New ‘Playbook’ Helps Foundations and Nonprofits Respond to Disasters

Grant makers and nonprofits have a new resource to help boost their effectiveness when communities face major disasters like Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy.

The Washington-based Center for Disaster Philanthropy, in conjunction with the Council of New Jersey Grantmakers, released on Thursday the Disaster Philanthropy Playbook, a resource of best practices and approaches for charities faced with responding to catastrophes.

It includes information on community planning, rebuilding, legal services, housing, aiding vulnerable populations, and coordinating across local, state, and federal agencies.

“Through the Playbook, we can provide philanthropic organizations across the country and around the world with the information they need to effectively meet the short-, mid- and long-term needs of communities struck by disaster,” Bob Ottenhoff, president of the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, said in a statement.

A report published by the center in November found that the largest 1,000 foundations in the United States made $116.9 million in disaster-related grants in 2013. The Bill & Melinda Gates, Rockefeller, and Margaret A. Cargill foundations led the way.