When disaster strikes, nonprofit organizations face a dual challenge: maintaining their own operations while supporting the communities, individuals, and employees who have been affected. This resource page provides essential information for both scenarios, including links to recovery guides, government assistance programs, legal aid providers, and more – for both nonprofits and individuals.
Don’t forget: It’s never too late to prepare your organization for emergencies. Be sure to consult the planning guides linked below, ensure your insurance needs are being met, and work with your team to develop and document emergency procedures.
For Nonprofits
Preparing
Disaster Planning for Nonprofits
A detailed 2024 guide to disaster planning and problem-solving, including checklists and other tools
How to Plan for Workplace Emergencies and Evacuations
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration provides answers for common workplace preparedness questions
Hurricane Preparedness
A guide specific to hurricane preparation and recovery from the Department of Homeland Security
Nonprofit IT Disaster Planning and Recovery Guide
How to ensure IT safety and continuity in the event of a disaster
NRC Services Inc.
Insurance services to assist with nearly every nonprofit risk. For a quote, contact NRC’s insurance and risk management consultants at insurance@gcn.org
Recovering
FEMA Grants for Nonprofits
The portal for FEMA’s nonprofit assistance funding; requires registration
Hurricane Helene Recovery with FEMA Webinar
Detailed instructions for both individuals and organizations applying for assistance through FEMA
Heritage Emergency National Task Force
Emergency federal assistance available for arts and humanities nonprofits, individual artists, and performing groups affected by Hurricane Helene
Disaster Recovery: What Donors & Nonprofits Need to Know
How to approach fundraising, recovery, and more following a disaster
For Individuals (including nonprofit employees, as applicable)
Official Georgia Hurricane Helene Response Info
Updates and resources from the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency
FEMA Disaster Assistance
Details and applications for individual and public disaster assistance
U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance
For homeowners, renters, nonprofits, and businesses of all sizes affected by Hurricane Helene
Local Emergency Management Agencies
Contact info for Georgia Emergency Management offices in each county
Disaster Recovery Center Locator
Locations for accessible and mobile offices available to visit for recovery information and services
State of Georgia Damage Assessment
Portal for reporting property damage and learning about local conditions
SNAP Replacement Requests
Information for Georgians in need of replacement SNAP benefits due to hurricane-related power outages
Legal Assistance Hotline
Free legal counseling, assistance, and referrals for Georgians affected by Hurricane Helene from Georgia Legal Aid
Feeding Georgia Food Bank Directory
List of regional food banks with links for both getting help and providing help
Webinars from GCN
Below, find three webinars put together by GCN to assist in the practical application of DEI work.
Building Equity from the Inside Out
Dr. Dietra Hawkins on the complex concept of “building equity,” which encompasses personal bias, small everyday leadership decisions, strategy choices, policy construction, and structural norms across entire systems.
Building Equity Leadership
Living Cities presents the case study of their incredible journey into DEI, chronicling the difference that young leaders have made and the transformational effect of an equity-centered strategy.
Tenant's Rights, Public Benefits, and Your Clients
The Georgia Legal Services Program details the tenant laws and relief opportunities for nonprofits that work with renters at risk of eviction.