About the Disaster Preparedness and Response Initiative
Northern California Grantmakers launched the San Francisco Bay Area Disaster Preparedness and Response Initiative in September 2006 to support and mobilize the Bay Area's philanthropic sector to effectively prepare for, respond to, and recover from a major local natural disaster. Since that time, the initiative has accomplished the following:
- Launched a Disaster Preparedness Task Force consisting of 15 Northern California Grantmakers members representing a broad range of funders and interest areas. See a list of task force members.
- Conducted a needs assessment of NCG members. The Disaster Preparedness and Response Needs Assessment Report, prepared by Putnam Community Investment Consulting, outlines key findings and recommendations based on data gathered from an online member survey, key informant interviews, and a literature review.
- Educated NCG members by convening an all-member gathering, Katrina: Lessons for Bay Area Philanthropy, and launched an online clearinghouse of information related to disaster preparedness in October 2006.
- Created a strategic plan in the spring of 2007
- From 2008-09, continues to offer programs to NCG members around the impact of disasters on vulnerable populations, as well as policy considerations to help prepare for disaster.
- Facilitated discussions on how philanthropy, the non-profit sector at-large, public entities, and businesses can work together to prepare and respond to disasters in California.
- Developed an on-line Toolkit to help foundations understand how they can prepare themselves and grantees for the different stages of disaster.
The Task Force welcomes new members who are interested and engaged in disaster preparedness and response activities and funding. For more information about the Task Force, please contact dpri[at]ncg[dot]org.