Every Dollar Counts: How To Evaluate a Nonprofit

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Whether you’re researching organizations or already have some in mind, here are 10 key questions to ask when evaluating a nonprofit.

3 Trends in Philanthropy: Thriving Thru Transitions, Technology and Teamwork

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As part of a roundtable discussion, Elizabeth Wong, head of philanthropic advisory services at Foundation Source, and Robyn Hullihan, our senior philanthropic director, discussed how the…

Disaster Philanthropy: An Increasingly Important Field of Giving

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In Season 2 of our Be Giving podcast, host Elizabeth Wong is joined by Regine Webster, founding executive director and vice president of the Center…

The post Disaster Philanthropy: Responding to Emergencies appeared first on Foundation Source.

The Disaster Lifecycle
There are several stages of disaster and crisis response. By directing funds across the lifecycle, you may be able to achieve greater impact with your assets and reduce the likelihood of recurrence while also aligning your response with your values and giving priorities.

According to the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, there are four key stages in responding effectively to critical situations.

1. Response and Relief – the stage during or immediately following an emergency.
2. Reconstruction and Recovery – the stage after damage has been assessed, including longer-term efforts to restore a community or country to pre-disaster state.
3. Mitigation – more strategic work designed to cure factors leading or contributing to emergencies and limit the impact of similar events in the future.
4. Preparedness – another strategic phase, involving detailed plans that will help people and areas respond effectively to disasters or crises.

For more information: https://disasterphilanthropy.org/issue-insight/the-disaster-life-cycle/

Resources to Evaluate Charities
There are more than 1.5 million nonprofit organizations in the U.S. and many more throughout the world. New charities are created every day to respond to emerging issues, as well as unexpected disasters or crises. These organizations vary widely in terms of focus, leadership, infrastructure and effectiveness, which is why it’s important to have proven ways of evaluating them and taking the time to do your research before providing support.

• https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/how-donate-wisely-and-avoid-charity-scams#research
• https://www.fbi.gov/scams-and-safety/common-scams-and-crimes/charity-and-disaster-fraud
• https://www.charitynavigator.org/
• https://www.guidestar.org/
• https://www.charitywatch.org/

Disaster Relief
Providing Assistance Through Charitable Organizations is an extensive paper from the IRS Tax Exempt and Government Entities Division with information about assisting victims of disasters or those in emergency hardship situations through tax-exempt charities.

Interested in other conversations around disaster philanthropy?
Checkout our webinar with the Center for Disaster Philanthropy to learn about the unique role that private foundations can play in mitigating the impact of natural and global health crises, and our roundtable discussion with subject matter experts to learn about the Best Practices & Innovations for Strategic Giving in Times of Crisis.

*Foundation Source does not evaluate or endorse charitable organizations or provide guidance on where or how much to donate.

The post Responding to the Complex Israel-Gaza Crisis appeared first on Foundation Source.

Established humanitarian and aid organizations such as the International Rescue Committee and Red Cross are quick to respond to crises and frequently set up dedicated recovery funds as soon as a disaster has occurred. Check these organizations for up-to-date information on their activities.

• International Rescue Committee
• Medecins Sans Frontiere
• Red Cross
• World Central Kitchen

Foundations can play pivotal roles in supporting the long process of recovery. When search and rescue efforts have concluded and the physical sites have been deemed safe, communities try to return to their lives. They will need support from local and international nonprofits to get back on their feet. Foundation grants can be enormously useful in these situations, while ongoing grant support is even more valuable.

Interested in other conversations around disaster philanthropy?

Checkout our webinar with the Center for Disaster Philanthropy to learn about the unique role that private foundations can play in mitigating the impact of natural and global health crises, and our roundtable discussion with subject matter experts to learn about the Best Practices & Innovations for Strategic Giving in Times of Crisis.

Resources to evaluate charities:

https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/how-donate-wisely-and-avoid-charity-scams#research
https://www.fbi.gov/scams-and-safety/common-scams-and-crimes/charity-and-disaster-fraud
https://www.charitynavigator.org/
Disaster Relief: Providing Assistance Through Charitable Organizations: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p3833.pdf

*Foundation Source does not evaluate or endorse charitable organizations or provide guidance on where or how much to donate.

The post Responding to the Morocco Earthquake & Libya Floods appeared first on Foundation Source.

• New Center For Disaster Philanthropy Fund
• Hawaii Community Foundation
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
  • Stay Safe After a Wildfire
• Department of Homeland Security:
  • Coping with Disaster
  • Wildfires
  • Power Outages

Interested in other conversations around disaster philanthropy?

Checkout our webinar with the Center for Disaster Philanthropy to learn about the unique role that private foundations can play in mitigating the impact of natural and global health crises, and our roundtable discussion with subject matter experts to learn about the Best Practices & Innovations for Strategic Giving in Times of Crisis.

Here are some helpful links:

Center for Disaster Philanthropy
Americares
World Central Kitchen
Feeding America
Direct Relief

*Foundation Source does not evaluate or endorse charitable organizations or provide guidance on where or how much to donate.

The post Responding to the Hawaii Wildfires appeared first on Foundation Source.

Strategic Giving in Times of Crisis – Takeaways

FS Web | Articles

Four considerations for your disaster philanthropy from our expert roundtable on giving strategically in the wake of a crisis.

Strategic Giving in Times of Crisis – Webinar Q&A

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Expand your understanding of the disaster lifecycle through this roundtable discussion with sector experts on recovery.

Strategic Giving in Times of Crisis – Replay

FS Web | Videos

This on-demand video replay provides advice and guidance on how funders can respond quickly and creatively in times of great need.

ZACK ROSENBURG
Co-Founder & CEO, SBP

WILLIAM MCNULTY
Head of Mission, Operation White Stork

GILLIAN HOWELL
Head of Client Advisory Solutions, Foundation Source

JEFFREY D. HASKELL
Chief Legal Officer, Foundation Source

The post Strategic Giving in Times of Crisis appeared first on Foundation Source.

Established humanitarian and aid organizations are quick to respond to crises and frequently set up dedicated recovery funds as soon as a disaster has occurred. As each situation unfolds, reputable media outlets will provide updates and roundups to help facilitate aid. Check these organizations and sites regularly for the latest information.

• International Rescue Committee
• Save the Children
• Medecins Sans Frontiere
• Red Cross
• World Central Kitchen
• Time: How to Help Victims of the Earthquakes in Turkey
• The Guardian: Where to donate in the US to help victims
• NPR: How is the U.S. helping the victims of last week’s quake in Turkey and Syria?

Foundations can play pivotal roles in supporting the long process of recovery. When search and rescue efforts have concluded and the physical sites have been deemed safe, communities try to return to their lives. They will need support from local and international nonprofits to get back on their feet. Foundation grants can be enormously useful in these situations, while ongoing grant support is even more valuable.

Interested in other conversations around disaster philanthropy?

Checkout our webinar with the Center for Disaster Philanthropy to learn about the unique role that private foundations can play in mitigating the impact of natural and global health crises, and our roundtable discussion with subject matter experts to learn about the Best Practices & Innovations for Strategic Giving in Times of Crisis.

Resources to evaluate charities:

https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/how-donate-wisely-and-avoid-charity-scams#research
https://www.fbi.gov/scams-and-safety/common-scams-and-crimes/charity-and-disaster-fraud
https://www.charitynavigator.org/
Disaster Relief: Providing Assistance Through Charitable Organizations: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p3833.pdf

*Foundation Source does not evaluate or endorse charitable organizations or provide guidance on where or how much to donate.

The post Responding to the Turkey-Syria Earthquake appeared first on Foundation Source.

• California Department of Water Resources
  • Flood Preparedness
• California Community Foundations
• Centers for Disease Control:
  • Floods
• Department of Homeland Security:
  • Coping with Disaster
  • Floods
  • Power Outages

Interested in other conversations around disaster philanthropy?

Checkout our webinar with the Center for Disaster Philanthropy to learn about the unique role that private foundations can play in mitigating the impact of natural and global health crises, and our roundtable discussion with subject matter experts to learn about the Best Practices & Innovations for Strategic Giving in Times of Crisis.

Here are some helpful links:

Center for Disaster Philanthropy
Save the Children
CARE

Resources to evaluate charities:

https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/how-donate-wisely-and-avoid-charity-scams#research
https://www.fbi.gov/scams-and-safety/common-scams-and-crimes/charity-and-disaster-fraud
https://www.charitynavigator.org/
Disaster Relief: Providing Assistance Through Charitable Organizations: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p3833.pdf

The post Responding to the California Storms appeared first on Foundation Source.

#1: Recognize That Disaster is Different

There are two things to consider when responding to a crisis: addressing the emergency and supporting the long-term recovery of a region and its people. In the immediate aftermath of an event, it’s important for funders to be flexible in their vetting process when it comes to finding the organizations that are best equipped to deliver relief. Looking at a newer organization’s leadership, relevant experience, their mission and plan to achieve their goals may all be good indicators of future success.

#2: Consider Individual Grants

Did you know philanthropists with private foundations can grant directly to individuals? Rather than relying on a charity to make the determination, the foundation has more control over who gets the grant. Plus, it allows the money to make an immediate difference for a person or family who needs it. And unlike some individual grants that require advance approval from the IRS, disaster relief and hardship assistance do not require this. In these cases, the IRS requires philanthropists to choose grant recipients from an open-ended group of individuals after an assessment of their need.

#3: Run the Charity Like a Business

To be really effective, especially in a disaster, charities must run their organization like a business, including drawing on aspects of proven business methods like Hewlett Packard’s Good to Great or Toyota’s famed Production System. As in business, it’s inefficient to duplicate efforts. So, by working with other people or organizations with different skills, abilities, or resources, charities can stretch donor dollars further and make a bigger impact. In a disaster, successful charities have a ruthless, laser-focus on outcomes, and the nimbleness to adapt to quickly changing circumstances. Also, like a business, charities must have the appropriate accounting controls in place. Not only does this allow for a more efficient organization, but such processes can also show donors that the charity is running the organization with proven and standardized methods that can lead to better transparency and impact. Emerging charities might also start looking for ways to scale their activities, in order to help as many individuals or communities as possible, once they’ve landed on an aid delivery model that works.

#4: Be Patient and Understand the Full Disaster Cycle

Media attention moves on from an initial crisis quickly, and both potential donors and the general public may tire of hearing about a crisis while a need still exists. Meanwhile, concerned citizens tend to give in the early days, but that inclination doesn’t sustain the impact across the entire cycle. To truly make a difference, charities and their funders must think about how to rebuild the community in a more resilient way—and that requires a longer-term view. A charity involved in rebuilding houses after a natural disaster, for example, will focus on construction that withstands future perils, even if doing so costs a little bit more. That’s particularly important in disadvantaged communities that may have been more susceptible to destruction from disaster. Charities that recognize the significance of building resilience into every stage of recovery can help those communities be better prepared when the next unexpected situation occurs. And that readiness minimizes the need for future disaster assistance.

The Disaster Lifecycle

There are several stages of disaster and crisis response. By directing funds across the lifecycle, you may be able to achieve greater impact with your assets and reduce the likelihood of recurrence while also aligning your response with your values and giving priorities.

According to the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, there are four key stages in responding effectively to critical situations.

• Response and Relief – the stage during or immediately following an emergency. Often with a focus on saving lives, preventing further damage and providing basic human services. This stage typically draws the most attention from the media and the most funding.
• Reconstruction and Recovery – the stage after damage has been assessed, including longer-term efforts to restore a community or country to pre-disaster state. It may also focus on mitigating future disasters. This work typically begins after the event no longer dominates the news cycle and is often more expensive than relief, and overlooked and underfunded by public charities, private philanthropists and insurance companies.
• Mitigation – more strategic work designed to cure factors leading or contributing to emergencies and limit the impact of similar events in the future. This stage requires hazard risk analysis and the investment of time and resources to build resilience and reduce risk. Activities may include strengthening existing infrastructure and developing redundant processes.
• Preparedness – another strategic phase, involving detailed plans that will help people and areas respond effectively to disasters or crises. Activities may include planning exercises, training and educating volunteers, identifying evacuation routes and partners, stocking food, water and other basic necessities.

For more information, click here.

Here are some helpful links:

Center for Disaster Philanthropy
Save the Children
CARE

Resources to evaluate charities:

https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/how-donate-wisely-and-avoid-charity-scams#research
https://www.fbi.gov/scams-and-safety/common-scams-and-crimes/charity-and-disaster-fraud
https://www.charitynavigator.org/
Disaster Relief: Providing Assistance Through Charitable Organizations: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p3833.pdf

The post Responding to the Hurricane Ian Disaster appeared first on Foundation Source.

There are several stages of disaster and crisis response. By directing funds across the lifecycle, you may be able to achieve greater impact with your assets and reduce the likelihood of recurrence while also aligning your response with your values and giving priorities.

According to the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, there are four key stages in responding effectively to critical situations.

• Response and Relief – the stage during or immediately following an emergency. Often with a focus on saving lives, preventing further damage and providing basic human services. This stage typically draws the most attention from the media and the most funding.

• Reconstruction and Recovery – the stage after damage has been assessed, including longer-term efforts to restore a community or country to pre-disaster state. It may also focus on mitigating future disasters. This work typically begins after the event no longer dominates the news cycle and is often more expensive than relief, and overlooked and underfunded by public charities, private philanthropists and insurance companies.

• Mitigation – more strategic work designed to cure factors leading or contributing to emergencies and limit the impact of similar events in the future. This stage requires hazard risk analysis and the investment of time and resources to build resilience and reduce risk. Activities may include strengthening existing infrastructure and developing redundant processes.

• Preparedness – another strategic phase, involving detailed plans that will help people and areas respond effectively to disasters or crises. Activities may include planning exercises, training and educating volunteers, identifying evacuation routes and partners, stocking food, water and other basic necessities.

For more information: https://disasterphilanthropy.org/issue-insight/the-disaster-life-cycle/

Areas of Need

The situation in Ukraine is fluid and expected to escalate in both scale and urgency. At this time, the full scope of needs is not known. Outlined below are broad categories of humanitarian aid commonly needed when protecting at-risk populations.
• Time-critical support for both internally displaced and refugee populations
• Protection for people in conflict zones
• Shelter, water, food, sanitation, hygiene, and other essential needs
• Clothing and non-food items
• Health and medical support
• Replacing suspended education and income
• Special services for elderly, disabled, ill, impoverished and other vulnerable populations

Please note that cash donations are consistently cited as the most effective way for grantmakers and other donors to provide assistance, which gives charitable agencies maximum flexibility to direct funds to the areas of greatest need. Donating items requires shipping, receipt and management of goods and materials and may detract from response efforts.

Your Response

Here are five concepts to keep in mind as you are formulating your response.

1. Know Your Motivation – what about the crisis speaks to you? Is there a stage in the disaster lifecycle that would benefit greatly from your personal network or professional strengths? There are numerous ways to connect your philanthropic mission to the needs that arise in emergency situations.
2. Do Research – this includes staying abreast of current affairs as well as looking to past disasters and similar situations for guidance and key lessons that can help you construct a high-impact response.
3. Partner with Other Funders – exchange insights and best practices with other philanthropists. In the process you may find collaborators with similar or complementary goals that will allow you to develop a more innovative or comprehensive response.
4. Keep Equity in Mind – disasters and crises have the potential to magnify inequities. There may be marginalized, vulnerable or under-resourced populations that will feel the crisis more acutely and may have difficulty accessing essential services.
5. Be Aware of Scammers – many new nonprofits are formed in response to disasters, and while some are legitimate, unfortunately, others are not. Please evaluate new organizations carefully before making a commitment.

Resources – To Learn More

CDP Webinar – Complex Humanitarian Emergencies: Where crisis, conflict, climate and COVID-19 meet
Thursday, March 10
2pm ET/11am PT
Register Now>>

• Center for Disaster Philanthropy
• United Nations Office for the Coordinator of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA)
• InterAction
• National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster

Resources – To Evaluate Charities

• https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/how-donate-wisely-and-avoid-charity-scams#research
• https://www.fbi.gov/scams-and-safety/common-scams-and-crimes/charity-and-disaster-fraud
• https://www.charitynavigator.org/
• https://foundationsource.com/resources/grantsafe/
• Disaster Relief: Providing Assistance Through Charitable Organizations: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p3833.pdf

Resources – Ukraine-specific Organizations

• CDP’s Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Recovery Fund
• Global Giving’s Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund
• Razom
• International Rescue Committee
• Save The Children’s Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund
• International Committee of the Red Cross
• United Ukrainian American Relief Committee

The post Responding to the Complex Humanitarian Crisis in Ukraine appeared first on Foundation Source.