Where Most Needed

Voluntourists Are Considered Gawkers after Tahoe Fires

Every disaster site has to contend with the effects of convergence of people, of communications, and of material on an infrastructure that is already damaged by the disaster.   

Kentucky Forces Charity Founders to Fulfill Tsunami Pledge

With One Heart, Inc. founders Kelly Knight and Shelia Bayes agree to personally pay some overhead expenses after the organization claimed that 100% of contributions would directly benefit children. 

Salvation Army Embraces Centralized, Corporate Marketing

The largest charity in the US (in terms of private suport) ventures outside its comfort zone in the new century's fundraising environment. 

Congress Approves Red Cross Reforms

In the bill and the findings included with it, Congress rejects popular notions: charity as an independent Third Sector and the value of self-appointed watchdogs. 

Faith-based Group Falters with Katrina Aid

Another group falls far short of its initial projections about the number of people provided with assistance, but few are paying attention. 

From Taxes to Disasters and Blood

IRS Commissioner Mark Everson to assume the position of American Red Cross chief. 

Virginia Tech Foundation Moves Quickly to Establish Memorial Fund

As the media stories generated a flood of inquiries about donations, the Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund was already taking on-line donations in response to the shootings at the Blacksburg campus. 

NAACP Sings the Bloated Board Blues

As with the Red Cross, an unwieldy board structure chews up and spits out executive directors.  It will take an act of Congress to fix the Red Cross board, but there's no rescue in sight for the NAACP.

Habitat Failing Humanity

Volunteer rebuilding efforts in the Gulf Coast are falling short.  The Habitat for Humanity volunteer-and-sweat-equity model is proving ill-suited to the massive rebuilding efforts needed. 

Mardi Gras Tribes Miss the Party

Like New Orleans itself, different Mardi Gras organizations are recovering at very different rates.