Before disasters strike: Rethinking philanthropy for a changing climate

Many disaster philanthropy approaches still treat disasters as episodic, isolated events, followed by a clear path to recovery. With climate change driving more frequent, interconnected and prolonged disasters, this model is increasingly difficult to sustain. 

How can funders adapt and innovate in an era of continuous climate disruption, evolving from reactive response toward anticipatory and forward-looking strategies?  

CDP hosted a conversation on practical strategies for climate-informed giving. We explored how funders can support community-led innovations, strengthen philanthropic partnerships and invest in long-term resilience. 

Sharad Aggarwal, CDP Vice President of Fund Management & Coalition Building, moderated a conversation with the following panelists:  

• Scott Onder, Chief Investment and Innovation Officer, Mercy Corps
• Jessica Hitt, Senior Associate Director, Adaptation and Resilience, ClimateWorks Foundation 
• Greg Puley, Chief of the Climate and Innovation Section, OCHA’s Finance and Outreach Division

Promotional support for this webinar was provided by: Alliance Magazine, Giving Compass, Network for Engaged International Donors, Philanthropy New York, and Philanthropy Southeast. 

Please see the slide deck and watch the webinar recording to learn more: 

Resources mentioned during the webinar

Photo: House submerged in orange, polluted water in Romania, May 2026. (Photo credit: iuliu illes on Unsplash.)