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

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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.

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.”

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.

Social Media and Disaster: Hospitals On Facebook | KiKi L'Italien's Acronym Soup

Social Media and Disaster: Hospitals On Facebook | KiKi L'Italien's Acronym Soup

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.

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

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.”

FEMA Invests $100 Million in Post-Tsunami Disaster Relief, Emergency Preparedness Improvements for American Samoa | FEMA.gov

FEMA Invests $100 Million in Post-Tsunami Disaster Relief, Emergency Preparedness Improvements for American Samoa | FEMA.gov: FEMA Invests $100 Million in Post-Tsunami Disaster Relief, Emergency Preparedness Improvements for American Samoa
Main Content
Release date:
September 27, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

FEMA: Apply For Assistance

FEMA: Apply For Assistance

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.

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.

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.

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:

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.

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.

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

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.

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

BikePortland.org � Blog Archive � The next frontier for cargo bikes: Disaster response

BikePortland.org � Blog Archive � The next frontier for cargo bikes: Disaster response: From the citizen-led Neighborhood Emergency Teams (NET), to an embrace of bikes as disaster response vehicles by City of Portland officials, there's a growing effort in Portland to ensure that bikes play a key role in the response effort when a major earthquake or other disaster strikes. There's even a cargo bike/disaster-themed Pedalpalooza ride in the works

A very long basketball game, played for a cause

A very long basketball game, played for a cause: Chuck Williams of Wildwood, one of the organizers of a 110-hour basketball game intended to break a Guinness record and raise $250,000 for Joplin tornado victims, said some of the 24 players who started their game at 5 a.m. Wednesday had only found an hour here and there to doze off, sometimes while lying on a medical table overlooking the court.

Metro - Harper visits tsunami-devastated area in Japan

Metro - Harper visits tsunami-devastated area in Japan: URIAGE, Japan - Stephen Harper got a first-hand look at the devastation caused by last year's powerful earthquake and tsunami in northeastern Japan.

The prime minister made a stop Monday in the small town of Yuriage, outside of Sendai.

‘Bo Bikes Bama’ charity ride to benefit relief fund | TuscaloosaNews.com

‘Bo Bikes Bama’ charity ride to benefit relief fund | TuscaloosaNews.com: On April 24, a year after deadly tornadoes devastated the state of Alabama, sports legend Bo Jackson will begin a five-day charity bike ride with a goal of raising $1 million for the Governor’s Emergency Relief Fund.

The Northerner : Campus works together to help after tornadoes

The Northerner : Campus works together to help after tornadoes: We as a campus want to respond in the most powerful way,” said Collette Thompson, Scripps Howard Center coordinator.
One of those responses is a special section of the Mayerson Student Philanthropy Project.

Mexico earthquake rattles buildings, residents - BlogPost - The Washington Post

Mexico earthquake rattles buildings, residents - BlogPost - The Washington Post

FEMA Corps forms for disaster response - The Federal Eye - The Washington Post

FEMA Corps forms for disaster response - The Federal Eye - The Washington Post: Called FEMA Corps, the organization will form a new division in AmeriCorps’s National Civilian Community Corps. The five-year agreement provides for a 1,600-member disaster relief organization that will receive work orders from FEMA. It will more than double the NCCC’s ranks.

Japanese earthquake and tsunami first anniversary: PM statement - Number 10

Japanese earthquake and tsunami first anniversary: PM statement - Number 10: Twelve months on and the Japanese people continue to sustain that courage and determination as they rebuild their communities, their homes and their lives. And I greatly admire and respect the way they have overcome the enormous challenges of recovery.

Philanthropy Front and Center-San Francisco: One Year Later: Rebuilding After the Great Tōhoku Earthquake

Philanthropy Front and Center-San Francisco: One Year Later: Rebuilding After the Great Tōhoku Earthquake: One Year Later: Rebuilding After the Great Tōhoku Earthquake

James Gannon is executive director of the Japan Center for International Exchange (JCIE/USA), which works to strengthen U.S.-Japan cooperation across a range of fields. Laura Cronin, a regular contributor to PhilanTopic, chatted with Gannon recently about rebuilding efforts in quake- and tsunami-affected regions of the country.

7-hour show aids tornado victims | The Courier-Journal | courier-journal.com

7-hour show aids tornado victims | The Courier-Journal | courier-journal.com: The Southern Indiana Tornado Relief Concert raised money for American Red Cross Disaster Relief by charging everyone coming through the door $10 — band members, police officers and media representatives included.

Katherine Marshall: 3/11 Japanese Earthquake - The Untold Stories of Spiritual Response

Katherine Marshall: 3/11 Japanese Earthquake - The Untold Stories of Spiritual Response: The huge earthquake that struck northeast Japan on March 11, 2011 tested a nation and its faith. On this first anniversary we pause to remember that day, with prayer and reflection on what it means. Without warning, on a cold sunny day, an entire region was shaken by one of five most powerful earthquakes ever recorded; then the unimaginable power of a tsunami swept away everything in its path. The prolonged horror of the Fukushima nuclear disaster closed off vast areas and called reliance on nuclear power into question. 3/11 rammed home messages about human vulnerability.

Earthquake relief, one year later: "Shinsai: Theaters for Japan" | SF Arts

Earthquake relief, one year later: "Shinsai: Theaters for Japan" | SF Arts: One year later, with an estimated 300,000 people still homeless from the combined natural and unnatural disasters that shook the Fukushima prefecture, it appears that the crisis is far from being over. Inspired by an impromptu fundraising effort spearheaded by New York-based, Japanese-born actor James Yaegashi, a unique memorial will take place Sun/11 in theaters across the United States.

Entitled “Shinsai,” which means “great earthquake,” the structure of the performances is up to the individual participating theatres — a tactic utilized by the roving world premiere of Suzan-Lori Parks’ 365 Plays —

Japan Society Allocates Over Half of Earthquake Relief Fund with 4th Round of Grants: Press: About: Japan Society

Japan Society Allocates Over Half of Earthquake Relief Fund with 4th Round of Grants: Press: About: Japan Society: Japan Society Allocates Over Half of Earthquake Relief Fund with 4th Round of Grants
March 9, 2012

New York, NY – Japan Society announced today an additional eight grants totaling $1.6 million from its Japan Earthquake Relief Fund (JERF). This latest announcement brings total allocations from the $12.5 million fund to $7.2 million distributed to 19 organizations representing 25 projects that directly serve people affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake on March 11, 2011.

“As we approach the one-year anniversary of the devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan, we are pleased with the swift allocations and immediate use of the funds for people in need,” said Motoatsu Sakurai, President of Japan Society. “Over half of the money we’ve received has now been allocated. Moving forward, we will continue to look for opportunities to fund effective projects, including those that serve rebuilding and economic recovery in the region.”

Red Cross Launches Social Media Disaster Response Center

Red Cross Launches Social Media Disaster Response Center: The Red Cross and Dell have jointly launched a Digital Operations Center, the first social media-monitoring platform dedicated to humanitarian relief. The Digital Operations Center will equip the Red Cross to better share safety and preparedness tips during natural disasters.

Facebook helps tornado victims co-ordinate disaster relief � Internet � MyBroadband Tech and IT News

Facebook helps tornado victims co-ordinate disaster relief � Internet � MyBroadband Tech and IT News: Residents of the storm-ravaged communities in the Midwest are reaching out to each other, neighbor to neighbor, through social media sites to coordinate disaster relief and share information.

A chain of fast-moving tornadoes spawned by massive thunderstorms cut a swath of destruction from the Midwest to the Gulf of Mexico on Friday, killing at least 39 people and leaving many residents homeless and seeking food, clothing, and shelter.

With phone connections spotty as emergency workers tried to repair downed power lines and clear debris, Facebook pages — accessible by cell phone, mobile device, or computer — have proven a go-to source for communities to assist one another.

Princeton system tracks drought to aid disaster relief

Princeton system tracks drought to aid disaster relief: he problem is that there is often no easy way to get data about water supplies in these areas — water monitoring stations don't exist, or they don't work, or they are simply too dangerous to operate. Groups such as AGRHYMET, an intergovernmental hydrology, agricultural and food security agency based in Niger, often have to rely on far-flung observers, often volunteers, to obtain the information manually.

Disaster relief must be more local and national, Oxfam says | Global development | guardian.co.uk

Disaster relief must be more local and national, Oxfam says | Global development | guardian.co.uk: Western donors and relief groups must build up the capacity of local and national organisations to respond to disasters, or the international humanitarian response system will fail to cope with an expected rise in emergencies, Oxfam warned.

In its report, Crises in a New World Order, Oxfam said international NGOs and the UN provide only part of the answer to crises from Haiti to the Horn of Africa, and future humanitarian action will increasingly rely on new donors and NGOs from around the world and on the governments and civil society of crisis-hit countries.

Customer Analytics: A New Lifeline for the Red Cross and Other Nonprofits? - Knowledge@Wharton

Customer Analytics: A New Lifeline for the Red Cross and Other Nonprofits? - Knowledge@Wharton: When an epic disaster occurs somewhere in the world, images of devastation are conveyed instantly around the world through newspapers, television and the Internet. The result is an outpouring of aid, often in the form of donations to nonprofits like the American Red Cross. But once the dramatic images and headlines begin to fade, donors often disappear as well.

Japan Earthquake & Tsunami | One year: Coming to terms with tragedy

Japan Earthquake & Tsunami | One year: Coming to terms with tragedy: Tomokazu Sato paces over the concrete foundations that are all that remain of the house where he grew up until the age of 18. “It still doesn’t seem real, I can hardly believe this has happened.”

“My grandmother was in the house by herself, because my mother had just gone up the hill to renew her driving license,” says the stocky bearded 35-year-old Japanese Red Cross staff member.

Sex Toys, Winter Coats, And Spanish Flags: The Uselessness Of Post-Disaster Donations | Co.Exist: World changing ideas and innovation

Sex Toys, Winter Coats, And Spanish Flags: The Uselessness Of Post-Disaster Donations | Co.Exist: World changing ideas and innovation: Years of studying disaster relief has led Jose Holguin-Veras to a few simple truths about donations. While tiger costumes and sex toys aren’t going to do much good, it makes people feel better to think they’re helping. But they’re not--they could be doing a lot of damage.

Getting on with it: Bangkok bounces back

Getting on with it: Bangkok bounces back: More than five million people have been affected by Thailand's floods, which the World Bank says has cost the Kingdom some $20.77 billion in damage and $23.31 billion in lost opportunities.Those figures include the devastating damage to architectural treasures in the old Siamese capital of Ayutthaya, north of Bangkok. Ayutthaya is a World Heritage Site and one of the kingdom's prime tourist attractions.