How Donors Can Provide Disaster Relief to Those Affected by the March Tornadoes in the Southeastern U.S.

On Friday night, tornadoes swept through the southeastern United States, resulting in loss of life and widespread destruction. Mississippi was hit particularly hard, with entire towns destroyed. Communities throughout the state, as well as in Alabama and Tennessee, were without power through Saturday evening.

For donors who are moved to help, but are unsure where to start, the non-exhaustive list below is provided as a resource. When recommending a grant from your donor-advised fund, please indicate “Tornado Relief” to ensure the organization correctly designates your gift. We encourage all donors to research all organizations prior to entering a grant recommendation.

Organizations Supporting Tornado Relief

Center for Disaster Philanthropy (EIN 45-5257937)

The Center for Disaster Philanthropy’s Tornado Recovery Fund focuses on the medium and long-term needs of communities affected by tornadoes across the United States. Funds are directed to recovery efforts ranging from rebuilding homes and businesses to mental health services.

Amory Humane Society (EIN: 64-0753915)

The Amory Humane Society animal shelter in Amory, MS, was severely damaged by the storms. While the animals have been safely evacuated to other shelters in the region, the organization will need funds to repair their facilities and continue their work to care for animals in need of homes.

Community Foundation of Washington County (EIN: 46-1176207)

Since 2016, the Community Foundation of Washington County has managed the South Delta Disaster Recovery Fund. The fund assists with long-term recovery efforts in Washington, Sharkey, Isaaquena and Humphrey counties in Mississippi, which include the communities impacted by the tornadoes.

Operation BBQ Relief (EIN: 45-2442792)

Operation BBQ Relief has sent teams to affected communities in Mississippi to provide hot meals to survivors and first responders. The organization is also recruiting volunteers for their disaster response efforts as well as ongoing hunger relief initiatives.

United Way of West Central Mississippi (EIN: 64-0330259)

The Rolling Fork Tornado Relief Fund is housed at the United Way of West Central Mississippi. Funds raised will go directly to supporting communities most affected by the storms.

Learn more about how you can expand your disaster giving strategy by supporting organizations addressing long-term resiliency, and consider these impactful disaster relief stratgies in your relief-based giving.