In the Aftermath: Disaster Relief and Resiliency Philanthropy

When disasters hit, people want to help. Corporations have found much success by offering their employees ways to donate to those in need in the wake of a disaster. Indeed, such efforts engage employees, are good PR, and can protect business interests abroad. But making a difference after a major catastrophe can often seem daunting. Countering a disaster requires a coordinated and immediate response to deploy the most aid to the most victims. How can one company make a true difference?

One option is for corporations to adopt a fund that supports multiple charities, already on the ground, mobilized to respond quickly to the disaster. This practice offers corporations an immediate philanthropic option to capitalize on the initial giving sentiment after a disaster strikes, while keeping their legwork at a minimum since the collecting, distributing and reporting of funds is done by a trusted third-party organizer.

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