Where Most Needed

American Red Cross: The CEO Model Has Failed

New CEO Mark Everson has resigned after six months on the job for having relations with a chapter executive in Mississippi (giving new meaning to Katrina relief).  But the Red Cross has made its greatest strides under interim leadership over the last decade, calling into question whether the organization really needs a high profile chief—and whether they can find one.

Habitat for Humanity in the U.S. Faces Mid Life Crisis

Restructuring after the dismissal of founder Millard Fuller has some affiliates longing for a more grassroots approach, but a glance at form 990s and trends in U.S. housing reveals more fundamental perils facing the organization's mission and methods in its home country. 

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.   

Corporate Voluntourism Swamps New Orleans Charities

As local convention business recovers, visitors in droves want well-organized volunteer opportunities from local charities, including tools, port-a-potties, and a free lunch. 

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. 

Universities Cleaned Up with Katrina Tax Break

Internal Treasury estimates attribute $11 billion in donations in 2005 to the one-time incentive, which was not limited to charities relating to Katrina.  University fundraisers were particularly aggressive in promoting the tax benefit. 

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.

Corporate Group Wants More Say in Disaster Response

A Business Roundtable Task Force has a plan to coordinate disaster distribution that has little to do with charities. 

United Way: Las Vegas Took the Biggest Hit from Katrina

And Atlanta (not Houston) was the biggest beneficiary outside Louisiana, in dollar and percentage terms.  Corporate decisions and special campaigns had a profound impact on local fundraising efforts in the wake of a catastrophe.