As Hurricane Ida continues to batter the Gulf Coast, community foundations in the region are setting up relief funds to collect and distribute money to support those who have been impacted by the ongoing storm.

Donors can help by contributing to the following relief funds:

Louisiana

Baton Rouge Area Foundation - Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund

Greater New Orleans Foundation - Disaster Response and Restoration Fund 

The Community Foundation of Acadiana also has three relief funds:

· Acadiana Disaster Response Fund provides immediate relief to Acadiana residents affected by parish, state, or federally declared natural disasters.

· Realtor Association of Acadiana Disaster Relief Fund was created after the hurricanes in 2008 as a proactive measure, so that funds will be available in the event of another declared disaster.

· St. Martin Parish Disaster Relief Fund is an endowment fund that helps parish residents recover after a disaster has occurred. 50 percent of all contributions are used to build an endowment, so the funds are available immediately following a disaster.

Mississippi

Community Foundation for Mississippi - Mississippi Community Response & Recovery Fund

Benefits of Giving Through a Community Foundation

Community foundations are a wise choice for disaster giving because:

· They are rooted in the communities they serve and know exactly what is needed following a disaster.

· They have already vetted reputable nonprofits, so you won’t have to.

· They can distribute funds quickly to agencies that need them most.

In addition, community foundations create a long-term strategic impact plan, so even when the disaster has passed, they will still be around to help communities recover and progress. They also coordinate with government and nonprofits to provide mental-health services, rebuild homes and schools, and ensure that communities are better prepared for the next disaster.