The Patterson Foundation Contributes $100,000 to the Center for Disaster Philanthropy

January 29, 2021 – Sarasota

The Patterson Foundation is making a $100,000 contribution to the Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP) in celebration of its decade of strengthening communities recovering from major disasters. In that span, CDP has worked across the United States and throughout the world following natural disasters, humanitarian crises and other complex emergencies.

Donors are quick to give when disaster strikes, but often they do so in ways that address immediate needs while vital medium- and long-term disaster recovery efforts go underfunded. CDP is the only full-time national resource dedicated to helping donors maximize their impact by making more intentional giving decisions in response to domestic and international disasters. Since 2010, CDP has leveraged the power of philanthropy to utilize resources that strengthen communities recovering from disasters while equipping them for future challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic, Hurricane Harvey, the California wildfires and Haiti’s 2011 earthquake are some of the more notable disasters to which CDP has responded.

“When disaster strikes, there are givers the world over who want to help but may not know how to best apply their funds,” said Debra Jacobs, president and CEO of The Patterson Foundation. “Thankfully, the Center for Disaster Philanthropy works hand-in-hand with funders and nonprofits, distributing resources to organizations that have proven their ability to restore communities and help protect them from future calamities. The Patterson Foundation is proud to give $100,000 to the Center for Disaster Philanthropy in celebration of 10 years of strengthening communities.”

CDP’s expertise and tangible impact on communities worldwide have helped it evolve into a trusted resource for both major philanthropists and grassroots donors in its first decade of work. The team at CDP educates the philanthropic community and provides giving opportunities that maximize donor impact toward sustained recovery efforts in the months and years following a disaster. Additionally, CDP consults with foundations and corporations on disaster-related giving strategies that best align with their missions. In 2020, CNN honored the organization as one of eight featured nonprofits for the network’s 14th Annual CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute ceremony. 

“Donors of all shapes and sizes can truly make a tangible difference in the lives of people affected by COVID-19, wildfires or other disasters on their long road to recovery,” said Patricia McIlreavy, president and CEO of the Center for Disaster Philanthropy. “We are grateful to The Patterson Foundation for its unwavering commitment to equitable recovery. Their gift and invitation to other donors to take the long view in their disaster giving bring vital resources to organizations worldwide that help people, families and communities rebuild stronger after a disaster.”

The Patterson Foundation has been a long-time supporter of CDP and its mission to strengthen communities recovering from disasters. Starting in 2013, The Patterson Foundation gave $200,000 toward CDP’s Hurricane Sandy response. Since then, The Patterson Foundation has given nearly $5 million total to CDP for operational and disaster-recovery efforts.

To donate or learn more about CDP, please visit www.disasterphilanthropy.org. Visit thepattersonfoundation.org to learn more about The Patterson Foundation.