Residents of southwest Florida are returning to unrecognizable neighborhoods in the wake of Hurricane Ian, the second-deadliest storm to strike the United States mainland this century.
The Category 4 storm with 150 mph wind made landfall on September 28. Catastrophic storm surges and flooding damaged homes and blocked roadways. Some places are still without power. Storm-related deaths have surpassed 100.
The full scope of destruction—and what it will take to rebuild—continues to unfold. This creates immediate and long-term needs for these communities.
Where to Give
For disasters in the U.S., we recommend checking with the community foundation in the affected region. They often have established funds like the ones listed below, and they are uniquely positioned to leverage resources and community partnerships to do the most good.
The Collaboratory partnered with United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades Counties to create the SWFL Emergency Relief Fund, supporting local nonprofits and areas experiencing the most immediate needs. Based in Fort Myers, Florida, the Collaboratory (formerly known as the Southwest Florida Community Foundation) serves a five-county region that was hard hit by Hurricane Ian.
The Charlotte Community Foundation, based in Punta Gorda, Florida, activated the Charlotte County Disaster Relief Fund. Funds will be used to provide financial assistance and resources to Charlotte County residents impacted by Hurricane Ian. CCF also partnered with the United Way of Charlotte County to activate the Charlotte County Non-Profit Disaster Relief Fund, which will provide immediate assistance for nonprofit organizations that incurred structural and/or infrastructural damage preventing them from operating their organizations and serving their mission.
The Collier Community Foundation, based in Naples, Florida, reactivated the Collier Comes Together Hurricane Fund to benefit Southwest Florida nonprofit relief efforts and programs to get funds where they are needed most quickly and efficiently at no administrative cost.
The Community Foundation of Sarasota County partnered with The Patterson Foundation to set up the Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund, which will allow investments in long-term, long-range programs to sustain agencies after initial emergency relief is provided.
The Community Foundation of Tampa Bay reactivated the Tampa Bay Rapid Response Fund. Funds collected through this effort will be directed to address immediate needs through grants to select nonprofits.
The Givewell Community Foundation, based in Lakeland, Florida, and United Way of Central Florida activated the United Community Relief Fund to support recovery efforts. Donations will go towards helping residents of Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties recover from the aftermath of Hurricane Ian.
The Gulf Coast Community Foundation, based in Venice, Florida, activated the Gulf Coast Disaster Relief Fund to support those most devastated. They will prioritize health and human services needs primarily in southern Sarasota County including Venice, hard-hit North Port, Englewood, Charlotte County, Lee County, and DeSoto County.
The Manatee Community Foundation, based in Bradenton, Florida, activated the MCF Disaster Relief Fund, which was established many years ago to be mobilized in situations like this. The Bishop Parker Foundation will match donations up to $75,000.
The Miami Foundation activated the Disaster Resilience Fund, a unified and proactive approach that supports disaster preparedness and equitable long-term recovery efforts. In the past, the fund has been used to in response to Covid-19, the Surfside building collapse, and other hurricanes.
Additionally, the Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP) is a reputable resource for donors looking to give to humanitarian crises worldwide. From hurricanes and wildfires to the ongoing refugee crisis, the CDP provides donors with ideas and strategies to help them make giving decisions that will create the greatest impact for those affected by disaster.