Donation Management

Donated items during disaster recovery can cause a logistics disaster. Often what people donate are not the items that are needed, resulting in unused or ruined donations, over-burdened and unorganized efforts, and lack of storage space for needed items.

Donation management success requires having the right items in the right quantities at the right time and price to the right end users.

“Uncoordinated, uncontrolled masses of donated goods and volunteers can interfere with disaster operations and cause a secondary disaster” –FEMA

In times of disaster, financial donations are the best way to aid those in need. Cash can be used immediately in response to a crisis, and allows disaster relief organizations to purchase exactly what is needed, when needed.

Cash gives relief organizations the means to procure supplies near the affected area, which cuts down on transportation time and cost. Monetary contributions also support local economies and ensure that businesses can operate when relief supplies diminish.

The Williamson County Disaster Response Fund

In 2015, the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee (CFMT) formed a partnership with Williamson County to create the Williamson County Disaster Response Fund. Anyone can donate to the fund at any time, and during times of disaster CFMT works with Williamson County EMA to understand where donations are needed the most. CFMT then coordinates distribution of the funds to benefit local disaster victims through local nonprofits, religious institutions, and/or government entities.

Other resources for financial donations are listed below.

General Disaster Recovery

  1. American Red Cross Disaster Relief 
  2. FEMA: Volunteer and Donate
  3. Salvation Army

Middle Tennessee Disaster Recovery

  1. The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee
  2. Williamson County Disaster Response Fund
  3. Nashville Community Resource Center

Tennessee Disaster Recovery

  1. The Tennessee Region of the American Red Cross
  2. Tennessee Emergency Response Fund
  3. Sevier County Wildfire