When disasters happen in communities, philanthropy plays a valuable role in both immediate and long-term relief efforts. Some grantmakers respond initially, others invest in long-term strategies and some participate in both aspects- each way important to the recovery in impacted communities.

Iowa has certainly been impacted in the Spring of 2008 by numerous natural disasters from deadly tornadoes to widespread flooding that has submerged entire towns and cities.

Iowa's Response
Grantmakers throughout Iowa are responding to the natural disasters that have impacted our communities. Click here for a listing of those responses as well as information on funds established at various community foundations to provide support both immediate and long-term. This list will be updated as the days and weeks progress so please check back often or feel free to contact the Iowa Council of Foundations at 515.537.6956 for more information.

Embrace Iowa: 2008 Iowa Disaster Fund Report
In June 2008 Governor Culver asked Central Iowa community leaders J. Barry Griswell, Fred S. Hubbell, Jim Cownie and Bill Knapp to lead a statewide, private-sector fundraising initiative to support the victims of Iowa's 2008 spring and summer catastrophic natural disasters. Under the leadership of the Embrace Iowa Disaster Collaborative and with the help of many volunteers and in-kind contributors, over $7.9 million dollars has been raised and over $7.7 million has been distributed to those in need. To read the full report, please click here.

Resources
A challenge for grantmakers is finding a balance between being responsive when the disaster strikes and also taking time to be effective in that grantmaking. A list of resources has been compiled by the Iowa Council of Foundations to assist grantmakers (as well as nonprofits) in helping to support Iowa communities impacted by disasters. Please click here for a listing of helpful information.

For more information, please contact the ICoF by clicking here.