Hidden Gems: Funding Long-Term Recovery Groups

Disasters begin and end locally. After the major news media, national nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and large funders go home, it is the local community that will be coordinating the years of recovery still to come.

One tool used for this work is the often ignored but desperately needed long-term recovery group (LTRG). Typically pulling from the local Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters membership, LTRGs usually describe themselves as a “recovery coalition,” “unmet needs committee” or “community roundtable.” Whatever they are named, their focus is always similar: LTRGs provide coordinated service to enable everyone in the community – especially marginalized households – to recover stronger than before the disaster.

The Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP) hosted a webinar to explore how philanthropy can build connections between potential partners and boost the capacity of LTRGs after a disaster. Speakers, including Disaster Leadership Team, a past CDP grantee partner focusing on helping communities start LTRGs, discussed the importance of LTRGs and ways funders can sponsor and sustain them.

CDP Director of Learning and Partnerships Tanya Gulliver-Garcia moderated the discussion and panelists included:

• Sally Ray, Director of Domestic Funds, CDP
• Cari Cullen, Director, Midwest Early Recovery Fund, CDP
• Carlene Anders, Executive Director, Disaster Leadership Team

This webinar was co-sponsored by United Philanthropy Forum, The Funders Network, Giving Compass, Philanthropy New York, Philanthropy Northwest, Philanthropy California, Southeastern Council of Foundations and National VOAD. 

Please see the slide deck, review responses to unanswered questions and watch the webinar recording to learn more: