August 6, 2010 | Read Time: 1 minute
When it comes to making grants in response to a disaster, the biggest problem is the mismatch between when money is most readily available and when organizations are best able to use the funds, says Doug Ahlers, a Harvard disaster-recovery expert. Mr. Ahlers has led the university’s efforts to help the Broadmoor neighborhood in New Orleans rebuild.
During the first two to three years after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, organizations struggled to find the best way to aid residents and set up systems to support their recovery work, he says. “Now when you actually have very effective and efficient organizations, the money has basically dried up.”
After future disasters, foundations and other donors could have a greater impact by holding back some of the money they plan to commit until groups have their recovery operations in place or by designing grants so that the money is disbursed over a longer period of time, advises Mr. Ahlers.
