Red Cross for storm relief, the following charities report their current fundraising totals:

Save the Children, the international aid group, has raised $1-million.
The Salvation Army has raised $700,000 in online contributions.
Catholic Charities USA has updated its tally to $29,000 from $18,000 yesterday.
The United Methodist Committee on Relief has raised $24,000 in online gifts and text-to-give efforts since Friday.
Church World Service has received $1,000 through online giving.

American Red Cross Ongoing Relief Effort for Sandy Update

American Red Cross Ongoing Relief Effort for Sandy Update: In the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, thousands of people from more than a dozen states have turned to the American Red Cross for help and trained disaster workers are responding with food, shelter and comfort.

“This response to Sandy is just getting started. The storm has left devastation in its wake and we will be helping people for weeks to come,” said Gary Striar, CEO American Red Cross Northeastern New York Region (ARCNENY). “This will be very costly and the Red Cross needs help now. We ask everyone to support us as we help people recover from this massive storm.”

Canadian Red Cross raising funds to support Hurricane Sandy response | ReliefWeb

Canadian Red Cross raising funds to support Hurricane Sandy response | ReliefWeb: (OTTAWA, October 31, 2012) – The Canadian Red Cross is asking for donations to support relief operations for communities impacted by Hurricane Sandy across the Caribbean and in the United States. Currently, the Red Cross is providing food, water, safe shelter, and community services in seven countries impacted by the storm.

"The needs in affected communities are great, and recovery will be a long-term process," said Conrad Sauv�, secretary general and CEO of the Canadian Red Cross. "Local volunteers have been responding around the clock to meet urgent life-saving needs of disaster affected communities. The Canadian Red Cross is proud to support their efforts."

Global Advice on How to Cope, Recover and Rebuild - NYTimes.com

Global Advice on How to Cope, Recover and Rebuild - NYTimes.com: As damaging as Hurricane Sandy has been, many places around the world have endured far more devastating, and frequent, disasters. The earthquake in Haiti in 2010 caused hundreds of thousands of deaths. The tsunami that hit Japan in 2011 led to power and transportation problems far more catastrophic than those in the northeastern United States. Typhoons batter Asian countries much poorer than the United States with regular ferocity.

The International Herald Tribune asked its Facebook community and the New York Times asked its Facebook followers from those who have lived through disaster their advice for New Yorkers and others dealing with the wreckage of Sandy, now and tomorrow.

Toyota Donates $1 Million to Support Hurricane Sandy Relief Efforts - PR Newswire - The Sacramento Bee

PRESS RELEASE


Toyota Donates $1 Million to Support Hurricane Sandy Relief Efforts - PR Newswire - The Sacramento Bee: NEW YORK, Oct. 31, 2012 -- /PRNewswire/ -- Toyota today announced a $1 million contribution to the American Red Cross and other nonprofit organizations to support relief efforts for victims of Hurricane Sandy in the regions worst-hit by the storm. In addition, Toyota will match employee contributions to the American Red Cross and other non-profits doing relief and recovery work in affected communities.

AFP Disaster Relief and Fundraising Efforts Page (Updated November 1, 2012) - AFP

AFP Disaster Relief and Fundraising Efforts Page (Updated November 1, 2012) - AFP: Hurricane Sandy is a massive, late-season tropical cyclone that has affected Jamaica, Cuba, the Bahamas, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and the southeastern and eastern United States. Sandy developed from an elongated tropical wave in the western Caribbean Sea on October 22. It became a tropical depression, quickly strengthened, and was upgraded to a tropical storm six hours later. Sandy moved slowly northward toward the Greater Antilles and gradually strengthened. On October 24, Sandy was upgraded to a hurricane, shortly before making landfall in Jamaica. Sandy re-entered water and made its second landfall in Cuba during the early morning of October 25 as a Category 2 hurricane.

PHILANTHROPY 2173: (More) Tech and #Sandy (part 5)

PHILANTHROPY 2173: (More) Tech and #Sandy (part 5): More) Tech and #Sandy (part 5)

Still more examples of technology communities' contributions to, and use of social media by, hurricane #Sandy relief efforts. Earlier posts from yesterday and this morning.

MediaShift Idea Lab . The Most Innovative Digital Coverage of Superstorm #Sandy | PBS

MediaShift Idea Lab . The Most Innovative Digital Coverage of Superstorm #Sandy | PBS: First up: natural disaster reporting thanks to Superstorm Sandy.

Disasters bring out many of the most predictable cliches of traditional media (reporters standing in the middle of a storm surge, photos of empty store shelves, and worse), but they also lead to some of the best and most impactful work by journalists, computer programmers, and online services. Sandy broke all the records as one of the worst storms to ever hit the East Coast, and I think history will also show it to be groundbreaking in the way it was covered online.

Social Life Comes to Halt as Library, WNYC Cancel Galas - Businessweek

Social Life Comes to Halt as Library, WNYC Cancel Galas - Businessweek: Arriving in one of the busiest weeks of New York’s social season, Hurricane Sandy forced dozens of nonprofits to cancel their fundraisers. Vendors and nonprofits will have to work out the financials of the situation and determine their next steps.

Hurricane Sandy Recovery

Hurricane Sandy Recovery: Hurricane Sandy Recovery

Hurricane Sandy cut a swath of destruction through the Caribbean and along the U.S. East Coast. The following organizations are involved in the recovery efforts. Some are assisting the people whose lives have been disrupted, others the animals who were in the storm's way.

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Red Cross Raises $11-Million in Sandy Relief Efforts - Prospecting - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

Red Cross Raises $11-Million in Sandy Relief Efforts - Prospecting - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: Red Cross Raises $11-Million in Sandy Relief Efforts

October 31, 2012, 3:39 pm

By Raymund Flandez

The American Red Cross announced that it has received more than $11-million in donations for its efforts to help the millions of families displaced by Superstorm Sandy.

AT&T and T-Mobile strike roaming pact to improve service after Sandy — Mobile Technology News

AT&T and T-Mobile strike roaming pact to improve service after Sandy — Mobile Technology News: AT&T and T-Mobile are opening up their networks to each other’s customers in New York and New Jersey in an effort to improve coverage and performance in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. Under the roaming deal, users will make calls and use data on whichever network is stronger in their area

Rush is on to rescue animals stranded in Sandy's wake - Animal Tracks

Rush is on to rescue animals stranded in Sandy's wake - Animal Tracks: Will dogs, cats and other animals fare as badly in Sandy’s wake as they did during Hurricane Katrina, which left an estimated 250,000 pets stranded and struggling to survive?

Animal rescuers say it’s still too early to tell — although they’re hopeful that animals in states most affected by Sandy’s wrath will stand a better chance than they did during Katrina’s onslaught in 2005. Their hopefulness is based on the prevalence of pet-friendly shelters in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia.

The Other Hurricane Sandy: The Storm's Impact in Haiti - Armin Rosen - The Atlantic

The Other Hurricane Sandy: The Storm's Impact in Haiti - Armin Rosen - The Atlantic: Hurricane Sandy was already a prolific killer by the time it ravaged the Jersey Shore, flooded New York's subway system, and turned Queens's scenic Breezy Point neighborhood into an ashen crater.

Before making landfall in the United States, Sandy swept through the central Caribbean, directly hitting Jamaica and Cuba, and dropping more than 20 inches of rain on a country already well acquainted with the blunt force of nature: Haiti. The storm killed 52 Haitians, flooded much of the country's south, and displaced over 18,000 families. Up to 400,000 Haitians are still living in camps for those left homeless by the country's devastating 2010 earthquake. A subsequent cholera outbreak -- which most likely originated with U.N. peacekeepers stationed in the country -- killed up to 7,500 people. And while Haiti's 2011 presidential election might have demonstrated that the country's democratic development wouldn't be delayed on account of the earthquake, it was still a contentious affair that culminated in the elevation of Michele Martelly, a former pop singer with no prior political experience. There is never a "good" time for a killer storm to strike, but Sandy slammed into a highly vulnerable country th

Three Weeks at American Red Cross � Talisman Thinking Out Loud

Three Weeks at American Red Cross � Talisman Thinking Out Loud: hope you are reading this from the safety of your home and community. As I entered my third week of work at the Red Cross National Headquarters, Hurricane Sandy got everyone’s attention. I am so fortunate to be safe as the storm hit the DC metropolitan area.

Charities Scramble to Raise Money After Sandy Hits - Prospecting - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

Charities Scramble to Raise Money After Sandy Hits - Prospecting - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: Nonprofit organizations are starting to mobilize donations to help victims of Hurricane Sandy, but so far the sums appear to be small.

That’s in part because the two big groups involved in disaster fundraising, the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army, declined to release a tally of how much they have collected so far.

Charitable Giving - Do's and Don'ts of Helping During a Disaster

Charitable Giving - Do's and Don'ts of Helping During a Disaster: Whether it is an earthquake or tsunami halfway around the world or a tornado and flood in our own country, we often are called upon to help in a crisis.

But in many cases, we do just the things that don't help at all, but rather make the emergency even harder on those people and organizations on working at the scene.

Hurricane Sandy | Center for Disaster Philanthropy

Hurricane Sandy | Center for Disaster Philanthropy: Hurricane Sandy

The Center for Disaster Philanthropy is actively monitoring Hurricane Sandy along its destructive path. The Atlantic’s 10th named storm of the 2012 season already has caused dozens of deaths in the Caribbean island nations and the United States, in addition to untold damage from winds, rain, and snow.

Philanthrop Sector on the Mend when Sandy Hit - Penta - Barrons.com

Philanthrop Sector on the Mend when Sandy Hit - Penta - Barrons.com: Sandy’s aftermath will certainly challenge the resources of the public and non-profit sectors, but, for what’s it’s worth, the philanthropic industry was well on the mend before the hurricane hit, despite the nation’s continued economic weakness. That at least is the underlying message of the latest relevant study.

The 2012 Bank of America Study of High Net Worth Philanthropy, in partnership with the Center Philanthropy, questioned 700 rich folk with liquid assets of $1 million or more. The results released in this biennial study this week reflect philanthropic behavior among the wealthy in 2011.

Hurricane Roundup: Assessing Sandy’s Impact on Meetings | Risk Management content from Meetings Net

Hurricane Roundup: Assessing Sandy’s Impact on Meetings | Risk Management content from Meetings Net: Here’s a roundup of some of the meetings and conventions being canceled and postponed up and down the East Coast on Monday:

• Due to the weather and major power outages predicted, ASAE is canceling the ASAE 2012 In Honor of Women program scheduled for Wednesday, October 31st, says John Graham, president at CEO of ASAE. Attendees who registered for the event will receive a refund within the next 30 days. “

Will Republicans Oppose Disaster Relief Funds After Hurricane Sandy? - The Daily Beast

Will Republicans Oppose Disaster Relief Funds After Hurricane Sandy? - The Daily Beast: FEMA has money now, but if the hardest-hit states need more funds after their damage assessments, will congressional Republicans fight against disaster relief, as they did in the wake of Hurricane Irene? Eleanor Clift reports.

A Week Until Election Day, Campaigns Focus on Disaster Relief | PBS NewsHour | Oct. 30, 2012 | PBS

A Week Until Election Day, Campaigns Focus on Disaster Relief | PBS NewsHour | Oct. 30, 2012 | PBS: GWEN IFILL: Now we turn to the presidential campaign, which has taken a bit of a pause in Sandy's aftermath.

With the election only a week away, the devastating East Coast storm forced both candidates off the stump again today. Each focused, instead, on disaster relief, with Mitt Romney in Ohio collecting canned foods and bottled water, and the president making a quick afternoon visit to Red Cross headquarters in Washington.

Hurricane Sandy: HSUS Assesses Animal Needs, Ready for Sustained Disaster Relief : The Humane Society of the United States

Hurricane Sandy: HSUS Assesses Animal Needs, Ready for Sustained Disaster Relief : The Humane Society of the United States: Disaster aid to states, pet owners

In response to Hurricane Sandy, The HSUS's state directors from Maine to North Carolina have been offering animal assistance to shelters and government officials in the hardest-hit areas. Our Animal Rescue Team is ready to deploy when local agencies or animal welfare groups call us in.

Paying it forward: Vermonters heading to New York for Sandy disaster relief | Burlington Free Press | burlingtonfreepress.com

Paying it forward: Vermonters heading to New York for Sandy disaster relief | Burlington Free Press | burlingtonfreepress.com: When Tropical Storm Irene swamped much of Vermont a year ago, New Yorkers rallied to help their neighbors in the Green Mountains.

Hurricane Sandy has turned that tide.

From moral support to the necessities of life, Vermonters are returning the favor.

Thousands look to Red Cross for disaster relief - The Pike County News Watchman: Community

Thousands look to Red Cross for disaster relief - The Pike County News Watchman: Community: The Red Cross has deployed more than 1,300 disaster workers to the region from all over the country to help those affected by the storm. As many as 160 emergency vehicles are ready to respond when it is safe to do so, and more than 230,000 ready-to-eat meals have been sent into the area.

State and Federal Disaster Relief: Expect the Best But Prepare for the Worst? | Brookings Institution

State and Federal Disaster Relief: Expect the Best But Prepare for the Worst? | Brookings Institution: As Hurricane Sandy bears down on the East Coast, it seems like an opportune time to revisit federal disaster relief. Even in an election year, this may be one of those rare topics where most Americans can agree. There is a strong argument for the federal government serving as a backstop against risk, and pitching in when natural and human induced catastrophes outstrip local capacities to respond.

After Sandy, a Different Kind of “Storm Chaser” - NPQ – Nonprofit Quarterly - Promoting an active and engaged democracy.

After Sandy, a Different Kind of “Storm Chaser” - NPQ – Nonprofit Quarterly - Promoting an active and engaged democracy.: As NPQ has noted in the wake of past natural disasters, there are, sadly, those human beings who see difficult circumstances not as an opportunity to help their neighbor, as most of us do, but as an opportunity to take advantage of those in the midst of trying circumstances. With this unscrupulous cohort of humanity in mind, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning donors not to fall prey to these fraudulent “storm chasers.” According to the BBB, “some of the most common ‘after-disaster’ scams involve auto, home and yard repairs or clean-up,” but following a few guidelines can help protect your repair dollars from scammers: stay calm, shop around for at least three estimates for any work that needs to be done, get everything in writing, be proactive rather than reactive, don’t pay in advance or with cash, and remember the old saying that “if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”

Thursday, October 25, 2012

B.C. government and Red Cross team up for better disaster response | Canadian Underwriter

B.C. government and Red Cross team up for better disaster response | Canadian Underwriter: The British Columbia government has formally teamed up with the Canadian Red Cross for better and faster emergency response in times of a major or catastrophic disaster.

Emergency Management B.C., the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Social Development and the Canadian Red Cross will work on joint planning and training in case of a major disaster, such as an earthquake.

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Y�le Haiti Closes Amid Investigations | PND | Foundation Center

Y�le Haiti Closes Amid Investigations | PND | Foundation Center: osted on October 15, 2012 print

Y�le Haiti Closes Amid Investigations

Two months after the remaining employee of Y�le Haiti, the charity established by Haitian-American hip hop artist Wyclef Jean, resigned, questions remain about the $16 million the charity collected to benefit the people of earthquake-battered Haiti, the New York Times reports.

On the heels of Jean's refusal to accept a settlement proposed by the New York attorney general's office regarding alleged "financial improprieties," Y�le Haiti CEO Derek Q. Johnson resigned in August. Other investigations into the charity's finances and activities, many of which have been abandoned, continue.

Monday, October 15, 2012

FEMA Needs a New Approach to Disaster Relief - Economic Intelligence (usnews.com)

FEMA Needs a New Approach to Disaster Relief - Economic Intelligence (usnews.com): In contrast to this informal, unstructured, goal-oriented approach, FEMA arrived with a more formal structure and approach. Many FEMA workers had extensive knowledge and experience, but seemed limited in what they were allowed to do. In the middle of cleaning out a basement, a FEMA worker would suddenly appear with a request that people stop and fill out forms. One crusty old Vietnam vet explained to a FEMA worker, "You've never been in a war zone. This is a battlefield and your paperwork will not be helpful at this time." Ultimately, the town's volunteer zoning administrator stepped in, filled out all the forms and then went house to house making sure she had done the forms correctly, so the homeowners c

Friday, October 12, 2012

Santa Rosa man leads animal-rescue efforts during disasters | PressDemocrat.com

Santa Rosa man leads animal-rescue efforts during disasters | PressDemocrat.com: The suffering Dick Green has sometimes seen would scare many folks away from the animal rescue world.

For the thousands of animals he's helped save, many others have been beyond rescue.

But after attending to animals during dozens of catastrophes over the past decade, the Santa Rosa man says he's “gotten very good at … seeing the bigger picture.”

Friday, September 28, 2012

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

New Orleans Community Shoulders Chief Burden of Isaac Recovery - Philanthropy Today - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

New Orleans Community Shoulders Chief Burden of Isaac Recovery - Philanthropy Today - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: New Orleans Community Shoulders Chief Burden of Isaac Recovery

September 18, 2012, 9:57 am

Lacking the national outpouring of support that accompanied Hurricane Katrina seven years ago, recovery work in New Orleans following last month’s Hurricane Isaac will fall far more heavily on local volunteers and donors, according to The Times-Picayune.

Monday, September 17, 2012

Internal Revenue Service Webinar Registration Page

Internal Revenue Service Webinar Registration Page: IRS Presenters:

Steven Grodnitzky, Tax Attorney, Manager, IRS Exempt Organizations Office

Emily Mangrum, Tax Law Specialist, IRS Exempt Organizations Office
When disasters strike new charities spring up to help the victims, and existing charities want to expand their activities to provide disaster relief. But often, these organizations don’t understand the complexities of starting and operating an organization to provide disaster relief.

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Philippines Goes Hi-Tech For Disaster Response Plan - Southeast Asia Real Time - WSJ

Philippines Goes Hi-Tech For Disaster Response Plan - Southeast Asia Real Time - WSJ: The Philippines is no stranger to disasters. Floods, earthquakes, volcanoes and typhoons frequently ravage the archipelago, making it one of the most disaster-prone countries in the work.

But now a new plan aptly dubbed Project NOAH – National Operational Assessment of Hazards – intends to give Filipinos a better chance of overcoming these calamities by providing real-time access to weather information and updating maps, some of which date back to the 1960s.

Answering the Call of Isaac

Answering the Call of Isaac: Parishes in Louisiana were hit hard again by a gulf hurricane, this one Isaac. New Orleans did not see the impact it has in previous storms such as Katrina, Gustav and Ike. But the tribal communities in southeastern Louisiana were severely impacted as the storm hovered over them for 48 hours. Isaac left some homes under as much as 12 feet of water.

Monday, September 10, 2012

Sequestration in Disaster Relief

Sequestration in Disaster Relief: The upcoming 2013 budgetary fiscal cliff has prompted some in Congress to consider sequestration in disaster relief in order to save money. Sequestration is simply defined as automatic spending cuts.

Baptist Press - 83,500 meals cooked by disaster relief volunteers post-Isaac - News with a Christian Perspective

Baptist Press - 83,500 meals cooked by disaster relief volunteers post-Isaac - News with a Christian Perspective: Southern Baptist Disaster Relief feeding operations are now in high gear in nine Louisiana and Mississippi venues, with 83,500 hot meals prepared and delivered to Hurricane Isaac victims in the two hard-hit Gulf Coast states by noon Sept. 4.

Disaster Relief Of A Different Kind - West Virginia Headline News and Talk Radio

Disaster Relief Of A Different Kind - West Virginia Headline News and Talk Radio: Seventeen West Virginia Office of Technology employees are working long hours in Louisiana lending an IT helping hand following what Hurricane Isaac left behind.

The workers volunteered for the service and state Chief Technology Officer Gale Given says they've been busy since they arrived.

"They are helping intake centers distribute food stamp cards," she said. "They may be pulled away to do other things but that's what they are doing right now."

Baptist Press - Southern Baptist relief spurs 'thank you' from Napolitano - News with a Christian Perspective

Baptist Press - Southern Baptist relief spurs 'thank you' from Napolitano - News with a Christian Perspective: Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano called to thank Southern Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers who have diligently served since Hurricane Isaac hit the southeast Louisiana coast 10 days ago.

Napolitano Thursday (Sept. 6) personally expressed gratitude to North American Mission Board President Kevin Ezell.

Wednesday, September 05, 2012

Donating to disaster relief efforts - WTVA.com

Donating to disaster relief efforts - WTVA.com: Jackson – Governor Phil Bryant has activated the Mississippi Disaster Recovery Fund (http://www.mississippirelief.com) to collect financial donations.

Tuesday, September 04, 2012

PHOTOS: Isaac response in Mississippi � American Red Cross Disaster Newsroom

PHOTOS: Isaac response in Mississippi � American Red Cross Disaster Newsroom: AmeriCorps worker Ally Ramirez carries a Red Cross disaster clean-up kit during the Hurricane Isaac disaster relief supply distribution in Pascagoula, Mississippi. Disaster partner organizations like AmeriCorps are working with the Red Cross to bring emergency relief to families across the northern Gulf Coast following Hurricane Isaac. Photo credit: Talia Frenkel/American Red Cross

Disaster relief sluggish for thousands without power | Daily World | dailyworld.com

Disaster relief sluggish for thousands without power | Daily World | dailyworld.com: More than 2,800 people were at shelters in Louisiana, down from around 4,000. State officials were uncertain how many people would eventually need longer-term temporary housing. Kevin Davis, head of the state's emergency office, said housing would likely include hotels at first, then rental homes as close as possible to their damaged property.

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Local Red Cross Volunteer Remembers Helping in Katrina - WLNS TV 6 Lansing - Jackson | Your Local News Leader

Local Red Cross Volunteer Remembers Helping in Katrina - WLNS TV 6 Lansing - Jackson | Your Local News Leader: Volunteers from Mid-Michigan are already down at the Gulf coast, ready to help with hurricane relief efforts.

Almost seven years ago to the day, Gloria Andrews signed up through the Red Cross to go help with Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.

Local NGOs propose disaster-relief body for entire East Asia - Taipei Times

Local NGOs propose disaster-relief body for entire East Asia - Taipei Times: Reacting to the rise in frequency of natural disasters affecting East Asian countries, local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have proposed setting up a coordination platform for disaster relief in Taiwan, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs official said yesterday.

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Google launches crisis map anticipating hurricane Isaac | Fox News

Google launches crisis map anticipating hurricane Isaac | Fox News: To do its part, Google has launched the new website aggregating info on tropical storm Isaac as part of its Crisis Response project.

Isaac: A Chance for Government to Rebuild Public Trust? - NPQ – Nonprofit Quarterly - Promoting an active and engaged democracy.

Isaac: A Chance for Government to Rebuild Public Trust? - NPQ – Nonprofit Quarterly - Promoting an active and engaged democracy.: Tropical Storm Isaac only lightly brushed by Florida, though the Republican National Convention convened and then recessed due to the completely understandable caution that Tampa could have been hit. The path of the storm (which may become a hurricane) is heading along the path that looks just like the Hurricane Katrina vector, straight for Louisiana and the Mississippi gulf coast. Isaac isn’t expected to be as strong as Katrina (much less Katrina combined with Wilma, which also took a huge toll, particularly in Louisiana’s rural areas), but it is slow moving and loaded with tons of rain. Flooding in the low-lying areas of the coast is a distinct possibility if the storm’s impact on Haiti over the weekend is any guide. Nonprofits World Vision and Doctors without borders are reporting on the impact of the storm on Haiti. World Vision has noted the number of homes in Cite Soleil that lost their roofs or were flooded, and Doctors Without Borders is predicting an increase in cholera cases.

Obama signs declaration for FEMA disaster relief - WAFB 9 News Baton Rouge, Louisiana News, Weather, Sports

Obama signs declaration for FEMA disaster relief - WAFB 9 News Baton Rouge, Louisiana News, Weather, Sports: BATON ROUGE, LA (WAFB) - President Obama signed an emergency disaster declaration which will allow Louisiana to use federal aid to help with local response efforts to Tropical Storm Isaac.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) says the authorization will coordinate relief efforts and provide federal funds for local emergency and relief efforts. FEMA says the measure authorizes the use of "equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency."

Tropical Storm Isaac Deepens Man-Made Housing Disaster in Haiti - The ITT List

Tropical Storm Isaac Deepens Man-Made Housing Disaster in Haiti - The ITT List: he AP is reporting that the death toll in Haiti from Tropical Storm Isaac this weekend has now risen to 19. Long-displaced earthquake victims were evacuated from the makeshift camps where they’ve resided since 2010, and several died when their houses collapsed on them. As relief efforts get under way, housing rights advocates are emphasizing that Haitians’ ongoing vulnerability to natural disasters represents a man-made failure.

Baptist Press - Isaac disaster relief prep focuses on Gulf Coast - News with a Christian Perspective

Baptist Press - Isaac disaster relief prep focuses on Gulf Coast - News with a Christian Perspective: With Tropical Storm Isaac continuing to churn toward landfall as a potential hurricane on Tuesday night or Wednesday morning -- somewhere along the Louisiana and Mississippi Coasts -- Southern Baptist Disaster Relief leaders already are planning where major storm responses will be deployed.

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

OUR OPINION: Reform the ‘disaster’ of Minnesota’s disaster aid | Grand Forks Herald | Grand Forks, North Dakota

OUR OPINION: Reform the ‘disaster’ of Minnesota’s disaster aid | Grand Forks Herald | Grand Forks, North Dakota: The League is famous for its fiscal conservatism and might have been expected to call for ending disaster relief altogether. But Krinkie’s most recent column doesn’t go there.

Instead, the former Republican state legislator recounts the report’s findings and supports its recommendations.

That’s because right now, the aid process is “a hodge-podge of state and local government programs as well as non-profit agencies working to provide disaster relief services,” Krinkie writes.

And as long Minnesota’s going to be in the disaster-relief business, it might as well do the job right.

“Even in your desire to help others, you need to include accountability,” Krinkie writes.

Here’s a quote from the auditor’s report that captures its basic findings:

Crowdsourcing Community-Based Disaster Relief in Indonesia | iRevolution

Crowdsourcing Community-Based Disaster Relief in Indonesia | iRevolution: Crowdsourcing Community-Based Disaster Relief in Indonesia
Posted on August 21, 2012 | 5 Comments

I just came across a very neat example of crowdsourced, community-based crisis response in this excellent report by the BBC World Service Trust: “Still Left in the Dark? How People in Emergencies Use Communication to Survive—And How Humanitarian Agencies Can Help.” I plan to provide a detailed summary of this important report in a forthcoming blog post. In the meantime, this very neat example below (taken directly from said BBC report) is well worth sharing.

Monday, August 20, 2012

Commission publishes new guidance on disaster relief appeals

Commission publishes new guidance on disaster relief appeals: The Charity Commission has published new guidance on starting, running and supporting charitable disaster appeals.

It is intended to provide information and advice to charities as well as members of the public who want to give much needed help to people affected by a disaster or other humanitarian crisis.

The public’s natural reaction to a disaster is to do as much as possible to help, as quickly as possible.

Friday, August 17, 2012

Organizations help residents with disaster relief� - State News - Charleston Daily Mail - West Virginia News and Sports -

Organizations help residents with disaster relief� - State News - Charleston Daily Mail - West Virginia News and Sports -: CHARLESTON, W.Va. - West Virginia Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster assist in times of need by finding and stretching resources without duplicating services.

"I enjoy helping people and working with the different organizations," said Jenny Gannaway, state chairwoman.

In the wake of any disaster, it is a blessing to see families receive assistance that otherwise would not be available, she said.

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Colo. Charities to Get First Funds to Aid Shooting Victims by Week’s End - News - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

Colo. Charities to Get First Funds to Aid Shooting Victims by Week’s End - News - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: With more than $2-million raised for the victims of Friday morning’s shooting rampage at a movie theater in Aurora, Colo., the Community First Foundation, the main local organization collecting donations, plans to give the first $100,000 raised, plus an additional $100,000 from the foundation, to local charities by the end of this week.

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Sky News: Disaster relief lessons shared

Sky News: Disaster relief lessons shared: Australian army chiefs are sharing their know-how with other defence forces across the Asia-Pacific, to improve responses and recoveries in disaster relief operations.


Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Japan Society Allocates Additional $2.1 Million with 5th Round of Earthquake Relief Grants: Press: About: Japan Society

Japan Society Allocates Additional $2.1 Million with 5th Round of Earthquake Relief Grants: Press: About: Japan Society: Japan Society Allocates Additional $2.1 Million with 5th Round of Earthquake Relief Grants
July 9, 2012

New York, NY – Japan Society announced today the fifth round of grants from the Japan Earthquake Relief Fund (JERF), supporting eight organizations, seven of which are first-time grantees. With additional grants totaling $2,131,000, this latest announcement brings total allocations from the $12.9 million fund to $9.4 million distributed to 27 org

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Clinton-Bush fund puts $2.6 million into Haiti - Businessweek

Clinton-Bush fund puts $2.6 million into Haiti - Businessweek: nonprofit set up by former U.S. Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush has issued nearly $2.6 million in loans and grants to help Haitian businesses and job training programs.

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Waldo Canyon Fire Explodes: More Than 32,000 Ordered To Flee Colo. Wildfire

Waldo Canyon Fire Explodes: More Than 32,000 Ordered To Flee Colo. Wildfire: Officials don't know how many houses have been destroyed in the towering blaze that has forced mandatory evacuations for more than 32,000 residents, Colorado Springs emergency management director Brett Waters said. Among those urgently evacuated Tuesday evening were residents at the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Monday, June 18, 2012

Hindu Temple Faces Fine Over Tsunami Donations

Hindu Temple Faces Fine Over Tsunami Donations: A Hindu temple has been fined $301,869 by the Canada Revenue Agency for sending money to "non-qualified donees," which include a group that Ottawa alleges was part of a support network for the Tamil Tigers.

The Hindu Mission of Mississauga, which is a registered charity, sent money to an overseas charity in the aftermath of the December 2004 tsunami, which devastated part of Sri Lanka.

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Florida Baptists’ 26 months of relief work in Haiti reviewed - Florida Baptist Witness

Florida Baptists’ 26 months of relief work in Haiti reviewed - Florida Baptist Witness: Florida Baptists have been in partnership with Haitian Baptists through the Confratenite Missionaire Baptiste d’Haiti (CMBH) for the past 15 years. Much of the response, orchestrated from the Florida Mission House located in Port-au-Prince utilized the network of CMBH churches throughout the most heavily damaged areas to identify and meet specific needs.

Highlights of the initial relief response which began immediately after the January 2010 earthquake were as follows:

Thursday, June 07, 2012

Follow The Money: Japan Disaster Relief | Northwest Public Radio

Follow The Money: Japan Disaster Relief | Northwest Public Radio: Over the past year, people and businesses in the Pacific Northwest have contributed tens of millions of dollars to Japanese earthquake and tsunami relief. It's an unfamiliar situation for a wealthy, industrialized country like Japan to be the recipient of international relief funds. Correspondent Tom Banse visited Japan to see where the money went. He found widespread appreciation among Japanese people. At the same time, a poll shows they have less trust in the non-profit sector than they did a year ago.

Follow The Money: Japan Disaster Relief | Northwest Public Radio

Follow The Money: Japan Disaster Relief | Northwest Public Radio: Over the past year, people and businesses in the Pacific Northwest have contributed tens of millions of dollars to Japanese earthquake and tsunami relief. It's an unfamiliar situation for a wealthy, industrialized country like Japan to be the recipient of international relief funds. Correspondent Tom Banse visited Japan to see where the money went. He found widespread appreciation among Japanese people. At the same time, a poll shows they have less trust in the non-profit sector than they did a year ago.

Follow The Money: Japan Disaster Relief | Northwest Public Radio

Follow The Money: Japan Disaster Relief | Northwest Public Radio: Over the past year, people and businesses in the Pacific Northwest have contributed tens of millions of dollars to Japanese earthquake and tsunami relief. It's an unfamiliar situation for a wealthy, industrialized country like Japan to be the recipient of international relief funds. Correspondent Tom Banse visited Japan to see where the money went. He found widespread appreciation among Japanese people. At the same time, a poll shows they have less trust in the non-profit sector than they did a year ago.

A letter from Syria: 12 trucks of aid and a tragedy � Red Cross Blogs

A letter from Syria: 12 trucks of aid and a tragedy � Red Cross Blogs: Last month, we sent experienced delegate Alasdair Gordon-Gibson to work for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in Damascus. Now back in the UK, Alasdair writes about his experiences.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Red Cross chapters to offer boot camp - SouthwestIowaNews.com: News

Red Cross chapters to offer boot camp - SouthwestIowaNews.com: News: The Nebraska/Southwest Iowa Region of the American Red Cross will hold Ready to Respond Boot Camp in the Omaha metro June 4-16.

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

A year later, volunteers still helping Massachusetts tornado survivors | masslive.com

A year later, volunteers still helping Massachusetts tornado survivors | masslive.com: Nearly a year later, the volunteers are still at it, chipping away at the tornado damage to help their neighbors and area residents. Numerous organizations – from the United Way of Pioneer Valley to the American Red Cross – also have contributed, helping residents rebuild

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Internal Revenue Service Webinar Starting and Operating Charities for Disaster Relief

Internal Revenue Service Webinar Registration Page: IRS Presenters:

Steven Grodnitzky, Tax Attorney, Manager, IRS Exempt Organizations Office

Emily Mangrum, Tax Law Specialist, IRS Exempt Organizations Office
When disasters strike new charities spring up to help the victims, and existing charities want to expand their activities to provide disaster relief. But often, these organizations don’t understand the complexities of starting and operating an organization to provide disaster relief.

Monday, May 21, 2012

Tornado cost: More than $80 million | StarTribune.com

Tornado cost: More than $80 million | StarTribune.com: A sample of the major contributions, public and private, that helped cover costs from the May 22, 2011, tornado that hit north Minneapolis, St. Louis Park, Golden Valley and Fridley:

Tornado cost: More than $80 million | StarTribune.com

Tornado cost: More than $80 million | StarTribune.com: A sample of the major contributions, public and private, that helped cover costs from the May 22, 2011, tornado that hit north Minneapolis, St. Louis Park, Golden Valley and Fridley:

Monday, May 14, 2012

China puts 20mln yuan for disaster relief in Gansu CCTV News - CNTV English

China puts 20mln yuan for disaster relief in Gansu CCTV News - CNTV English: The Chinese government has put 20 million yuan into a disaster relief fund after severe rain storms devastated parts of Gansu province earlier this week. The extreme weather has left 37 people dead, and another 19 missing.

Wednesday, May 02, 2012

How Philanthropy Can Help During Crises - The Giveaway - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

How Philanthropy Can Help During Crises - The Giveaway - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: As 1,300 grant makers gathered in the city to start their annual meeting Sunday, they examined what foundations can do better as cities erupt in crises such natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina inflicted on the Gulf Coast or the damage the recession wracked on Detroit, or the racial tensions that inflamed this city.

How to deal with natural disasters in cities? | Urban Portal | The University of Chicago Urban Network

How to deal with natural disasters in cities? | Urban Portal | The University of Chicago Urban Network: How to deal with natural disasters in cities?

In January of 2010, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake shook the Caribbean nation of Haiti, causing the deaths of more than 200,000 people. The catastrophe heavily affected Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince. The largest urban population center of the country was poor and crime stricken even before the earthquake had reduced much of it to rubble. A new report by foreign policy analyst Elizabeth Ferris discusses Port-au-Prince as a case study on how scholars and policy makers should help cities prepare for an

Hunger in Africa: why it’s happening again � Red Cross Blogs

Hunger in Africa: why it’s happening again � Red Cross Blogs: Aid money only goes into the pockets of rich leaders, despots and tyrants, so why bother donating?”

Corruption is an issue in some of the countries where the Red Cross works, so it is understandable that donors want to know where their money is going.

Monday, April 30, 2012

Forging a New Future in Haiti | Habitat World

Forging a New Future in Haiti | Habitat World: In early November 2011, more than 400 international volunteers helped 100 Haitian families, including Erisma’s, build new homes during the 2011 Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project. Named Santo by its new residents, the new community is situated on a former sugarcane field just outside Leogane, Haiti, very close to the epicenter of the 2010 quake. Families moved into their homes in February.

Friday, April 27, 2012

Paul Clolery: The Preparedness and Resilience Foundation Act: Should Government Compete with Aid Organizations?

Paul Clolery: The Preparedness and Resilience Foundation Act: Should Government Compete with Aid Organizations?: It took the charitable sector and the generosity of American citizens to bail people out of the immediate need. It was the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army and dozens of national, regional and local disaster response organizations that mobilized the basics of food and water and maybe a clean pair of underwear.

Monday, April 23, 2012

Japanese professor studying Katrina response - Gulfport - SunHerald.com

Japanese professor studying Katrina response - Gulfport - SunHerald.com: When he visited the Sun Herald on Thursday, Murayama wanted to hear about post-Katrina insurance problems, housing programs, business and charity responses and government assistance offered.

He said the Japanese had no insurance for the tsunami comparable with America’s National Flood Insurance Program, and many residents were without earthquake insurance because they thought their ground was solid.

Monday, April 16, 2012

American Red Cross Responds to Deadly Midwest Tornadoes - MarketWatch

PRESS RELEASE

American Red Cross Responds to Deadly Midwest Tornadoes - MarketWatch: WASHINGTON, April 15, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- The American Red Cross is responding across the Midwest where dozens of tornadoes ripped through communities overnight, destroying buildings and downing power lines. Red Cross workers are already operating shelters and providing meals, and more help is on the way.

100 Tornadoes in 24 Hours, but Plenty of Notice - NYTimes.com

100 Tornadoes in 24 Hours, but Plenty of Notice - NYTimes.com: WOODWARD, Okla. — The tornadoes were unrelenting — more than 100 in 24 hours over a stretch of the Plains states. They tossed vehicles and ripped through homes. They drove families to their basements and whipped debris across small towns throughout the Midwest. In some areas, baseball-size hail rained from the sky.

U.S. News - At least five dead as tornadoes hit Midwest and Plains

U.S. News - At least five dead as tornadoes hit Midwest and Plains: Updated at 7:06 a.m. Sunday ET: At least five people have been killed in Oklahoma and a disaster emergency has been declared in Kansas after a severe storm system moving through the Midwest spawned a number of strong tornadoes.

Oklahoma Dept. of Emergency Management information officer Keli Cain confirmed there were five deaths in the Woodward area of north-west Oklahoma.

Friday, April 13, 2012

Tsunami alert for Indian Ocean nations after 8.6-magnitude quake strikes off Indonesia - CBS News

Tsunami alert for Indian Ocean nations after 8.6-magnitude quake strikes off Indonesia - CBS News: Updated at 8:10 a.m. ET

(CBS/AP) BANDA ACEH, Indonesia - A massive earthquake off Indonesia's western coast triggered tsunami fears across the Indian Ocean on Wednesday, sending residents in coastal cities fleeing to high ground in cars and on the backs of motorcycles.

A strong aftershock nearly three hours later sparked a new wave of panic. Indonesia's government responded by issuing a fresh tsunami warning.