Disaster Fundraising: Readiness Matters

When disaster strikes, fundraising efforts kick in, some of which are better prepared than others. In this chapter, practical and ethical issues in fundraising from the public are examined, considering the factors that promote institutional readiness for response. There is great need and urgency, stakes are high and compounded by heightened visibility and public expectations of transparency, accountability and speedy disbursement of funds – all to be achieved at little or no cost. Ethical issues pervade all of these components. The vestiges of colonialism often imbue philanthropic support in low-income countries with the sense of ‘white saviour benevolence’ and a lack of cultural sensitivity. Fundraisers have a tricky balance between using emotion – the cries of children and images of cuddly animals – to attract donors, and demonstrating respect for affected people and communities