We are saddened by the tragic news that a gunman in Orlando, Florida, opened fire at the Pulse nightclub leaving 49 people dead and over 50 injured. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends who are suffering in Florida and elsewhere due to this tragedy.
Connecticut Council for Philanthropy is committed to helping CCP members and the community connect to the networks and resources it needs to respond when tragedy or disaster strikes. Florida Philanthropic Network (FPN), CCP's colleague organization in Florida, has shared information about how individuals and the philanthropic community can extend support in their time of need.
Are you a funder taking action to help Orlando? Let us know by emailing ccp@CTphilanthropy.org.
Funder Networks Assembling Information and Resources:
Center for Disaster Philanthropy >>
Florida Philanthropic Network >>
Blogs
Hope Amid Tragedy, A first of it's kind philanthropy conference will help infrastucture groups work better together >>
-- David Biemesderfer, president & CEO, Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers
How Do We Respond? >>
-- David Davison, interim president, and Judith Meyers, chairman, Connecticut Council for Philanthropy
Four Ways Funders Can Respond to Tragedy >>
-- Anna R. Hurt, disaster management analyst, Center for Disaster Philanthropy.
National Webinar Series
For funders concerned about the Orlando tragedy and how to best respond
JUNE 21: Response to Orlando Shooting: Funder Teleconference - Access the recording >>
JULY 28: 11:00 am - 12:30 pm: Supporting Communities Impacted by the Orlando Massacre - Register Now >>
These are two of three teleconferences to be offered in the coming weeks. The third teleconference will focus on longer-terms needs and responses.
Webinars dealing with the issue of equity and inclusion
AUGUST 4: 2:00 - 3:00 pm: Independent Sector - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion >>
AUGUST 4: 2:00 - 3:00 pm: Nation Committee for Responsive Philanthropy - The Oregon Community Foundation - Can it build a statewide legacy of equity and inclusion? >>
Ways to Help
From Florida Philanthropic Network (FPN):
Central Florida Foundation will be sharing updates in the next few days on how you can help now and in the weeks and months to come. FPN will release more details as they become available and you can monitor up-to-date developments at their website, http://cffound.org.
Our Fund Foundation, a community foundation whose mission is to support South Florida’s LGBTQ agencies, is collecting tax-deductible donations. 100% of the tax-deductible funds raised through Our Fund will be donated to the nonprofits in Orlando supporting survivors and victims' families and friends and their efforts to restore peace, joy and wellness to Orlando's LGBTQ community. To make a tax deductible donation through Our Fund, please visit: https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/OurFund/Orlando.html
Governor Rick Scott announced the activation of the Florida Disaster Fund following yesterday’s terror attack in Orlando. The Fund will help provide financial support to organizations that serve survivors, their families, and all those in need. To make a contribution, please visit http://www.FloridaDisasterFund.org.
Equality Florida has set up a GoFundMe page to support the victims and families affected by the shooting. You can donate to the Pulse Victims Fund online at https://www.gofundme.com/PulseVictimsFund. The state’s LGBT civil rights organization is working with a team of attorneys and national experts to ensure the funds are distributed correctly.
For information on blood donations, counseling services and vigils throughout Florida, visit http://www.eqfl.org/news/pulse.
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and City of Orlando have announced the formation of the OneOrlando Fund. The distribution of the funds will be administered by the Central Florida Foundation. The purpose of the Fund is to provide a way to help respond to the needs of our community, now and in the time to come, after the effects of the Pulse nightclub tragedy. Read more >>
The City of Orlando is also coordinating volunteers and donations for those located in Central Florida. You can fill out an online form, and someone will contact you regarding services and donation needs: http://www.cityoforlando.net/blog/orlandounited-want-to-help-let-us-know/
The Red Cross is accepting donations toward the response in Orlando. Donate at 800-733-2767 or www.redcross.org.
As more information emerges, you can follow these Twitter accounts for ways to help:
Florida Philanthropic Network @flphilanthropy
Central Florida Foundation @cffound
Equality Florida @EqualityFL
Heart of Florida United Way @hfuw
City of Orlando @citybeautiful
Know of another resource we should add to this page? Let us know: ccp@CTphilanthropy.org.