Haiti and Lessons for Future Disasters

As we mark the five-month anniversary of the earthquake in Haiti, it is a good opportunity (wake-up call) for the philanthropic sector to reflect on what can happen and how we can be better prepared for future disasters.

Participating in the European Foundation Centre (EFC) meetings last week gave me an opportunity to discuss global relief efforts with my philanthropic colleagues around the globe. Based on our conversations, I see three ways philanthropy could better prepare for future global disasters: 

1. Collect and set aside funds that can be built up over time, available on an emergency notice.

Ideally, this “disaster release fund” could be a function of the Council on Foundations, and the management of the fund overseen by representatives from the Council on Foundations and the European Foundation Centre. Donations received would be invested in safe, short-term securities to ensure that donors’ money is preserved and protected. Contributions would be received now for deployment as crises and accompanying emergency needs emerged. 

2. Establish an independent management team to oversee the distribution of funds.

This strategically selected team qualified to disburse the funds would be independent and composed of representatives from the Council on Foundations, the EFC and other global actors such as the Clinton Initiative, Synergos, etc.

3. Establish a global team of individuals and organizations “on the ground” who are the experts on each continent and region, and who currently are the best at delivering services now.

This database of “local actors” to be called on in an emergency on a moment’s notice will have critically important in-the-field experience in the particular location that the disaster occurred. They would be well-positioned to advise on the best ways to apply the funds immediately.

With this process set up ahead of time, we will be in a much better position to be effective with our philanthropy when an event of significant magnitude occurs. These three functions provide for a quick and transparent channel for effective disaster relief philanthropy. It could be promoted and made available to donors of all types who could rely on the process to maximize their caring to help others for immediate, short-term emergency needs.

Jim Harrell is the President of the World Giving Community Foundation.