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sandbags for disaster relief

Disaster relief

Fidelity Charitable donors have a record of giving for disaster relief and ask us for guidance to enhance their impact. The resources in this section may help you make disaster relief part of your giving plan.

Smoke coming off mountain

How to help: 2020 California wildfires

The 2020 California wildfire season is threatening residents across the state, and many are wondering what they can do to help the region.

Learn about the wildfires

Rescuers in flood waters

When to give: The four phases of disaster relief

Successful disaster relief support is rooted in thoughtful, educated decision making, despite the compelling pull to give in the immediate aftermath.

See the four phases of disaster relief

Men considering giving to disaster relief efforts

Important considerations when giving to disaster relief efforts

Understand the role that local support, faith-based giving and timing play in disaster relief.

Learn about giving to disaster relief

There are four phases of disaster relief

1

Triage

Goal: Establish order

Timing: Day of disaster – 6 months

Services Needed: Rescue, medical attention, food, water, temporary shelter

2

Stabilization

Goal: Stabilization

Timing: Day after disaster – 2 years

Services Needed: Food, water, long-term shelter, sanitation, healthcare,return to school and work

3

Rebuilding

Goal: Rebuilding for a better future

Timing: Weeks/months after disaster – 15 years

Services Needed: Engagement of local population in planning and reconstruction of communities

4

Risk Management

Goal: Emergency risk reduction and prevention

Timing: Ongoing - continuous

Services Needed: Training, policy and procedure creation, relationship building among service providers & communities

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Previous disaster guidance

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Test tubes
COVID-19 has been spreading rapidly and is now a global pandemic. Here’s charitable giving guidance to help support medical relief efforts as well as the communities and people impacted by the virus.

Learn about the virus

2019 California wildfires

Wildfire illustration
The 2019 California wildfire season is threatening residents across the state, and many are wondering what they can do to help the region.

Learn about the wildfires

How to help: Hurricane Dorian

A hurricane’s winds, rains, and flooding bring destruction and devastation to communities in its path. Many wonder what they can do to help those impacted.

Learn about the hurricane

Indonesia tsunami

Tsunami illustration
A series of tsunamis devastated parts of Indonesia, and many are wondering what they can do to help the region.

Learn about the tsunami

2018 California wildfires

Wildfire illustration
Wildfires have been burning through California, tearing through more than a million acres of land across the state.

Learn about the California wildfires

Typhoon Yutu

Typhoon illustration
Typhoon Yutu, one of the most powerful cyclones on record, impacted more than 50,000 people living in the Northern Mariana Islands.

Learn about the typhoon

Hurricane Michael

Hurricane illustration
Hurricane Michael was the strongest storm to hit the Florida Panhandle in 100 years, bringing winds of up to 155 miles per hour.

Learn about the hurricane

Hurricane Florence

Hurricane illustration
Hurricanes bring strong winds, heavy rains and flooding that can leave a lingering impact long after the storm has passed.

Learn about Hurricane Florence

Typhoon Mangkhut

Typhoon illustration
Center for Disaster Philanthropy discusses this massive Pacific storm and highlights organizations providing relief.

Learn about the typhoon

2017 Atlantic hurricanes

Hurricane illustration
In the span of just one month, a series of major hurricanes made devastating hits on the United States and the Caribbean.

Read about the Atlantic hurricanes

Hurricane Matthew

Hurricane illustration
Hurricane Matthew swept across the Caribbean and the southeastern United States, bringing with it heavy rains, powerful winds and flooding.

Learn about Hurricane Matthew

Mexico earthquakes

Earthquake illustration
A 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck central Mexico causing widespread damage.

Learn about the Mexico earthquakes

About Fidelity Charitable

Who we are

Fidelity Charitable is an independent public charity that offers one of the nation's largest donor-advised fund programs, making charitable giving accessible, simple, and effective.

Learn more about who we are

More insights into giving

What defined giving nationally last year? The 2020 Fidelity Charitable Giving Report highlights some of the important themes that emerged around charitable support.

Read the report

How Fidelity Charitable can help

Since 1991, we have been a leader in charitable planning and giving solutions, helping donors like you support their favorite charities in smart ways.

Open a Giving Account

Or call us at 1-800-262-6039