August Off to Busy Start at CDP

Whatever happened to the “slow” summer months? June and July have been anything but slow for those of us at the Center for Disaster Philanthropy.
Of special note is an exciting new partnership with The Foundation Center we recently announced for a project called “Measuring the State of Disaster Philanthropy” that will systematically track disaster-related philanthropy. Our expectation is to be able to record how much is being contributed to disaster-related issues, where it is going and how it is being used. We see this an important step in meeting our mission of “transforming disaster philanthropy.”
I’m just back from several trips where I worked with grantmakers on joint projects to improve disaster planning and response. In San Diego, I joined Nina Stack of the Council of New Jersey Grantmakers, and Joanne Kelley of the Colorado Association of Grantmakers, to talk about our new Playbook project we’re launching in cooperation with the Forum of Regional Grantmakers. This week I was also in Sarasota, Florida, for workshops and presentations with Debra Jacobs of The Patterson Foundation and Roxie Jerde from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, along with nearly 75 community leaders to explore issues in disaster preparedness and planning.
August brings much more activity for us, as well. On August 6, we hosted our second UPS Issue Insight Webinar, “Donor Opportunities in the Unaccompanied Minor Crisis.” This webinar brought together NGOs, government agencies, foundations and donors for an exciting discussion on a very real humanitarian crisis in the United States. Take a moment to read the summary, posted on our website.
August also marks the beginning of the work for four grantees from our Typhoon Haiyan relief fund. We are delighted to be working with Mercy in Action, Save the Children, Direct Relief, and Women’s Refugee Commission. Our vice-president, Regine, did a wonderful job breaking down the important work of these organizations in her latest blog.
In August, CDP is focusing on highlighting our services and strengths. What does our research look like? How do we advise our clients? What strengths does our board and advisory council bring to the disaster philanthropy table? We’re excited to share with you how CDP is growing and continuing to transform disaster philanthropy.
I’d love to hear how CDP has influenced your thinking on disaster recovery and philanthropy. Email me at bob.ottenhoff@disasterphilanthropy.org.