In the wake of the 2023 floods and Cyclone Gabrielle, the resounding message from philanthropic leaders was to shift towards funding frontline organisations that have the ability to assess and address the post-disaster needs of their communities. This approach is gaining momentum not only in Aotearoa but globally. A 2022 report by the Council on Foundations underscores a continuous redirection of US philanthropy from large, outside organisations to locally based entities.

“One of the things that came through really, really strongly in the philanthropic response to the Cyclone more than ever before is that you fund grassroots, local organizations that can mobilize their own communities”. – Alice Montague, Clare Foundation

Across family philanthropy, corporate foundations, and community trusts, institutional donors, the indispensable role of grassroots organisations in delivering immediate relief to affected people was recognised . For instance, in the face of widespread communication failures in affected regions, local organisations demonstrated their unique ability to assess and communicate disaster impacts within their communities and to outside entities. They also mobilised community resources and addressed response and recovery gaps that were left by government entities and non-local entities that were slower to respond.

“The local Council had too much red tape. Whereas our smaller community groups can just get things done. We don’t need to answer to anybody, and we still have our checklist to make sure our actions are feasible and safe”. – Lily Sio, twosevenfive

For community-based organisations, localising disaster philanthropy is a matter of equity, empowerment, and trust. By channelling resources to local organisations, the development and implementation of community-specific solutions can occur, placing decision-making power in the hands of those with intimate knowledge of community challenges. This approach aims to reverse the traditional power imbalance, and creates more of a dynamic of those with the resources being accountable to the community rather than perpetuating a top-down philanthropic model. For Māori, it represents an affirmation of self-determination.

“What would it look like if funders had to apply for funding from communities? How would we behave? Funders are quite powerful; they can use that power to the detriment of the community. We are trying to flip the power and give power back to the community.” – Cyril Howard, Tindall Foundation

In cases where funders lack a direct footprint in communities, solutions have emerged. Collaborating with local trusts, intermediaries, or partnering with fellow local funders who have deeper insights and relationships with communities has proven effective. One funder shared that localising disaster philanthropy demands a willingness to relinquish control. It urges funders to design grant making strategies that align with the needs, priorities, and aspirations of the communities they aim to serve. It's a call to action to let communities lead and direct their destinies, fostering a more equitable, resilient, and empowered future.