CDP’s Patty McIlreavy named to TIME100 Philanthropy – and why it’s a win for equitable recovery
We are thrilled to share that our president and CEO, Patricia McIlreavy, has been named to the 2026 TIME100 Philanthropy list!
In its second year, the list is TIME’s annual recognition of the most influential leaders shaping how the world gives. This recognition reflects Patty’s leadership philosophy grounded in possibility, shared progress and a belief that lasting change happens when communities are trusted to lead.
CDP is the only organization solely focused on helping donors give more effectively in the wake of disasters – from hurricanes and tornadoes to wildfires and humanitarian crises – so that communities don’t just survive, they thrive. Patty brings a lifetime of service and deep expertise in humanitarian crises and disasters to further CDP’s mission, and it is meaningful to see her and our collective work honored in this way.
Beyond this moment – a movement
This recognition comes at a moment when climate-driven disasters are accelerating, and we have a collective obligation to maximize our impact. Building community resilience and fostering equitable recovery requires donors and philanthropy to think long-term.
As Patty put it in her LinkedIn post sharing the recognition, “The challenges facing the world today are too interconnected, too urgent, and too human to be solved by any one institution alone. The future will belong to movements built across sectors, across communities, and across generations.”
After a disaster strikes, donors are often compelled to help, but they don’t always know how. Effective disaster giving – the kind that helps communities rebuild stronger and thrive – takes knowledge, strategy and trust in communities.
Patty has spent more than three decades building that knowledge base and making it available to donors everywhere.
An invitation for philanthropy
Patty’s leadership vision for CDP invites philanthropy to reimagine its role in championing equitable community recovery from disasters.
“I believe the next chapter of philanthropy is not simply about giving more. It is about reimagining how power, access, innovation, and opportunity are shared,” she writes. “It is about backing people early, trusting communities deeply, and investing in solutions bold enough to match the scale of the moment.”
What this means for the communities we serve
For Patty, this recognition on TIME100 is more than personal; it’s communal. “This recognition reflects the shared vision of our supporters, partners and grantee organizations of a world in which all communities can better withstand disasters, recover equitably and ultimately thrive.”
That vision is what drives everything CDP does. It’s why we invest in preparedness before disaster strikes. It’s why we support community rebuilding and strengthening long after disaster headlines fade. And it’s why we listen to communities and work alongside donors who trust us to put their generosity to work as effectively and equitably as possible.
Congratulations on your many meaningful achievements, Patty!
The full list will appear in the May 25, 2026 issue of TIME, available on newsstands on Friday, May 15, and now at ti.me/100-philanthropy.
