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How to help: 2017 Atlantic hurricanes

Updated September 25, 2017

In the span of just one month, a series of major hurricanes made devastating hits on the United States and the Caribbean. Hurricanes Harvey and Irma made landfall on the southeast United States as Category 4 storms, after churning destructive paths through the Caribbean islands. Hurricane Maria missed the U.S. mainland, but struck the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico as a Category 5 storm, wreaking havoc in those areas for the second time in 10 days.

In the Caribbean, many areas are still focused on short term relief; some islands still do not have electricity—Puerto Rico may be without power for four to six months—and have little food, water and shelter. On the U.S. mainland, recovery operations are in full swing, with clean-up crews and muck-out efforts well under way. We anticipate long-term needs to be housing, mental health, case management, and economic development, though specific needs will continue to unfold in the coming months.

How to help in the United States

Fidelity Charitable has collaborated with the Center for Disaster Philanthropy to provide the following list of organizations providing relief services for Hurricanes Irma and Harvey, which made direct hits on the southeastern United States. These organizations are highlighted because they have existing operations in the region, the ability to incorporate a large influx of donations, and a strong, established record of excellence in disaster relief services. We expect to incorporate more local organizations into this list in the coming weeks, as these organizations establish long-term recovery plans.

Following a natural disaster, there can be an increased risk of fraud committed by individuals preying upon the good intentions of people wanting to help; donors should take care that the organizations they are supporting are legitimate. Fidelity Charitable makes grants only to IRS-qualified 501(c)(3) public charities, such as the organizations below.

For Hurricanes Irma and Harvey
American National Red Cross
TIN: 530196605
P.O. Box 37243
Washington, DC 20013
Make a grant recommendation

The American National Red Cross was chartered by Congress in 1905 to play a central role in coordinating and responding to domestic and international disasters.

Fidelity Charitable donors recommending grants to the Red Cross should click on the drop down menu for use designation and choose Hurricane Irma or Hurricane Harvey. To recommend a grant to a specific Red Cross chapter, select the chapter from the list provided when searching in “Find a charity.”

Please note the organizations listed in this guidance do not represent the full list of organizations raising money for relief efforts for Hurricanes Irma and Harvey. Fidelity Charitable has collaborated with the Center for Disaster Philanthropy to provide these organizations to donors for reference purposes only, and Fidelity Charitable does not endorse these organizations. All grant recommendations are subject to review and approval by the Fidelity Charitable Trustees. Fidelity Charitable will communicate all grant designation recommendations for Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Harvey relief to grantees.

How to help in the Caribbean

Fidelity Charitable has collaborated with the Center for Disaster Philanthropy to provide the following list of organizations providing relief services for Hurricanes Irma and Maria in the Caribbean. As with the organizations above, these groups are highlighted because they have existing operations in the region, the ability to incorporate a large influx of donations, and a strong, established record of excellence in disaster relief services.

We expect to incorporate more local organizations into this list in the coming weeks, as these organizations establish long-term recovery plans.

Please note the organizations listed in this guidance do not represent the full list of organizations raising money for relief efforts for Hurricanes Irma and Harvey. Fidelity Charitable has collaborated with the Center for Disaster Philanthropy to provide these organizations to donors for reference purposes only, and Fidelity Charitable does not endorse these organizations. All grant recommendations are subject to review and approval by the Fidelity Charitable Trustees. Fidelity Charitable will communicate all grant designation recommendations for Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Harvey relief to grantees.

How to help with long-term recovery

For Hurricanes Irma and Harvey
Center for Disaster Philanthropy
TIN: 455257937
1201 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 300
Washington, AK 20036
Make a grant recommendation

While there is urgent need for immediate relief, we expect the relief efforts will extend well beyond the immediate aftermath of the storm, as residents of the region begin to recover and rebuild their homes, businesses and lives. If you are interested in supporting long-term recovery efforts, the Center for Disaster Philanthropy has created the Hurricane Harvey Recovery Fund and the Hurricane Irma Recovery Fund, which will both provide support in the months and years to come, with a particular focus on vulnerable populations.

Related resources

CDP brief: Hurricane Harvey

Hurricane Harvey slammed into the Gulf coast of Texas at the end of August, bringing more than 50 inches of rain in some areas.

Learn more about Harvey

Four phases of disaster relief

When should you give in a disaster? The opportunity to make a difference does not end after media coverage dies down.

Learn more about the 4 phases

Issue insight: Hurricanes

The Center for Disaster Philanthropy discusses the triple- threat brought on by hurricanes: winds, floods, and possible tornadoes.

Learn more about hurricanes