Community Foundation Awareness Initiative

In response to wildfires across Nebraska, Community Foundation Awareness Initiative partners have launched rapid response funds to collect donations and direct support to organizations positioned to respond quickly and effectively.

The Omaha Community Foundation has established the Nebraska Wildfires Response Fund: https://omahafoundation.org/news/nebraska-wildfires/

Nebraska Community Foundation has launched the Nebraska Wildfire Recovery Fund: https://www.nebcommfound.org/give/nebraska-wildfire-recovery-fund/

Lincoln Community Foundation has shared a list of funds offering critical support, ranging from emergency shelter and meals to rebuilding efforts and aid for affected agricultural producers: https://lcf.org/about/news/newsroom.html/article/2026/03/19/ways-to-help-nebraska-wildfires-relief

Nearly 18 months after Hurricane Helene, the path to recovery continues in western North Carolina.

The North Carolina Community Foundation is demonstrating the power of long-term commitment, recently awarding $9 million to over 100 organizations. These funds are providing vital support for rental assistance, home repairs, and food security for those still rebuilding their lives.

With $33 million raised through their Disaster Relief Fund to date, this is a powerful example of how community foundations mobilize to support neighbors long after the cameras leave.

Read more about their ongoing impact: https://www.commfoundations.com/blog/2026/3/16/duep4t3klua6sd8xeek9drd95jx8a1

Hunger is rising across the United States

Community foundations are stepping up to respond.

Great reporting from Martha Ramirez at Inside Philanthropy highlighting how local funders are addressing growing food insecurity and supporting the organizations closest to the communities they serve.

The story features the work of several community foundations that are part of the of Community Foundation Awareness Initiative including:

Fairfield County's Community Foundation
The Boston Foundation
Community Foundation of Howard County

Each is taking a different approach, but the throughline is clear, place-based philanthropy matters. Community foundations have the relationships, local insight and convening power to move quickly and support nonprofits.

Read the full story here:

How Community Foundations Are Addressing Rising Hunger in the U.S. Three community foundations share what they’re doing to alleviate hunger and offer lessons on what other funders can do.