Flooding in Eastern Kentucky: How funders can respond


2 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. CT

Days of heavy rain and over-saturated ground have led to rivers overtopping and put much of eastern Kentucky under water. Although this area of central Appalachia is full of its own unique strengths and culture, it is also one of the most impoverished areas in the country. Dozens have died and the impact will be felt for years, if not decades, to come.

The Center for Disaster Philanthropy hosted a webinar to help foundations, corporations and individual donors learn about the region, the impact of the devastating flooding and how they can help. Sally Ray and Cari Cullen, CDP team members with extensive experience funding flood preparedness, mitigation and recovery programs, talked to Kentucky-based funders about current and emerging community needs and gaps they are seeing.

While aimed at funders, it may also be of interest to emergency managers, academics, disaster responders and NGO staff interested in or working on disasters and other crises.

CDP Director of Domestic Funds Sally Ray moderated the discussion and panelists included:

  • Cari Cullen, Director, Midwest Early Recovery Fund, CDP
  • Meghan Rouse, Executive Director, Commonwealth Alliance Donor Table
  • Lora Smith, Chief Strategy Officer, Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky

This webinar was co-sponsored by Philanthropy SoutheastCharity Navigator and Council on Foundations.

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

Photo source: Flooding in Southeastern Kentucky, July 28, 2022. (Credit: National Urban Search & Rescue via Twitter)