Disaster preparedness: Why funding before a disaster is crucial
The Center for Disaster Philanthropy hosted an insightful session on disaster preparedness and risk reduction. Panelists discussed critical strategies and real-world examples to enhance resilience to hazards and emergencies.
Disaster preparedness is a process that identifies vulnerabilities within communities that can potentially transform natural hazards like storms, floods, earthquakes, etc. into disasters. It aims to reduce these risks through pre-planning for natural hazards.
With shifts in disaster seasonality, frequency and intensity, the effects of disasters have increased in recent years. Being prepared for disasters is necessary more than ever. In 2024, a study by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Allstate and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation identified that every $1 invested in preparedness can save up to $13 in disaster recovery costs.
Despite data showing the effectiveness of preparedness and resilience in reducing the overall cost of disasters, we know that a small proportion of philanthropy’s disaster giving supports preparedness. CDP’s Measuring the State of Disaster Philanthropy 2024 found that while 66.1% of institutional philanthropic disaster giving in 2022 went toward response and relief, just 3.4% supported preparedness.
During the webinar, panelists explored the importance of disaster risk reduction and preparedness, anticipatory action and climate change adaptation, and shared actionable and effective funding strategies to support communities before, during and after disasters.
CDP Vice President of Brand and Storytelling Sarah Lackritz moderated the discussion with the following panelists:
- Patty Hernandez, Executive Director, Headwater Economics
- Kate Nack, Vice President, The Allstate Foundation and Social Impact
- Sean Vissar, Manager of National Programs and Strategic Partnerships, The Home Depot Foundation
This webinar was co-sponsored by Giving Compass, Philanthropy New York and National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster.
Please see the slide deck and watch the webinar recording to learn more: