Philanthropic Response to Disasters: Gifts, Givers and Consequences

When disaster strikes, philanthropy plays a vital role in making things better. This book aims to curate existing knowledge in disaster philanthropy and build a robust base for future research, practice, and public policy. The authors highlight unknowns, ambiguities, extensions, unexplored spaces, challenges, and paradoxes, recognizing that philanthropic responses are complex, conditional, and subject to change.

Format: Hardback
Length: 244 pages
Publication date: 30 March 2023
Publisher: Bristol University Press

When disaster strikes, our instinctive response is to make things better, not only as individuals but also as groups, organizations, communities, and major institutions within society. With increasing climate-related disasters and the potential for future global pandemics, philanthropy will continue to play an essential role. Yet our knowledge of how philanthropic responses to disasters are motivated, organized, and received is fragmented. This book is a step toward curating our existing knowledge in the emerging field of 'disaster philanthropy and to building a robust base for future research, practice, and public policy. The authors highlight unknowns and ambiguities, extensions and unexplored spaces, and challenges and paradoxes. Above all, they recognize that philanthropic responses to disasters are complex, conditional, and subject to change.

Disaster philanthropy is a rapidly growing field that has the potential to make a significant impact on the lives of those affected by disasters. However, there is still much to be learned about how philanthropic organizations can effectively respond to disasters and how they can work together with other stakeholders to create long-term solutions. This book aims to provide a comprehensive overview of disaster philanthropy, including its history, current practices, and future trends.

One of the key challenges facing disaster philanthropy is the need for coordination and collaboration among different stakeholders. This includes government agencies, non-profit organizations, private companies, and individuals. By working together, these stakeholders can pool their resources and expertise to provide more effective and efficient responses to disasters.

Another challenge is the need to ensure that philanthropic efforts are sustainable and long-term. This requires a focus on building capacity and resilience within communities and organizations affected by disasters. This can involve providing training and education, investing in infrastructure, and supporting programs that promote economic development and social well-being.

Despite these challenges, disaster philanthropy has seen some success stories in recent years. For example, the Hurricane Harvey relief effort in Texas was led by a coalition of philanthropic organizations, including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Ford Foundation, and the United Way. This effort provided much-needed assistance to those affected by the hurricane, including emergency food and shelter, medical care, and long-term recovery support.

In conclusion, disaster philanthropy is a complex and evolving field that has the potential to make a significant impact on the lives of those affected by disasters. By working together and focusing on sustainability and long-term solutions, we can build a more resilient and responsive society that is better equipped to handle the challenges of the future.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781447362531