Major Changes in Federal Disaster Relief and Recovery: What Funders Need to Know - Hosted by Unbound Philanthropy

When: 
Thursday, May 29, 2025 -
1:00pm to 3:00pm EDT
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*This program is hosted by our member, Unbound Philanthropy, who has extended an invitation to the PNY community*

As extreme weather events become more prevalent, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and other federal agencies must play an increasingly crucial role in keeping communities across the country safe, helping them prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. Yet the federal government’s role and resources for disaster-related efforts are shrinking instead of expanding, even as we enter into hurricane season. 

Allocations for FEMA’s multibillion-dollar Hazard Mitigation and Grant Program, in effect since 1989, were stopped in early April, undermining state efforts to protect homes and critical structures from floods, hurricanes, and earthquakes. In addition, divergent efforts are underway to reform, restructure, or outrightly disband FEMA. In Congress, a bipartisan group has introduced a consequential bill to strengthen and reform disaster recovery and resilience.

We’re in the midst of a paradigm shift: disasters are becoming more predictable, while the funding and policy environment has become more volatile. This shift presents new challenges at the intersection of climate, disaster response, and democracy.

With the future of disaster response and recovery hanging in the balance and many American communities at greater risk of climate-related displacement more than ever before, what do funders need to know?

What will you learn?

  • The current state of play and implications for philanthropy and state and local governments
  • What’s at stake for climate-impacted communities across the country
  • Insight into how the federal government’s reduced role will compromise work at the nexus of climate, disaster resilience, and democracy
  • Opportunities for philanthropic interventions in the immediate, intermediate, and long term
  • Concrete funding recommendations to ensure that the federal government continues to play a strong role to support disaster preparedness, response, and recovery

Speakers

Who should attend?

All interested funders. What to expect: presentation followed by discussion

How do you sign up?

Registration is required by May 23rd

Members and Non-Member Funders: Please click on the "Register Now" link above. Dial-in and webinar information will be emailed to you before the webinar.
 
Please email register@philanthropynewyork.org with any questions.

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