Key Term

What is Crisis Philanthropy?

Definition

Crisis philanthropy refers to charitable giving and philanthropic efforts that occur in response to emergencies, disasters, or urgent humanitarian needs. This includes both immediate disaster relief funding and longer-term recovery support provided by donors, foundations, and other charitable organizations during times of natural disasters, public health emergencies, economic crises, or other catastrophic events.

Significance

Crisis philanthropy plays a crucial role in mobilizing rapid financial support when traditional funding mechanisms may be too slow or insufficient to address immediate needs. It demonstrates the philanthropic sector's ability to respond quickly and flexibly to unexpected challenges, often filling gaps left by government response efforts. However, crisis philanthropy also highlights the importance of strategic giving, as donors must balance the urgency of immediate relief with the need for sustainable, long-term recovery solutions. This form of giving has gained increased attention following global events like the COVID-19 pandemic, which demonstrated both the strengths and limitations of crisis-responsive charitable giving.