Flooding and Tornadoes Impact the Midwest and South: A Donor’s Guide to Helping Those in Need

The first weekend of April 2025 brought extreme weather, including tornadoes and flash floods, across the Midwest and the Southern United States. Impacted regions are now assessing damage across Tennessee, Texas, Kentucky, Missouri, Arkansas, Indiana, and Mississippi. Many of these regions are still reeling from the effects of recent major weather events as well as Hurricanes Helene and Milton last fall.

According to The Weather Channel, the “generational” event triggered unrelenting rainfall (with daily rainfall totals reaching as high as 13 inches in some areas), damaging winds, mudslides and rockslides have so far claimed the lives of at least 17 people, ten of which occurred in Tennessee. The storms also brought power outages and closed roadways, leading to difficulties for both residents in these areas and emergency responders. In the wake of disasters like these, DAF donors are uniquely situated to provide rapid responses to the communities most in need of support.

For NPT donors looking to help the millions across the Midwest and the South, we are sharing a recommended list of nonprofits and local community foundations working directly in the affected areas.

Keep in mind, if your employer manages employee giving efforts, consider checking to see if they offer a match for donations. Donors can provide support quickly and efficiently when it comes to disaster recovery and relief, including the following organizations.

All Hands and Hearts (EIN 20-3414952) is providing urgent relief to impacted Missouri communities by deploying skilled lumberjacks for immediate debris and hazardous tree removal.

The Center for Disaster Philanthropy (EIN 45-5257937) administers the CDP Tornado Recovery Fund, which allows donors to target contributions to meet specific philanthropic goals for any domestic disaster, helping communities rebuild stronger and prepare for future needs.

Convoy of Hope (EIN 68-0051386) is deploying trucks from its Missouri headquarters into Southern and Midwestern communities to bring them food, water, and relief supplies.

Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky (EIN 61-1329396) is accepting funds for the Appalachian Crisis Aid, which provides immediate relief to individuals, families, businesses, nonprofits, and social enterprises impacted by disasters.

St. Francis Animal Sanctuary & Rescue (EIN 84-4706367) is in the hard-hit region of Tylertown, Mississippi and provides food, shelter, and medical care for homeless animals and pets affected by natural disasters.

Samaritan’s Purse (EIN 58-1437002) has deployed teams with needed tools and supplies across various hard-hit areas in Tennessee and North Carolina.

Texas AFT Disaster Relief Fund (EIN 74-1771404) provides support for educators and their families who have been impacted by catastrophic events in Texas with disaster relief checks, safe places to stay and hands-on cleaning help.

World Central Kitchen (EIN 27-3521132) provides fresh meals in response to humanitarian, climate and community crises. Teams continue to be active in six states serving meals and assessing food needs for communities in the Southern and Midwestern regions of the United States.