What will your Sandy be? Using Disaster-Related Philanthropy to Strengthen Communities

Monday, October 7, 11:10am – 12:40pm

Organized by Mary Margaret Schoenfeld, Coordinator, National Coalition for Arts’ Preparedness and Emergency Response.

Moderated by Felicia Shaw, Director, Arts and Culture Analysis and Strategy, San Diego Foundation. Presented by Kerry McCarthy, Program Officer, Arts and Historic Preservation, New York Community Trust, and Regine Webster, Vice President, Center for Disaster Philanthropy.

2012 provided unfortunate opportunities for funders to examine the safety net for artists and arts organizations, and for communities as a whole. The scope and frequency of large-scale disasters and emergencies suggests that our sector must newly embrace preparedness as a basic competency of management, and that funders should examine ways to adapt programs and services to promote preparedness. Two arts funders will discuss their organizations’ philanthropic response to recent disasters and their work in regional efforts. The session will also highlight The Center for Disaster Philanthropy’s research, organizing, and best practices for disaster relief and recovery. Small groups will consider related questions, and the session concludes with group discussion of achievable, potential next steps.