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Institute for Crisis, Disaster, and Risk Management Crisis and Emergency Management Newsletter Website |
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October/November
2007
Volume 13 - Number
1/2 |
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Donations to Domestic and International Disasters in 2007 By Josh Raeben In years with “big” disasters and other disasters
that are largely publicized by the media, donations most often also increase.
In 2007, their has been an increase in man-made and natural disasters.
It should also be noted that with increased availability of the internet
throughout the world and in homes, fundraising for many groups has become
increasingly easier and more effective. According to the latest Philanthropic
Giving Index (PGI) survey released by the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana
University, the non-profit fundraisers are having increasing success with
Internet and e-mail fundraising techniques. This is sure to continue
into 2007 and beyond.
Using the Million Dollar List the Indian University Center on Philanthropy also found that in the first quarter of 2007 of the approximate 466 philanthropic donations of $1 Million or more, only three gifts were for Hurricane or disaster relief. During this period, there were no individual donations, one corporate donation and two foundation donations of $1 Million dollars or more. Much of these million dollar donations are finding their way to other types of charity. The Center also released its mid-year outlook for 2007 donations report. This noted that across the board (between corporate, independent and community based organizations), their was an expected 60% increase in donations from the previous year. However, other organizations in the survey reported they would have a 25% decrease, while 15% expected virtually no change in donations by year’s end. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that as of September 11, 2007, they had received $2,468,597,259 or 53% of their appealed amount of funds. This data is based off of information from donors and appealing organizations. In particular cases, the Solomon Islands earthquake and its aftermath as of April had received approximately $5 Million USD in aid and appeals for another $1-2 Million was in the works. The Jakarta floods region was expecting approximately $4.5 Million USD in pledged foreign assistance. Within the US, in response to numerous winter storms that affected great number, Wal-Mart committed $250,000 USD to the American Red Cross for relief efforts. The 2007 Atlantic Hurricane season proved to be tough for Latin America, Mexico and the Caribbean. With numerous storms, including two Category 5 storms in the Gulf, there was tremendous need for humanitarian aid. The US Government through USAid/OFDA, DoD, and other agencies provided $3,805,531 USD as of September 12th, 2007. Further and more complete information for charitable donations in 2007 will become available in early 2008 through individual relief organizations, governments and other reporting groups as they complete their annual reports and audits. References: http://www.philanthropy.iupui.edu/News/2007/pr-online-giving.aspx http://coe-dmha.org/Solomon/Solo04162007.htm http://ocha.unog.ch/fts/reports/daily/ocha_R21_Y2007___07091107.pdf http://foundationcenter.org/gainknowledge/research/pdf/keyfacts_comm_2007.pdf http://www.philanthropy.iupui.edu/Research/MillionDollarList/2007/Executive%20Summary%20Q1%202007.pdf |