To serve our community, the Council of New Jersey Grantmakers has compiled a list of resources for grantmakers in response to the earthquake in Haiti. Although this list is not comprehensive, we hope it provides useful information. It will be added to as we learn more over the next several weeks.
More than 200,000 people are feared dead after a 7.0-magnitude earthquake reportedly hit southwest of the capital of Haiti, Port-au-Prince, on January 12, 2010. Government buildings, foreign aid headquarters, hotels, and houses have been reduced to rubble throughout the city.
The earthquake was the worst in the region in more than 200 years and has left the country in shambles. Most roads to Port-au-Prince remain impassable, affecting search-and-rescue and making it difficult to reach the severely wounded and transport food, fresh water, and first-aid supplies to the estimated 3 million people whom the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies report have been affected by the earthquake.
If you know of other philanthropic or giving efforts, or would like to share your foundations aid activities, please contact Theresa Jacks at (609) 341-2022, extension 4217 or email tjacks@cnjg.org.
Several charitable organizations are receiving donations and/or are mobilizing directly on the ground in Haiti to provide aid:
Action Against Hunger American Red Cross American Jewish World Service AmeriCares CARE Catholic Relief Services Diaspora Community Services Direct Relief International Doctors Without Borders The Global Fund for Children Global Impact Habitat for Humanity International H๔pital Albert Schweitzer Haiti International Medical Corps International Rescue Committee The Lambi Fund of Haiti (also has a Facebook page with reports from Haiti) Mercy Corps Oxfam Partners in Health Real Medicine Foundation Save the Children UNICEF United Way Worldwide Disaster Fund Y้le Haiti
Information and Resources
NJ 4 Haiti is a collection of government agencies, nonprofits, faith-based agencies, businesses and citizens dedicated to providing assistance and relief in support of the earthquake victims.
The Center for International Disaster Information provides a list of agencies with experience working in Haiti.
AlertNet, a service from Thomson Reuters Foundation for journalists covering disasters.
BBB/Wise Giving Alliance advises donors on how to vet Haiti earthquake charity appeals.
Charity Navigator has compiled a list of charities responding to the crisis.
Council on Foundations is providing information about what its members and key NGOs are doing, as well as web sites coordinating the relief effort.
From the IRS: FAQs About Charitable Organizations Providing Disaster Relief
Tides has established funding relationships with various groups working in Haiti. Donate online to Tides' Relief and Reconstruction Fund.
Reimagining CSR a corporate social responsibility blog with strategies detailing how companies can support relief efforts in Haiti.
Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors recommends charitiable organizations doing effective short-term and long-term relief work in Haiti.
From the United Nations' ReliefWeb provides up-to-date information as well as data and documents on the earthquake.
U.S. citizens with family in Haiti can call the U.S. State Department's American Citizen Services line at 888-407-4747.
News and Materials:
House passes Haiti Relief tax bill; Senate introduces companion measure
The House passed January 20 by voice vote legislation, H.R.4462 that would allow taxpayers to deduct charitable cash contributions made by March 1, 2010 to Haiti earthquake relief on their 2009 tax returns. Following House action, Senate Finance Committee leadership introduced Senate companion legislation, S.2936. This is simple legislation that would make a big impact, said Baucus. It will make it a little easier for Americans to contribute to the victims of the Haiti disaster. Source: BNA Daily Tax Report
Haitians Illegally in US Given Protected Status
New York Times
The Obama administration extended a special immigration status on Friday to Haitians living illegally in the United States that protects them from deportation for 18 months and allows them to work here.
Best Practices in Disaster Grantmaking: Lessons from the Gulf Coast [PDF]
Published by Philanthropy New York (formerly NYRAG), April 2008
This comprehensive report shares the experiences of donors that provided funding following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and offers a blueprint for future philanthropic intervention following such disasters.
Disaster Grantmaking: A Practical Guide for Foundations and Corporations
by Council on Foundations and the European Foundation Centre, is a report to guide and inform foundations and corporate grantmakers interested in becoming more effective and strategic in their disaster grantmaking. Included are some broad principles, lessons from experience, and examples of good and bad practices, facts and figures, and a list of useful websites.
Announcements from Members
The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation provided a $5000 donation to Doctors Without Borders. The Foundation is also matching personal contributions made by staff members and considering opportunities for a mission-based follow-up grant to support plans for rebuilding.
The Johanette Wallerstein Institute has authorized an emergency grant of $10,000.
The Prudential Foundation has committed $150,000 for immediate relief for the victims of the Haiti Earthquake. Additionally, the Foundation has opened the Prudential CARES Disaster Relief Fund, which allows employees to contribute towards relief efforts. The Prudential Foundation will match any employee gift to the Fund.
The Community Foundation of New Jersey compiled a list of six highly rated charities that have an established an effective presence in Haiti and need immediate donations to help respond to this disaster.