Center for Disaster Philanthropy 261d ago

“Grassroots mutual aid trusts those most impacted by disasters to know what they need and provides the ability to self-advocate, rather than prescribing a one-size-fits-all solution.” ~Miriam Belblidia and Chenier Kliebert Mutual aid transforms how communities respond to disasters. Unlike traditional charity models, mutual aid promotes solidarity, co-governance and collective care. It is not simply the exchange of goods or services, but a practice rooted in self-organization, direct action and social transformation. It recognizes that everyone has needs and something to offer. Professor Dean Spade writes, “Mutual aid describes the work we do in social movements to directly support each other’s survival needs, based on a shared understanding that the crises we are facing are caused by the system that we’re living under.” His framing challenges funders to rethink their role, not as saviors or leaders, but as partners in community-led recovery. CDP's webinar explored how mutual aid operates in disaster contexts, what distinguishes it from charity, and how funders can support these models without co-opting or diluting the power of those closest to the need and solutions for equitable recovery. By the end of this webinar, donors were able to: - Understand the principles and practices of mutual aid in disaster contexts, including how it differs from charity. - Learn why supporting mutual aid is a high-impact approach to disaster giving. - Explore funding strategies that support community-led recovery and long-term resilience. CDP Director of Coalition Building Taylor Dudley moderated the discussion. Panelists: - Stacie Fugate, Executive Director, Appalachians for Appalachia - Chenier “Klie” Kliebert, Co-founder and Executive Director, Imagine Water Works - hajooj kuka, member of the Emergency Response Rooms in Sudan Promotional support for this webinar is provided by Giving Compass, PEAK Grantmaking, Philanthropy New York, The Funders Network, United Philanthropy Forum, Appalachia Funders Network and Alliance Magazine.