Severe Storms Impact the South and Midwest: How Donors Can Help

A series of fatal storms ripped across the South and the Midwest over the weekend of March 14, resulting in more than 40 lives lost and significant damage to property and infrastructure brought about by tornadoes, straight-line winds, heavy rain, dust storms and wildfires.

With millions impacted and the widespread scope of the damage still being assessed, communities in the region are in need of support. DAF donors are uniquely situated to provide a rapid response in the face of challenges from these storms.

For NPT donors looking to help the region respond to these natural disasters, we are sharing a recommended list of nonprofits and local community foundations working directly in the affected areas which include Alabama, Kansas, Mississippi, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri.

Remember, 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 in places where help is most needed, including the following organizations.

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

The Center for Disaster Philanthropy (EIN 45-5257937) administers the CDP Disaster 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 disasters.

Community Foundation for Mississippi (EIN 64-0845750) is providing immediate relief and long-term recovery support for families in Walthall and Smith Counties and other affected areas.

Community Foundation of the Ozarks (EIN 23-7290968) has opened the West Plains Relief Fund to support storm recovery efforts in Howell County, Arkansas and the surrounding area.

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.

Direct Relief (EIN 95-1831116) is active in multiple recovery areas, partnering with local healthcare organizations to provide critical supplies to affected regional and community health centers.

One Star Foundation (EIN 20-0166368) supports community recovery efforts via the Crabapple Relief Fund, in response to wildfires burning tens of thousands of acres in Fredericksburg, TX.

Samaritan’s Purse (EIN 58-1437002) is responding to hard-hit regions in Missouri and Oklahoma by deploying volunteers to provide emergency aid to those in need.

United Way of Payne County (EIN 73-0602756) has launched a fundraising effort titled “Stillwater Strong” gathering resources to support those affected by Oklahoma wildfires.

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