Fundraising During Times of Disaster

In this episode of The First Day podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D., is joined by Patty McIlreavy, President and CEO of the Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP), to discuss how charitable giving shifts during times of disaster. Patty begins by reframing the very concept of disaster—not as the event itself, like a hurricane or wildfire, but as the collision of an event with a community’s vulnerability. This vulnerability, often rooted in systemic inequities, becomes the true disaster. CDP’s mission is to mobilize philanthropy not just for immediate relief, but for long-term, equitable recovery—a mission that becomes increasingly critical as disasters grow in scale and frequency. Patty highlights the challenge of donor behavior during crises, noting how people are often moved to give in the immediate aftermath—when headlines are fresh and emotions run high. While this instant generosity (hello, $10 million in days after Damar Hamlin’s collapse) is heartening, Patty stresses that lasting change happens in the quieter months after the spotlight fades. CDP is working to shift donor mindsets from short-term relief to long-term recovery by telling better stories, creating awareness around systemic vulnerabilities, and offering tools for donors to engage in sustained giving—through knowledge sharing or acting as a conduit for philanthropic investment. Throughout the conversation, Patty emphasizes the evolving role of fundraisers during crises. She encourages nonprofits, even those not directly involved in disaster response, to recognize their own relevance. A youth agency or cultural organization reducing community vulnerabilities? That’s disaster recovery work too, she says. Rather than competing for donor dollars, organizations should “join up”—a call for collective action where legacy isn’t just about bricks and plaques, but about investing in human resilience and community strength. And when funders struggle to navigate this complexity, CDP steps in with tools, funds, and a matchmaking service of sorts to connect donors with proximate, long-term recovery organizations. The episode wraps with a clear call to action: the philanthropic pie is still enormous, even if it’s shifting. Fundraisers shouldn’t fear being left out during crisis fundraising—they should see themselves as part of a bigger picture. As Bill notes, The Fund Raising School’s own research supports this: fundraising can actually increase when done thoughtfully during crises. Patty’s insights reinforce the importance of shifting from “hero moments” to holistic, community-centered recovery. With CDP’s guidance and the right mindset, philanthropy can move beyond bandages and start building bridges—stronger, safer ones that can withstand whatever storm comes next.