Updated September 2, 2021
On August 29, Category 4 Hurricane Ida became one of the strongest storms to ever hit the United States mainland—making landfall in southeastern Louisiana, the same area that Hurricane Katrina devastated 16 years earlier. The massive storm’s extreme winds and storm surge ravaged Louisiana and Mississippi, knocking out the electrical grid and causing extensive damage. And as remnants of the storm continued to move across the country, residents of the New York City metro area and other parts of the Northeast were also impacted by significant flooding.
Disaster response organizations are organizing to assist residents, as well as to clean up and rebuild. Given the extensive damage, organizations will need short- and long-term recovery funding to help meet the needs of individuals, families and communities.
Fidelity Charitable has collaborated with the Center for Disaster Philanthropy to provide the following list of organizations offering relief for the storm. These organizations are highlighted because they have existing operations or chapters in the region, the ability to incorporate a large influx of donations and a strong, established record in disaster relief services. All the below organizations are responding in the Southeast, except where a nationwide response is indicated. Fidelity Charitable is monitoring damage assessments across the country and will update our guidance as we receive additional information on charities in impacted regions.
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.
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.
To recommend a grant to a specific Red Cross chapter, click the drop-down menu for use designation, click “create your own,” and enter in the name of the local chapter.
Please note the organizations listed in this guidance do not represent the full list of organizations raising money for relief efforts for Hurricane Ida. 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 Ida relief to grantees.
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