New Orleans, LA (August 25, 2020) – Today, the Greater New Orleans Foundation announced the activation of its Disaster Response and Restoration Fund in response to the federal Emergency Disaster Declaration for Louisiana due to threats from Tropical Storm Marco and Hurricane Laura.
While COVID-19 continues to stretch our communities and families, the Greater New Orleans Foundation is equipped to respond to the many threats we face, just like the resilient people of our region.
The Greater New Orleans Foundation announced $50,000 in immediate grants to the Red Cross, Second Harvest, and VIA LINK to ensure these regional disaster response organizations can activate and prepare to respond to the needs across our region as a result of these storms.
“When disasters strike, our nonprofits join other first responders on the front lines” said Andy Kopplin, President & CEO of the Greater New Orleans Foundation. “We don’t get to determine the challenges that come to us, but we get to determine how we respond. That’s why we’re proud to be positioned to play a leading role in disaster preparedness, recovery and resilience.”
“We know nonprofits play a key role in supporting first responders and the government response in the face of natural disasters, including filling in the gaps with services and support for the people who are affected,” Gov. John Bel Edwards said. “While I am praying that the impacts of these storms on Louisiana is not severe, I know many in the community are already stretched thin because of COVID. I appreciate the Greater New Orleans Foundation leaning forward to facilitate the good work of these nonprofits.”
Through the Greater New Orleans Foundation Disaster Response and Restoration Fund, we mobilize and support a network of voluntary and community organizations active in disasters (VOADS and COADS) whose expertise is deployed locally, nationally and internationally. We also honor the tradition of “paying it forward” by coordinating with a network of community foundations when disaster strikes other communities to get immediate support to the most vulnerable citizens. Our Response and Restoration Fund provides immediate relief as well as long-term rebuilding support.
“During these unprecedented times, we rely on our donors and community partners more than ever to meet the needs of communities impacted by disasters,” explained Joshua Joachim, Louisiana Red Cross Regional CEO. “With this generous donation we can offer members of the Louisiana community shelter, food, clean up kits, comfort kits and most importantly, hope, when faced with disasters. Storms are unpredictable, but the Louisiana community depends on the Red Cross to provide service no matter the outcome of a storm. We appreciate our partners like the Greater New Orleans Foundation for making that possible.”
With the capability to get dollars where they are most needed within 48 hours, the Foundation has pre-registered over 20 organizations from across Southeast Louisiana to receive expedited grants should they be active in responding to a disaster.
Donations can be made to the Disaster Response and Restoration Fund by visiting www.gnof.org.
About the Greater New Orleans Foundation (GNOF):
With roots extending over 90 years, the Greater New Orleans Foundation has been connecting generous people to the causes that spark their passion. As one of the most trusted philanthropic organizations in the region, we work every day to drive positive impact through philanthropy, leadership, and action in our thirteen-parish region. In addition to grantmaking, we convene people, resources, and ideas to create intelligent strategies and solutions to meet our region’s greatest challenges. We are proud to serve as a vocal civic leader with our partners to ensure a vibrant, sustainable, and just region for all. Learn more at www.gnof.org.
###