How to help: Hurricane Michael

Updated October 11, 2018

On October 10, Hurricane Michael hit the Florida Panhandle as a Category 4 storm—the strongest storm to hit the region in more than 100 years. Disaster response organizations have organized in the southeast United States to assist residents as well as to clean up and rebuild after the disaster. Given the extensive damage in states across the region, organizations will need short- and long-term recovery funding to help meet the needs of individuals, families and communities.

How to help

Fidelity Charitable has collaborated with the Center for Disaster Philanthropy to provide the following list of organizations offering hurricane relief. 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 of excellence in disaster relief services.

TIP: Designating funds for disaster relief

Fidelity Charitable donors recommending grants for this cause should click on the drop-down menu for “Use” designation and choose Hurricane Michael.

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 Hurricane Michael
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.

To recommend a grant to a specific Red Cross chapter, click the drop-down menu for use designation, click “create your own” and enter 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 Michael. 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 relief to grantees.

Related resources

CDP brief: Hurricane Michael

An overview with the latest on Hurricane Michael, with additional resources and ideas for donors who want to help.

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.

Issue insight: Hurricanes

CDP discusses the triple-threat brought on by hurricanes: winds, floods, and possible tornadoes.

How Fidelity Charitable can help

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