As storms of unusual size and intensity ravage Florida, North Carolina, Tennessee and the surrounding areas, we at Give Lively believe it is important to highlight some of the organizations using our fundraising platform to support their disaster relief efforts. 

The nonprofits

‍

Aerial Recovery

This international disaster response nonprofit’s mission is to save lives, eliminate confusion, maximize support and accelerate recovery in disaster zones. Aerial Recovery deploys the most qualified, trained and elite military veterans as “Humanitarian Operators” to man-made and natural disasters worldwide. Previously, Aerial Recovery has responded to the Maui Fires in 2023, Pakistan Floods in 2022, Haitian Earthquakes in 2021 and others. Aerial Recovery Operators work by, with and through the local population to train and enable them to continue the mission once Aerial Recovery has been redeployed.

Aerial Recovery began responding to Hurricane Helene in Florida and then quickly repositioned to Western North Carolina and are currently on the ground across multiple cities that were hit by the hurricane. The team will be conducting helicopter rescues, reconnaissance, welfare checks, aid distribution and debris clearance for families and neighborhoods experiencing damage from the storms. 

Support Aerial Recovery’s efforts

• 2024 Hurricane Helene Disaster Response
• 2024 Hurricane Milton Disaster Response

‍

Boys & Girls Clubs 

The mission of Boys & Girls Clubs is to provide high-quality out-of-school Club experiences proven to ensure young people are on track to graduate from high school with a plan, demonstrate good character and citizenship, and live a healthy lifestyle.

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast and Boys and Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay are raising funds to directly support those within the Boys & Girls Clubs community across the Suncoast and Tampa Bay area who have been hardest hit by Hurricane Milton. Donations will provide “Grab & Go Meals” for kids, childcare through Hurricane Camps, and clothes, shoes and toys to those who have lost everything.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Augusta is also fundraising for those affected in the Augusta, Georgia, area. 

Support Boys & Girls Clubs’ efforts

• Hurricane Relief - Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast
• Hurricane Relief - Boys and Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay
• Hurricane Relief - Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Augusta

‍

Craft Emergency Relief Fund

For 40 years, the Craft Emergency Relief Fund (CERF+) has provided emergency relief for craft artists. Building educational resources to empower craft artists to prepare for, navigate and thrive in the wake of emergencies and disasters, CERF+ remains a dedicated partner and advocate for craft artists and the craft community.

Support CERF+’s efforts

This Peer-to-Peer Fundraising page, created by Peter Scherr, is dedicated to fundraising for Hurricane Helene victims. 

‍

Florida Library Association

The Florida Library Association (FLA) is a statewide organization that promotes excellence in Florida libraries by advocating strongly for libraries and providing high-quality professional and leadership development for a diverse community of library staff, volunteers and supporters.

FLA has developed an FLA Hurricane Fund to help Florida libraries and library employees recover from damage due to the hurricane. Hurricane relief funds will be distributed to recipients based on approval of an application for funds.

Support Florida Library Association’s efforts

2024 FLA's Hurricane Relief Fund for Florida Libraries

Footprint Project

As a nonprofit disaster service organization, Footprint Project deploys sustainable response technologies – including solar, water and shelter – to community resilience centers after climate disasters in the US. For example, since 2018, Footprint Project has mobilized solar generators to 25+ disaster response and recovery missions.

In response to Hurricane Helene, Footprint Project was activated to support response and recovery partners in Florida, North Carolina and Georgia with cleaner energy infrastructure.

Ahead of the storm’s impact, the team deployed portable power units to community sites anticipating power outages to ensure the power needed to run their response efforts. Post-landfall, Footprint Project staff deployed to Florida and North Carolina to conduct site assessments, bringing along a suite of portable power and sustainable infrastructure equipment to support immediate needs and long-term recovery sites.

Support Footprint Project’s efforts

Sustainable Energy Response for Hurricane Helene

‍

Habitat for Humanity of Tennessee

Habitat for Humanity of Tennessee is a statewide coalition of 37 independent Habitat affiliates, each serving their local communities. Habitat Tennessee coordinates advocacy efforts, offers training and technical assistance, and provides disaster recovery support. Additionally, it serves as a central hub for distributing statewide resources, ensuring its affiliates have the tools and guidance they need to effectively serve families and transform communities.

In addition to its local efforts, Habitat for Humanity Tennessee is collaborating with Habitat for Humanity International and other states to share resources and provide mutual support. Habitat is not a first responder. First responders are focused on immediate needs – locating survivors, ensuring safety and providing temporary shelter, food and water. Once these urgent needs are met, Habitat for Humanity Tennessee can begin planning for long-term recovery. 

Support Habitat Tennessee’s efforts

Hurricane Helene - Tennessee Flood Relief
‍Donors can also text “HABITATTNRELIEF” to 44321 to give via Text-to-Donate.

‍

Sheep Dog Impact Assistance

This organization exists to engage, assist and empower the men and women serving in the nation's military, law enforcement, fire and rescue, and emergency medical services – a community of people called "Sheep Dogs." Sheep Dog Impact Assistance does this through deploying people on disaster response missions, sponsoring men and women injured in the line of duty on life-changing outdoor adventures and assisting “sheep dog” families in financial need through holiday outreach programs.

Sheep Dog Impact Assistance is deploying a disaster response team to the Florida area to assist with damage following the hurricanes.

Support Sheep Dog Impact Assistance’s efforts

• Hurricane Helene Disaster Response Mission September/October 2024
• Hurricane Milton Disaster Response Mission October 2024

‍

Toe River Arts

For 48 years, Toe River Arts has worked to improve the quality of life in the Toe River Valley of North Carolina by connecting artists, the arts and communities. Toe River Arts offers studio tours, art galleries, workshops, educational opportunities, community events and grant opportunities for artists in Western North Carolina.

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, Toe River Arts is fundraising to help the local creative community rebuild. Their Campaign Page is building a disaster recovery fund for Mitchell and Yancey County artists.

Support Toe River Arts’ efforts

Toe River Arts Disaster Recovery Fund for Mitchell and Yancey Artists

‍

ToolBank USA

ToolBank USA is a national nonprofit organization charged with the replication and advancement of ToolBanks across the country. ToolBank Disaster Services deploys staff and various-size trailers with tools to equip community-based organizations and their volunteers at no cost. 

When a natural disaster strikes in the United States, people mobilize to support those in need, sometimes traveling hundreds of miles to lend a hand. The profound need within an affected community is often answered by the goodwill of Americans wanting to do good work. ToolBank Disaster Services offers a critical resource to bridge the gap between the cresting waves of disaster and relief.

Support ToolBank Disaster Services’ efforts

ToolBank Disaster Services Response to Hurricane Helene & Hurricane Milton