A new multimedia, interactive resource provides practical tips, case studies and collaboration strategies for those seeking to help communities prepare for and recover from disasters. The Disaster Philanthropy Playbook is a joint project of the Center for Disaster Philanthropy and the Council of New Jersey Grantmakers in association with the Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers. With resources for funding organizations and individual donors, grantmaker associations, nonprofits and governments, the Playbook will be continually updated with user contributions.

The Playbook features curated collections of strategies on topics ranging from advocacy and legal services to health and housing, as well as a summary of lessons learned from previous disasters and guides from a variety of organizations with experience in disaster giving. The Playbook Now section highlights information relevant to recent disasters, and the My Playbook function allows users to easily customize and share resources and receive personalized updates.

“When disasters and tragedies strike communities, we are moved to want to help in any way we can,” said Elizabeth Good Christopherson, President and CEO of the Rita Allen Foundation, in a news release announcing the launch of the Playbook.“Yet recovery efforts can be so much more effective if they begin before a crisis, in building resilient and knowledgeable networks of support. The Disaster Philanthropy Playbook takes a proactive approach to helping communities deal effectively with disasters before and after they occur. The Disaster Playbook will help the philanthropic community across the country save lives and livelihoods and ensure a quick recovery when disaster strikes. That is a highly transformative way to approach disasters. And it’s one we’re honored to have been a part of from the very start.”

Development of the Disaster Playbook was supported by a lead grant from the Rita Allen Foundation as well as contributions from Johnson & Johnson, Public Service Electric and Gas, the UPS Foundation, the Vermont Community Foundation and the Oklahoma City Community Foundation.