The Patterson Foundation Contributes $100,000 Toward Tornado Recovery

SARASOTA, Fla. (April 26, 2023) – The Patterson Foundation has given $100,000 to its longtime partner, the Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP), in support of the CDP Tornado Recovery Fund. The funding will be used to strengthen communities nationwide recovering from a series of severe tornadoes, which continue to threaten the lives and livelihoods of millions of Americans.

The 2023 tornado season is already one of the most active seasons ever recorded, with each month exceeding the average for tornado activity. More than 400 tornadoes have been confirmed since January, killing approximately 70 people and damaging thousands of homes across several states. Many of the communities hit by these tornadoes are smaller, rural towns with gaps in resources or infrastructure, creating additional challenges in their recovery. The CDP Tornado Recovery Fund will focus on medium- and long-term recovery needs such as rebuilding homes and livelihoods, mental health services, and other challenges identified in partnership with affected communities as recovery efforts progress.

“The scenes of devastation coming out of towns throughout the south and beyond are a sobering reminder of the constant threat disasters from natural hazards pose to all of us,” said Debra Jacobs, president and CEO of The Patterson Foundation. “The Patterson Foundations understands the long-term challenges caused by a sudden, violent storm. Working with trusted partners such as CDP gives The Patterson Foundation an opportunity to strengthen strategic, invested recovery efforts now and in the future, no matter where the next tornado or disaster strikes.”

CDP works to identify gaps in recovery funding to help direct financial and technical support where it is needed most. CDP is the only full-time national resource dedicated to helping donors maximize their impact by making more intentional giving decisions in response to domestic and international disasters. CDP’s expertise and tangible impact on communities worldwide have helped it evolve into a trusted resource for both major philanthropists and grassroots donors in over a decade of work. Additionally, CDP consults with foundations and corporations on disaster-related giving strategies that best align with their missions.

“The number, severity, and geographic spread of tornadoes this year are serious causes for concern,” said Patricia McIlreavy, president and CEO of CDP. “Entire communities are being destroyed, with limited options available to them for their recovery. On their behalf, I thank The Patterson Foundation for their generosity and for once again setting an example to other donors.”

Since 2013, The Patterson Foundation has given nearly $6.3 million to CDP for operations and recovery efforts in the aftermath of disasters around the world.

To donate or learn more about CDP, please visit disasterphilanthropy.org. Visit thepattersonfoundation.org to learn more about The Patterson Foundation.


About The Patterson Foundation
The Patterson Foundation strengthens the efforts of people, organizations, and communities. The Foundation focuses on issues that address common aspirations and foster wide participation, along with ways organizations learn and share as they evolve. For more information, please visit thepattersonfoundation.org and connect with @ThePattersonFdn on Twitter.

About the Center for Disaster Philanthropy
The Center for Disaster Philanthropy’s mission is to leverage the power of philanthropy to mobilize a full range of resources that strengthen the ability of communities to withstand disasters and recover equitably when they occur. CDP manages domestic and international disaster funds on behalf of corporations, foundations, and individuals through targeted, holistic, and localized grantmaking. For more information, visit disasterphilanthropy.org or @funds4disaster.


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