As Atlantic hurricane season begins, Florida community foundations prepare permanent disaster funds
As climate change makes storms more frequent and intense, Florida community foundations are looking for new ways to make sure they have resources on hand to support the public before, during and after a disaster
By Gabriela Aoun Angueira
Published - May 27, 2024, 08:27 AM ET
Last Updated - May 27, 2024, 08:27 AM EDT
After the collapse of a condominium tower in North Miami in June 2021, Rebecca Fishman Lipsey realized her organization needed to overhaul how it responded to disasters.
As CEO of the Miami Foundation, the city’s primary community foundation, Fishman Lipsey got to work coalescing support for victims of the tragedy that killed 98 people and destroyed the 136-unit building. Funders were eager to help, but there was a problem.
She remembers corporate partners calling her saying, "We are in, we are with you. Just fill out this application and the money will be there in six weeks.”
Those who lost homes and loved ones couldn’t wait that long. As Fishman Lipsey and her team scrambled to raise and disperse funds, she imagined the next crisis.
