Center for Disaster Philanthropy Grants Total $15.3 Million in Support of Disaster Recovery across the United States and Globally in 2018

Strategic investments to more than 100 organizations in support of medium- and long-term recovery

Washington (Dec. 19, 2018) — The Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP) announced today a summary of its 2018 grants in support of recovery efforts in communities affected by hurricanes, flooding, wildfires, earthquakes, tornadoes and man-made disasters. With a focus on vulnerable and at-risk populations, CDP prioritizes investments in community-based organizations to support a range of programs critical for individuals and communities to recover.

The grants were made possible by foundations, corporations and thousands of donors contributing to a $15.3 million portfolio, entrusting CDP to effectively invest in nongovernmental organizations where the dollars could have the most impact. The list of the more than 115 organizations receiving grants is available here.

In 2018, CDP Recovery Fund Grants to community organizations included:

Hurricane Harvey – $8.9 million
Hurricanes Irma and Maria – $3.4 million
Hurricane Irma (Florida) – $1.5 million
Midwest Early Recovery Fund – $700,000
Mexico Earthquake – $300,000
2017 California Wildfires – $200,000
Louisiana Disaster Recovery Alliance – $200,000
Iran/Iraq Earthquake – $44,000
Syrian Refugee Crisis – $15,000

“We strongly believe that a focus on preparedness, resilience and recovery can have a catalytic impact on how philanthropists respond to disasters and to the communities impacted,” stated Robert G. Ottenhoff, president and CEO of the Center for Disaster Philanthropy.

The scope of the projects funded by CDP include major initiatives such as:

  • In southeast Texas, repair and rebuilds; immigration services; and the expansion of the Trauma and Grief at Texas Children’s Hospital’s Mobile Unit.
  • In Puerto Rico, solar panel installation, paired with skills training for residents; access to culturally sensitive mental health; food security and related issues for senior citizens.
  • Nutrition support; recovery support for children, mental health providers and outreach workers in the Midwest.
  • Psychosocial support for Syrian refugee children.

“Years of involvement in the aftermath of disasters worldwide has informed The Patterson Foundation of the importance of long-term recovery efforts in the months and years following a catastrophic event,” said Debra Jacobs, president and CEO of The Patterson Foundation, a stalwart contributor to CDP Recovery Funds. “The Center for Disaster Philanthropy has displayed time and again the foresight, strategy and expertise to meet these complex challenges and help strengthen these communities for the future.”

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About the Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP)
The Center for Disaster Philanthropy’s mission is to transform disaster giving by providing timely and thoughtful strategies to increase donors’ impact during domestic and international disasters. Since its founding in 2010, CDP has managed $31.2 million on behalf of corporations, foundations, and individuals. In the face of intensifying natural disasters and worsening humanitarian crises, CDP also works to raise awareness of the urgent need to support the full lifecycle of disasters, from mitigation and preparedness to long-term recovery and resilience, particularly among vulnerable populations. For more information, visit: https://disasterphilanthropy.org, call (202) 595-1026 or tweet us  @funds4disaster.


CDP mobilizes philanthropy to strengthen communities’ ability to withstand disasters and recover equitably when they occur. It provides expert advice and educational resources, supports diverse coalitions and manages domestic and international disaster funds on behalf of corporations, foundations and individuals through targeted, holistic and localized grantmaking. Find out more at disasterphilanthropy.org and on X and LinkedIn.

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