BizNewOrleans: News: "14 major nonprofits meet in New Orleans
NEW ORLEANS — Fourteen of the nation's largest nonprofit human services organizations are gathering in New Orleans today to reaffirm their collective commitment to focus on the human side of rebuilding lives in the Gulf Coast area.
In order to keep the focus on human needs during the long Gulf Coast recovery and rebuilding progress, the group will undertake a listening initiative to aggressively engage people, understand their needs and take those messages to those who can most effect change. This effort will begin in the first quarter of 2006 and include visits to communities throughout the affected areas.
'We remain committed to ensuring the viability of neighborhoods; providing for the development and education of children; and encouraging the self-sufficiency of the citizens of the area,' says Brian Gallagher of United Way of America. "
Friday, January 06, 2006
Schools See First Hurricane Relief Money - Yahoo! News
Schools See First Hurricane Relief Money - Yahoo! News: "The Bush administration handed out the first hurricane relief payments to schools and colleges, awarding more than $250 million on Thursday to four Gulf Coast states as part of a $1.6 billion in recovery aid."
Thursday, January 05, 2006
Study Will Follow Katrina Survivors - Yahoo! News
Study Will Follow Katrina Survivors - Yahoo! News: "The struggles and stories of some 2,000 Hurricane Katrina survivors across the country will be documented regularly over the next two years in a project that aims to track their recovery. Their tales will be published and their advice sought for government policy makers, researchers said Thursday."
The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Nagapattinam News : NGO opens information centre
The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Nagapattinam News : NGO opens information centre: "NGO opens information centre
Staff Reporter
NAGAPATTINAM: An information centre for providing education and disaster risk management was inaugurated recently in the tsunami-affected coastal hamlet of Manikkapangu here in the district.
The information centre was started by ANNAI (Association for Natural Resource Management and National Integrated Improvement), an NGO working for the relief and rehabilitation in the tsunami-affected areas with the assistance of Care India. V.S.Gurumani, chief of Care India, inaugurated the information centre."
Staff Reporter
NAGAPATTINAM: An information centre for providing education and disaster risk management was inaugurated recently in the tsunami-affected coastal hamlet of Manikkapangu here in the district.
The information centre was started by ANNAI (Association for Natural Resource Management and National Integrated Improvement), an NGO working for the relief and rehabilitation in the tsunami-affected areas with the assistance of Care India. V.S.Gurumani, chief of Care India, inaugurated the information centre."
The Jakarta Post - Soros lends name to charity gala
The Jakarta Post - Soros lends name to charity gala: "Some have called him a villain, others a champion of democracy. Vilified and glorified, George Soros -- one of the more controversial figures of the last decade -- is in town.
The Hungarian-born tycoon turned international philanthropist is in Jakarta to, among other things, speak at a charity dinner and visit Aceh."
The Hungarian-born tycoon turned international philanthropist is in Jakarta to, among other things, speak at a charity dinner and visit Aceh."
Opinion: The Selma Enterprise:"Charitable gift giving
Opinion: The Selma Enterprise: Serving Selma, California: "charitable gift giving
Stories about tsunamis, earthquakes and hurricanes seemed to dominate the headlines in most major newspapers during the course of 2005.
But little has been said about the willingness of Americans to open their hearts — and their pocketbooks — and lend a helping hand to the victims of these disasters.
So here’s a feel-good story that should be of interest to most people.
Before I get into that, it should be noted that apparently the United States is perceived by some as being “stingy.” Nothing could be further from the truth.
The fact is Americans have donated nearly $2 billion to countries in South Asia in the aftermath of the devastating tsunami there. In the fall, U.S. donors also contributed approximately $78 million to the earthquake relief effort in Pakistan."
Stories about tsunamis, earthquakes and hurricanes seemed to dominate the headlines in most major newspapers during the course of 2005.
But little has been said about the willingness of Americans to open their hearts — and their pocketbooks — and lend a helping hand to the victims of these disasters.
So here’s a feel-good story that should be of interest to most people.
Before I get into that, it should be noted that apparently the United States is perceived by some as being “stingy.” Nothing could be further from the truth.
The fact is Americans have donated nearly $2 billion to countries in South Asia in the aftermath of the devastating tsunami there. In the fall, U.S. donors also contributed approximately $78 million to the earthquake relief effort in Pakistan."
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
FEMA: Evacuees in Hotels Get New Deadline - Yahoo! News
FEMA: Evacuees in Hotels Get New Deadline - Yahoo! News: "NEW ORLEANS - Hurricane Katrina evacuees around the nation who faced a Jan. 7 deadline for checking out of their government-funded hotel rooms have received a reprieve: Federal officials will keep paying for the rooms beyond that date as they iron out issues arising from a class-action lawsuit."
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
onPhilanthropy - Annus Horribilis – What Can We Learn from 2005?
onPhilanthropy - Annus Horribilis – What Can We Learn from 2005?: "Annus Horribilis – What Can We Learn from 2005?
By: Carolyn Cavicchio, 12/29/05
As we prepare to close the calendar on 2005, corporate grantmakers are drawing a collective sigh of relief. From December 26, 2004 though October 8, 2005, aid organizations and their corporate supporters responded to four major natural disasters in less than 11 months. The South Asian Tsunami. Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The South Asia Earthquake. Communities and economies as different as Banda Aceh, New Orleans, and Kashmir facing similar, unbelievable levels of destruction.
In response to these disasters, billions of dollars in aid has been contributed by individuals, governments, and the corporate sector. For corporate grantmakers in particular, what lessons are there to be learned from these disasters?"
By: Carolyn Cavicchio, 12/29/05
As we prepare to close the calendar on 2005, corporate grantmakers are drawing a collective sigh of relief. From December 26, 2004 though October 8, 2005, aid organizations and their corporate supporters responded to four major natural disasters in less than 11 months. The South Asian Tsunami. Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The South Asia Earthquake. Communities and economies as different as Banda Aceh, New Orleans, and Kashmir facing similar, unbelievable levels of destruction.
In response to these disasters, billions of dollars in aid has been contributed by individuals, governments, and the corporate sector. For corporate grantmakers in particular, what lessons are there to be learned from these disasters?"
Friday, December 30, 2005
Kuna site|Story page|KRCS presents USD 2.8 million check for Katrina re...11/30/2005
Kuna site|Story page|KRCS presents USD 2.8 million check for Katrina re...11/30/2005: "KRCS presents USD 2.8 million check for Katrina relief efforts
PPL-KUWAIT-HURRICANE-AID
KRCS presents USD 2.8 million check for Katrina relief efforts
By Saad Al-Ali (With photos) WASHINGTON, Nov 30 (KUNA) -- The Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) has presented a check of USD 2.8 million to the American Red Cross Society as a contribution from the 'people of Kuwait' to the relief efforts in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita that hit the southern US states this year."
PPL-KUWAIT-HURRICANE-AID
KRCS presents USD 2.8 million check for Katrina relief efforts
By Saad Al-Ali (With photos) WASHINGTON, Nov 30 (KUNA) -- The Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) has presented a check of USD 2.8 million to the American Red Cross Society as a contribution from the 'people of Kuwait' to the relief efforts in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita that hit the southern US states this year."
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Marsalis, City Workers to Drop Ball in NYC
Marsalis, City Workers to Drop Ball in NYC: "Marsalis, City Workers to Drop Ball in NYC
Staff and agencies
29 December, 2005
By VERENA DOBNIK, 46 minutes ago
NEW YORK - Workers from city agencies that joined in the Hurricane Katrina relief efforts, along with New Orleans jazz trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, will serve as the guests of honor at the annual New Year‘s Eve bash in Times Square.
'I am grateful to Mayor Bloomberg for giving me the opportunity to show that in this season of renewal, the people of the gulf region will rebuild and rejoice once again,' said Marsalis, who organized one of the major fund-raising shows for New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina."
Staff and agencies
29 December, 2005
By VERENA DOBNIK, 46 minutes ago
NEW YORK - Workers from city agencies that joined in the Hurricane Katrina relief efforts, along with New Orleans jazz trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, will serve as the guests of honor at the annual New Year‘s Eve bash in Times Square.
'I am grateful to Mayor Bloomberg for giving me the opportunity to show that in this season of renewal, the people of the gulf region will rebuild and rejoice once again,' said Marsalis, who organized one of the major fund-raising shows for New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina."
Congress Should Investigate the United Nations Tsunami Relief Effort
Congress Should Investigate the United Nations Tsunami Relief Effort: "Congress Should Investigate the United Nations Tsunami Relief Effort
by Nile Gardiner, Ph.D.
WebMemo #952
December 28, 2005 | |
This week marks the anniversary of the tsunami disaster which struck large sections of Southeast Asia, South Asia, and East Africa on December 26, 2004. The tsunami claimed some 231,000 lives and displaced 2 million people. The disaster prompted an outpouring of humanitarian help from around the world, with an estimated total of $13.6 billion in aid pledged, including $6.16 billion in government assistance, $2.3 billion from international financial institutions, and $5.1 billion from individuals and companies.[1]
The huge international relief effort is being co-coordinated by the United Nations, and involves an astonishing 39 U.N. agencies, from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO).
"
by Nile Gardiner, Ph.D.
WebMemo #952
December 28, 2005 | |
This week marks the anniversary of the tsunami disaster which struck large sections of Southeast Asia, South Asia, and East Africa on December 26, 2004. The tsunami claimed some 231,000 lives and displaced 2 million people. The disaster prompted an outpouring of humanitarian help from around the world, with an estimated total of $13.6 billion in aid pledged, including $6.16 billion in government assistance, $2.3 billion from international financial institutions, and $5.1 billion from individuals and companies.[1]
The huge international relief effort is being co-coordinated by the United Nations, and involves an astonishing 39 U.N. agencies, from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO).
"
TheInd.com - "Local nonprofit organizations learn to operate in a financial landscape altered by back-to-back natural disasters.
TheInd.com - News | Business | Culture - Weekly - Lafayette LA: "Local nonprofit organizations learn to operate in a financial landscape altered by back-to-back natural disasters.
By Shala Carlson | 12/28/2005
Printer Friendly Version Send a Letter to the Editor
Director Kimberly Jones and Executive Director Bill Charbonnet of Lafayette Catholic Service Centers are concerned that programs such as St. Joseph Diner and Opelousas’ New Life Center could suffer if donors are tapped out after making hurricane relief contributions.
Photo by Terri Fensel
There was a time not all that long ago when the line of people seeking assistance from Lafayette Catholic Service Centers wrapped its way around the organization’s St. John Street offices. Most days, displaced families — many of them left without homes and resources by hurricanes Katrina and Rita — began queuing up as early as 5 a.m. Some slept in the parking lot or on the sidewalk out front to make sure they would receive a Wal-Mart gift card or help with filling a prescription that day.
The long lines aren’t there any more, but Executive Director Bill Charbonnet and Director Kimberly Jones say things are still far from normal. Evacuee needs have been substantial over the past four months, and Lafayette Catholic Service Centers has provided more than $300,000 in assistance to more than 5,000 families. “As soon as we receive it, we’re spending it,” says Jones, who points out that the center is deducting no administrative costs from hurricane donations. “Every dollar we get is distributed.”"
By Shala Carlson | 12/28/2005
Printer Friendly Version Send a Letter to the Editor
Director Kimberly Jones and Executive Director Bill Charbonnet of Lafayette Catholic Service Centers are concerned that programs such as St. Joseph Diner and Opelousas’ New Life Center could suffer if donors are tapped out after making hurricane relief contributions.
Photo by Terri Fensel
There was a time not all that long ago when the line of people seeking assistance from Lafayette Catholic Service Centers wrapped its way around the organization’s St. John Street offices. Most days, displaced families — many of them left without homes and resources by hurricanes Katrina and Rita — began queuing up as early as 5 a.m. Some slept in the parking lot or on the sidewalk out front to make sure they would receive a Wal-Mart gift card or help with filling a prescription that day.
The long lines aren’t there any more, but Executive Director Bill Charbonnet and Director Kimberly Jones say things are still far from normal. Evacuee needs have been substantial over the past four months, and Lafayette Catholic Service Centers has provided more than $300,000 in assistance to more than 5,000 families. “As soon as we receive it, we’re spending it,” says Jones, who points out that the center is deducting no administrative costs from hurricane donations. “Every dollar we get is distributed.”"
WAVY.COM - Charity puts tsunami relief at $8.8 million
WAVY.COM - Charity puts tsunami relief at $8.8 million: "Charity puts tsunami relief at $8.8 million
RICHMOND, Va. A year after the Asian tsunami, Christian Children's Fund says it has completed eight-point-eight (m) million dollars in recovery and rebuilding efforts in tsunami-affected areas of Sri Lanka, India and Indonesia.
The Richmond-based charity says it will continue its tsunami recovery programs in these countries for two more years, using nine-point-two (m) million dollars remaining from tsunami donations and grants. C-C-F says it will focus on continued reconstruction and other programs."
RICHMOND, Va. A year after the Asian tsunami, Christian Children's Fund says it has completed eight-point-eight (m) million dollars in recovery and rebuilding efforts in tsunami-affected areas of Sri Lanka, India and Indonesia.
The Richmond-based charity says it will continue its tsunami recovery programs in these countries for two more years, using nine-point-two (m) million dollars remaining from tsunami donations and grants. C-C-F says it will focus on continued reconstruction and other programs."
Christmas in New Orleans
Christmas in New Orleans: "Christmas in New Orleans
Ron Riekki
For months I had emailed and called agencies seeing if I could volunteer for the Katrina Relief efforts. None of the organizations answered my queries, except for one generic mass email I received from Habitat for Humanity. So instead I had a friend of mine, Jay Melder who lives in Baton Rouge, make some calls. He, of course, living there, was much more successful. Understandably, several of the organizations in Louisiana are too busy to respond to a faceless email from the Midwest. They need people that are in the immediate vicinity. I wasn’t. So I figured if I went on my own I would be there and it would be tough to turn me away. Such was the case.
As soon as my flight got in, I called Volunteer Baton Rouge and they gave me several numbers to call. The first was the Salvation Army, but they were fully staffed with volunteers for a job that involved packing lunches. I tried the next number—Catholic Community Services. They were interested. The job was a dream job for a volunteer, especially one who used to fantasize about working at Santa’s Workshop in the North Pole back when he was a preteen. The job: organize and deliver presents to Baton Rouge’s poor and displaced children from New Orleans."
Ron Riekki
For months I had emailed and called agencies seeing if I could volunteer for the Katrina Relief efforts. None of the organizations answered my queries, except for one generic mass email I received from Habitat for Humanity. So instead I had a friend of mine, Jay Melder who lives in Baton Rouge, make some calls. He, of course, living there, was much more successful. Understandably, several of the organizations in Louisiana are too busy to respond to a faceless email from the Midwest. They need people that are in the immediate vicinity. I wasn’t. So I figured if I went on my own I would be there and it would be tough to turn me away. Such was the case.
As soon as my flight got in, I called Volunteer Baton Rouge and they gave me several numbers to call. The first was the Salvation Army, but they were fully staffed with volunteers for a job that involved packing lunches. I tried the next number—Catholic Community Services. They were interested. The job was a dream job for a volunteer, especially one who used to fantasize about working at Santa’s Workshop in the North Pole back when he was a preteen. The job: organize and deliver presents to Baton Rouge’s poor and displaced children from New Orleans."
49 indicted in Red Cross scam - Nightly News with Brian Williams - MSNBC.com
49 indicted in Red Cross scam - Nightly News with Brian Williams - MSNBC.com: "49 indicted in Red Cross scam
Temporary workers at Katrina call centers were allegedly stealing from assistance fund
By Tom Costello
Correspondent
NBC News
Updated: 8:04 p.m. ET Dec. 27, 2005
WASHINGTON D.C. - It’s a case of Katrina fraud that prosecutors say just keeps getting bigger— as much as $400,000 stolen from the Red Cross, and so far, 49 people under indictment."
Temporary workers at Katrina call centers were allegedly stealing from assistance fund
By Tom Costello
Correspondent
NBC News
Updated: 8:04 p.m. ET Dec. 27, 2005
WASHINGTON D.C. - It’s a case of Katrina fraud that prosecutors say just keeps getting bigger— as much as $400,000 stolen from the Red Cross, and so far, 49 people under indictment."
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Spero News | Website opens tsunami aid to public scrutiny
Spero News | Website opens tsunami aid to public scrutiny: "PHUKET, Thailand (IPS) - As survivors in Asia struggle to rebuild after last December's devastating tsunami, a new window of hope has opened in cyberspace for four affected countries.
A website is offering comprehensive details of how much money has poured into Thailand, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and the Maldives, as against the billions of dollars pledged by the international community in response to the unprecedented natural disaster."
A website is offering comprehensive details of how much money has poured into Thailand, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and the Maldives, as against the billions of dollars pledged by the international community in response to the unprecedented natural disaster."
Karen Woods on Charity on National Review Online
Karen Woods on Charity on National Review Online: "tis the season for giving, but let's do it wisely.
Congress, concerned that all those hurricane-relief dollars flowing south could pinch charitable donations elsewhere, fashioned the Katrina Emergency Tax Relief Act of 2005. The law generated unprecedented opportunity for nonprofit giving this year. That's good news for the 321,000 nonprofits with gross receipts over $25,000. But it's even better news for the majority of U. S. charities — 840,000 of them — with annual revenue of less than $25,000. The strategy is working: More than $3 billion in private donated relief from ordinary Americans has made this a record breaking year for giving.
You always hope that when Americans offer such an outpouring of generosity, that the money will be used effectively. Recent history isn't comforting. The Chronicle of Philanthropy analyzed the torrent of aid that followed the tsunamis last year in South Asia. The paper concluded that 'signs of progress remain rare as the calamity's one year anniversary approaches. Lack of coordination among charities and government agencies, as well as misguided gestures by well-intentioned donors, volunteers, and charities, are key reasons.'"
Congress, concerned that all those hurricane-relief dollars flowing south could pinch charitable donations elsewhere, fashioned the Katrina Emergency Tax Relief Act of 2005. The law generated unprecedented opportunity for nonprofit giving this year. That's good news for the 321,000 nonprofits with gross receipts over $25,000. But it's even better news for the majority of U. S. charities — 840,000 of them — with annual revenue of less than $25,000. The strategy is working: More than $3 billion in private donated relief from ordinary Americans has made this a record breaking year for giving.
You always hope that when Americans offer such an outpouring of generosity, that the money will be used effectively. Recent history isn't comforting. The Chronicle of Philanthropy analyzed the torrent of aid that followed the tsunamis last year in South Asia. The paper concluded that 'signs of progress remain rare as the calamity's one year anniversary approaches. Lack of coordination among charities and government agencies, as well as misguided gestures by well-intentioned donors, volunteers, and charities, are key reasons.'"
Asia, Far East, news and analysis Times Online, The Times, Sunday Times
Asia, Far East, news and analysis Times Online, The Times, Sunday Times: "
Asia
The Times December 26, 2005
�244m donations are still unused in charity accounts
By Daniel McGrory
BRITAIN’S leading charities have banked twice as much money from last year’s tsunami appeal as they have spent so far in those countries ravaged by the waves. The public donated a record �372 million, but at the last count the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) has spent only �128 million.
Aid workers explain that the overwhelming public response presented them with a challenge almost as daunting as coping with the world’s biggest relief operation. Beverley Cohen, of the DEC, which embraces a dozen of Britain’s best-known aid agencies, said: “Cash was coming in faster than we could spend it. We would have loved to have housed everybody by now, and have every child back in school, but this was never going to be a quick fix."
Asia
The Times December 26, 2005
�244m donations are still unused in charity accounts
By Daniel McGrory
BRITAIN’S leading charities have banked twice as much money from last year’s tsunami appeal as they have spent so far in those countries ravaged by the waves. The public donated a record �372 million, but at the last count the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) has spent only �128 million.
Aid workers explain that the overwhelming public response presented them with a challenge almost as daunting as coping with the world’s biggest relief operation. Beverley Cohen, of the DEC, which embraces a dozen of Britain’s best-known aid agencies, said: “Cash was coming in faster than we could spend it. We would have loved to have housed everybody by now, and have every child back in school, but this was never going to be a quick fix."
One year later, wrath of tsunami is recalled
One year later, wrath of tsunami is recalled: "One year later, wrath of tsunami is recalled
United in grief, survivors remember loved ones swept away
December 27, 2005
ASSOCIATED PRESS
BANDA ACEH, Indonesia -- Survivors wept and prayed beside mass graves and at beachside memorials Monday, marking one year since earthquake-churned walls of water crashed ashore in a dozen nations, sweeping away hundreds of thousands of lives and uniting the world in grief and horror.
Mourners filled mosques in Indonesia's shattered Aceh province, the region hit hardest. Candlelight vigils in chilly Sweden remembered citizens lost during sunny holidays. An achingly personal tribute -- a bouquet of white roses -- stuck in the sand in Thailand."
United in grief, survivors remember loved ones swept away
December 27, 2005
ASSOCIATED PRESS
BANDA ACEH, Indonesia -- Survivors wept and prayed beside mass graves and at beachside memorials Monday, marking one year since earthquake-churned walls of water crashed ashore in a dozen nations, sweeping away hundreds of thousands of lives and uniting the world in grief and horror.
Mourners filled mosques in Indonesia's shattered Aceh province, the region hit hardest. Candlelight vigils in chilly Sweden remembered citizens lost during sunny holidays. An achingly personal tribute -- a bouquet of white roses -- stuck in the sand in Thailand."
A wave that reshaped global response - Yahoo! News
A wave that reshaped global response - Yahoo! News: "WASHINGTON - One year ago - on Dec. 26, 2004 - a magnitude 9.15 earthquake with an epicenter off the coast of Indonesia triggered a tsunami of epic proportions affecting 12 Indian Ocean countries, killing more than 225,000 people and displacing another 1.7 million. It also set off an unprecedented international response that may prove to be a model for future disaster relief.
ADVERTISEMENT
The global reaction to the tsunami was immediate and extensive, as governments, militaries, the
United Nations, and hundreds of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) mobilized. Relief operations proceeded quickly and effectively, providing food, clean water, health services, and temporary shelter for hundreds of thousands of people. The remarkable response prevented the widely anticipated 'second tsunami' of disease and malnutrition."
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The global reaction to the tsunami was immediate and extensive, as governments, militaries, the
United Nations, and hundreds of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) mobilized. Relief operations proceeded quickly and effectively, providing food, clean water, health services, and temporary shelter for hundreds of thousands of people. The remarkable response prevented the widely anticipated 'second tsunami' of disease and malnutrition."
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