Overview
Community foundations are uniquely positioned to lead and support their communities when disaster strikes and for many years afterward. They are purpose-built to get resources where they are needed most in a crisis and to adapt quickly to changing needs on the ground. They have deep knowledge of their community and strong, trust-based relationships with local nonprofits, government agencies, community leaders, and donors.
Fulfilling this role effectively requires intentional preparation during “blue sky” times when there is no immediate crisis. The League of California Community Foundations’ Disaster Readiness Initiative brings community foundations together in a collaborative learning environment to strengthen their disaster preparedness and response capabilities. This cohort-based program emphasizes practical skill-building, peer learning, and real-world application.
Program Content
Sessions will focus on the core capacities community foundations need to prepare for and respond to disasters. Topics are grounded in real-world experience and shaped by feedback from field leaders. While we will work from a clear set of themes, we will adapt the content to reflect the priorities of participating foundations. Key focus areas include:
● Internal Preparedness: Ensuring operational continuity, pre-determined decision-making authorities, staff safety during disasters, etc.
● Fundraising and Donor Engagement: Designing and managing disaster funds and building strong, trust-based relationships with donors.
● Community Leadership and Grantmaking: Advancing equitable response and recovery through strategic grantmaking and strong partnerships with local organizations.
● Communications: Developing clear internal and external communication plans, including media, public inquiries, and donor outreach.
● Cross-Sector Collaboration and Long-Term Resilience: Strengthening collaboration with COADs/VOADs and government partners, and integrating climate and disaster risk into long-term strategy.
Format
Each participating foundation will designate one lead representative to serve as the primary program participant. This individual will share insights with their organization and act as the main point of contact for cohort activities. Other staff members are encouraged to join sessions based on their expertise and the relevance of the topics.
Sessions will include a mix of peer sharing, relationship building, and learning from experts in disaster philanthropy.
Virtual and In-Person Learning Sessions (Eight sessions, 1.5 hours each)
● Seven online Interactive workshops on topics listed under Program Content.
● One in-person gathering at the League’s conference in October 2026
Funding Learning Into Action
Midway through the cohort, participating foundations may apply for up to $50,000 to support a capacity-building project that strengthens their disaster readiness. These grants turn learning into action by funding concrete improvements to systems, structures, and partnerships. Example projects include:
● Developing or refining a foundation’s Emergency Operations Plan (EOP).
● Establishing clear internal disaster protocols, including staff roles and communication pathways.
● Implementing tools or platforms to streamline donor communication and giving during emergencies.
● Building capacity to collaborate with key partners such as VOADs, COADs, and local government agencies.
Selecting Cohort Members
We invite a diverse mix of small, medium, and large community foundations, including those with limited assets or discretionary funds, to apply for the Disaster Readiness Initiative. By bringing together a variety of perspectives, we aim to create a dynamic learning environment of 5-7 foundations that reflects the range of challenges and opportunities in disaster philanthropy.
This one-year program is designed for foundations that:
- Are Active Members of LCCF: Community foundations that are current members of the California Community Foundations may apply.
- Serve areas facing natural disaster risks and resource challenges: Foundations that operate in regions vulnerable to natural disaster, such as wildfires, earthquakes, floods, or droughts, and those serving communities with limited access to resources, are encouraged to apply.
- Prioritize Equity: Foundations that have already integrated equity into their grantmaking practices or are eager to enhance their focus on addressing systemic inequities in their communities.
- Commit to Engagement: Participants must be ready and able to actively engage in the cohort experience, including attending workshops, contributing to peer learning, and sharing practical insights with their teams.
- Have Capacity and Interest to Implement a Specific Project: Applicants should be excited to develop and implement a project that enhances their disaster readiness. Applicants do not need to have a project identified prior to applying.
Application Process
How to Apply
Current members of the League of California Community Foundations are eligible to participate in this program.
When the grant program opens on October 12, a link to the League’s online application platform will be sent out to the membership.
Questions
For questions about the Disaster Readiness Initiative, please contact Karin Demarest: karin@dstrategygroup.com
For questions about LCCF’s online application platform, please contact Sheila Tyree Millard: sheila@lccf.org.