Under certain circumstances, small oceanic disturbances can develop into catastrophic hurricanes. And, while certain aspects can be anticipated, like the storm’s general path, the extent of the destruction isn’t as predictable. For example, most hurricane-related deaths are caused by sudden storm surges and flooding. Moreover, hurricanes cause billions of dollars worth of damage each year, which is especially devastating for already vulnerable communities in hurricane-prone areas. Fortunately, organizations are helping communities to prepare and recover from hurricanes. So we had to ask: What are the best charities that provide hurricane relief?

The best charities that provide hurricane relief are Global Empowerment Mission and the Center for Disaster Philanthropy. Charities like Americares and Direct Relief provide targeted medical aid in the wake of disasters such as hurricanes.

Whether you want to support displaced families as they find safe places to stay, ensure hospitals in vulnerable communities are well-stocked, or help vulnerable communities better protect themselves against hurricanes, there is a charity for you. Keep reading to learn more about what the best charities that provide hurricane relief are all about, how they work, and what your best way would be to contribute.

Here’s What All the Best Charities That Provide Hurricane Relief Have in Common

The charities on this list were chosen based on their mission, impact, transparency ratings, and achievements.

They operate internationally to provide relief following disasters like hurricanes.

Many of these charities provide direct aid to survivors of disasters by offering life-saving supplies, while others enable the delivery of those supplies as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Some focus on hurricane preparedness by educating community leaders and strategically prepositioning supplies, while others focus on rebuilding communities in the aftermath of the storm.

Yet, they all share the same goal of providing hurricane relief.

These Are the 9 Best Charities That Provide Hurricane Relief in 2024

Below are our favorite charities that provide hurricane relief (you can click on their link to directly jump to their section in this article):

Best Charities That Provide Hurricane Relief

Global Empowerment Mission

Center for Disaster Philanthropy

Americares

Direct Relief

Operation USA

Airlink

Convoy of Hope

American Red Cross

World Vision

(At the end of this article we’ll also share our six-step approach on how you can select the best charity to support.)

Global Empowerment Mission: Delivering Aid Quickly and Efficiently 

Global Empowerment Mission was founded in 2011 by Michael Capponi to provide aid to Haiti following the devastating 2010 earthquake. Today, the charity remains dedicated to solving humanitarian crises in the aftermath of disaster.

Global Empowerment Mission holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator as well as a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. 

“Solving humanitarian challenges in the midst of disaster.”

Global Empowerment Mission

Global Empowerment Mission provides relief following disasters, including hurricanes, by providing emergency aid as quickly and efficiently as possible. Through their global network of branches established in key geographical locations, they preposition life-saving supplies to be easily shipped and distributed, usually within 24 hours. For example, when Hurricane Otis struck Mexico in 2023, Global Empowerment Mission’s Latin American Branch was the only foundation with the ability to provide aid to families in the most rural communities of Acapulco. Furthermore, they help communities return to normal through their rebuilding efforts, including repairing homes and hospitals, rebuilding schools, and restoring and improving infrastructure.

Since their establishment, Global Empowerment Mission has distributed almost $390 million in aid and supplies through 335 mission trips across 57 countries around the world. For example, their response to Hurricane Ian in 2022 included distributing over $6.6 million in aid and supplies to more than 77,000 people in Florida. As another example, they helped the Bahamas recover following Hurricane Dorian in 2019 by rebuilding 106 homes and 3 schools, as well as establishing a Plastic Buy Back Program to clear debris from the surrounding ocean.

You can donate to Global Empowerment Mission via their website, or donate supplies. You can also support the charity by volunteering.

Center For Disaster Philanthropy: Maximizing the Impact of Every Dollar

The Center for Disaster Philanthropy was established in 2010 by several funders to streamline and maximize disaster-related contributions. Today, they are the only full-time resource dedicated to helping donors make more intentional disaster-related giving decisions in response to disasters, including hurricanes.

The Center for Disaster Philanthropy holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator as well as a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. 

“Supporting equitable disaster recovery worldwide.”

Center for Disaster Philanthropy

The Center for Disaster Philanthropy provides hurricane relief by offering expert resources, strategic grantmaking, and consultations. For instance, their educational resources include the Disaster Philanthropy Playbook, a compilation of philanthropic strategies, practices, case studies, and tools designed to aid communities in preparing for and recovering equitably from disasters such as hurricanes. Furthermore, their consulting services provide corporate and foundation clients with the expertise necessary to effectively prepare for and respond to disasters.

Since their founding, the Center for Disaster Philanthropy has remained dedicated to helping communities prepare for and recover from disasters, including hurricanes. For example, in 2022 alone, they awarded $28.2 million across 117 grants, including 11 grants valued at $2.5 million from the CDP Atlantic Hurricane Season Recovery Fund. In the same year, they served over 40 organizations through their consulting services and hosted 15 webinars on topics like climate refugees and FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency).

You can donate to the Center for Disaster Philanthropy through their website, or donate directly to their CDP Atlantic Hurricane Season Recovery Fund. You can also support the organization by attending an event or subscribing to their newsletter.

Americares: Health-Focused Hurricane Relief

Americares was founded in 1979 by Robert McCauley after he mortgaged his own home to rescue Vietnamese orphans four years prior. Today, they are one of the world’s leading non-profit providers of medicine and medical supplies to areas in need, including those affected by hurricanes.

Americares holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator as well as a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. 

“Health is on the way.”

Americares

Americares provides health-focused relief and development to people affected by poverty or disasters, including hurricanes. In addition to providing emergency medical supplies and critical care immediately following a hurricane, they work to ensure ongoing access to health care by establishing health programs and services in affected areas. For example, following Hurricane Maria in 2017, they helped a devastated Dominica restore their health system by strengthening the medical supply chain and distribution system, and rebuilding 8 local health centers to international standards. Furthermore, they prioritize care that is often overlooked in times of crisis, including mental health, mother and child health, and chronic disease management.

Since their founding, Americares has provided over $22 billion in health-related aid across 164 countries. For example, since Hurricane Maria struck Puerto Rico in 2017, they have distributed over $50 million in medicines, supplies, technical assistance and grants, and also trained nearly 38,000 health workers to better identify and respond to mental health issues.

You can donate to Americares via their website. You can also support the charity by volunteering or donating products.

Direct Relief: Medical Relief in Times of Crisis

Direct Relief was founded in 1948 by William Zimdin in the aftermath of World War II to send relief aid to vulnerable communities. Today, they provide targeted medical aid following major emergencies, including hurricanes.

Charity Navigator gives Direct Relief a 4-star rating. GuideStar gives the charity a Platinum Seal of Transparency. 

“Healthy People. Better World.”

Direct Relief

Direct Relief provides hurricane relief by ensuring that communities are as prepared as they can be before a storm hits. Before hurricanes strike, they anticipate the needs of vulnerable communities by pre-positioning hurricane prep packs and modules in secure locations, like medications and medical supplies at hospitals. Post-storm, the organization coordinates with existing partners to assess the devastation and coordinate relief efforts. For example, they award cash grants to organizations working in the hardest-hit areas to support healthcare networks. They also maintain a warehouse of donated life-saving supplies, so relief packages can be rapidly assembled and airlifted to health partners in affected areas.

Since their founding, Direct Relief has remained committed to supporting vulnerable communities in times of crisis, including hurricanes. For example, their Hurricane Preparedness Program has grown to become the largest in the US, with 50 partners throughout the South and Eastern Seaboard. They also provide international aid to hurricane-prone areas around the world. For example, as part of their response to Hurricane Matthew in 2016, the organization airlifted 82 tons of medical aid valued at almost $40 million to Haiti to help treat cholera and support the country’s healthcare system.

You can donate to Direct Relief via their website. You can also support the charity by volunteering or participating in a Direct Relief Gaming fundraiser.

Operation USA: Enabling Short and Long-Term Recovery

Operation USA was founded in 1979 by Richard Walden and Llewellyn Werner to provide relief to Vietnamese and Cambodian refugees following the Vietnam War. Today, they help children, families, and communities recover and thrive after disaster.

Operation USA holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. 

“Give and it gets there.”

Operation USA

Operation USA provides relief following disasters, including hurricanes, through programs that support both long-term and short-term recovery. In the days immediately following a hurricane, they provide material aid including medical supplies, food, and hygiene items, and partner with local organizations to enhance distribution. Then, in the weeks and months following the storm, they work within the community to assess ongoing needs and support long-term recovery projects, like those focused on food security, education, and strengthening healthcare systems. 

Since their founding, Operation USA has delivered more than $450 million in aid to over 101 countries to help with short and long-term recovery following disasters, including hurricanes. For example, in the days immediately following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, they sent 13 truck shipments containing over $8 million in material aid to impacted Gulf states. Then, in the weeks following, they made cash grants to fund community-based clinics and mental health programs. And, they continue to support after-school programs in impacted areas, like the Awesome Girls program in New Orleans.

You can donate to Operation USA through their website. You can also support the organization by donating products or following their social media.

Airlink: Aviation for Disaster Relief

Airlink was founded in 2009 by the International Society for Transport Aircraft Trading Foundation to provide logistical solutions for organizations delivering aid to communities in need. Today, they work with humanitarian organizations and aviation partners to provide critical aid following disasters and crises.

Airlink holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator as well as a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. 

“Disaster Response. Step One. Get There.”

Airlink

Airlink provides relief following sudden-onset disasters, like hurricanes, by helping reputable non-governmental organizations deliver life-saving aid quickly and cost-effectively. They accomplish this by connecting their network of aviation and logistics partners, including industry-leaders like Emirates and British Airways, with their network of NGOs, such as Americares and Anera, to respond to crises. For example, in response to Hurricane Matthew in 2016, they partnered with AmeriJet and Studio Unite to deliver seeds to farmers in Haiti to support a sustainable food supply. Moreover, Airlink works to build collective response capacity by providing resources and events, such as Logistics Preparedness Workshops.

Since their inception, Airlink has air-lifted almost 13,000 responders and over 16.5 million lbs of humanitarian aid supplies, directly impacting nearly 60 million people and saving NGOs almost $33 million. For example, in 2022 alone, the organization helped over 12.3 million people, delivering over 3.1 million lbs of cargo across 38 disaster responses, including Hurricanes Fiona, Ian, Nicole, and Ida.

You can donate to Airlink via their website. You can also support the organization by volunteering or donating your frequent flier miles.

Convoy of Hope: Hope for Those in Despair

Convoy of Hope was founded in 1994 by Hal Donaldson after a childhood tragedy showed him that the power of kindness can create hope from despair. Today, the organization spreads hope and happiness to struggling communities around the world.

Convoy of Hope holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator as well as a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. 

“Changing lives through kindness.”

Convoy of Hope

Convoy of Hope’s Disaster Relief Program provides hurricane relief through their 4-prong approach; preparedness, monitoring, response, and recovery. For example, they provide continuous preparedness and resilience training to their staff and volunteers, ensuring they have the skills necessary to respond to disasters like hurricanes. Furthermore, the organization monitors weather patterns and global crises to better anticipate the impact of disasters and develop response plans. And, once the immediate threat has passed, the organization helps communities recover and rebuild by distributing life-sustaining supplies like food and water as well as leading cleanup efforts, and facilitating income generation projects.

Since their founding, Convoy of Hope has responded to more than 625 disasters around the world, including hurricanes, restoring hope for millions of people. In 2022 alone, they responded to 36 disasters in the US and 39 international disasters, serving over 4.5 million people. For example, in October 2022, they responded to Hurricane Julia by providing over 1 million meals to more than 33,000 people across Nicaragua and Guatemala.

You can donate to Convoy of Hope via their website, or donate directly to their Disaster Relief fund. You can also support the charity by volunteering or attending an event.

American Red Cross: Turning Compassion into Action

The American Red Cross was founded in 1881 by Clara Barton, inspired by the Red Cross Movement in Europe which provided neutral aid to those injured in combat. Today, the organization continues to deliver help and hope across the globe, including to hurricane victims.

The American Red Cross holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator as well as a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. 

“Sleeves up, arms open, all in.”

American Red Cross

The American Red Cross provides hurricane relief by meeting the disaster-caused needs of individuals, families, and communities. For example, they help communities prepare for natural disasters by ensuring their warehouse remains well-stocked with life-saving supplies for immediate distribution. They also establish safe shelters for public safety and operate those shelters until families can return home. And, they help communities plan for long-term recovery by assisting with storm cleanups and working directly with families to assess their ongoing needs. Furthermore, they provide their hallmark service: medical aid to anyone in need following a hurricane.

Since their founding, the American Red Cross has helped millions of people rebuild their lives following disasters, including victims of hurricanes. For example, nearly a week before Hurricane Ian made landfall in Florida in 2022, they mobilized more than 100 trucks loaded with relief supplies, as well as a fleet of emergency response vehicles and volunteers to support evacuation efforts. In the weeks following, they reached over 195,000 people with relief and recovery services.

You can donate to the American Red Cross via their website. You can also support the organization by volunteering or donating blood.

World Vision: First In, Last Out

World Vision was founded in 1950 by Robert Pierceto to support Christian mission services for families impacted by crises in East Asia. Today, the charity is the largest international non-governmental organization committed to responding to the needs of communities impacted by disasters and humanitarian crises, including those ravaged by hurricanes.

World Vision holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator as well as a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. 

“Pulling up the roots of poverty and planting the seeds of change.”

World Vision

World Vision provides hurricane relief by implementing a “first-in, last-out” approach, providing both immediate, life-saving aid and long-term recovery support. For example, in the hours immediately after a storm has cleared, staff members in closest proximity to the impacted area provide aid and report the level of need to the organization. In the days following, their rapid response team provides emergency relief and distributes supplies as needed. And, in the following months, they help communities restabilize by providing shelter, water, sanitation as well as child protection activities, healthcare, and economic opportunities.

Since their founding, World Vision has provided relief following some of the most dangerous and deadly hurricanes on record. For example, they provided $15.6 million worth of relief in response to Hurricane Katrina in 2005, impacting over 318,000 people. Moreover, in 2022 alone, they responded to 58 disasters, including hurricanes, helping over 31 million people access life-saving aid and ongoing support.

You can donate to World Vision via their website, or donate directly to their Disaster Relief Fund. You can also support the charity by sponsoring a child.

How Can You Select the Best Charities to Support?

The charities on the list are, we deem, the best charities that provide hurricane relief. However, you may have a particular charity you want to support. Let’s look at what you can do to ensure your contribution has the most significant impact.

• Check out the charity website. Charities that are worthy of your donations are transparent in their mission and their figures. Familiarise yourself with their history, mission, and values. Their website usually is the best place to start.
• Identify the charity’s mission. Without a goal, the charity is likely to fail. If the charity’s mission isn’t clear, it’s probably worth looking for a charity that does have a clear mission. 
• Check if the charity has measurable goals. An effective charity has clear goals. You want to know your donation will help the charity reach its goals. But if it doesn’t have targets, it’s likely to fail or squander your gift. The charity should be able to account for its spending and supply evidence of the work they do.
• Assess the successes or goals the charity has achieved. You wouldn’t invest in a business if it kept missing its targets. In the same way, charities are like this too. If no one is assessing a charity’s progress in reaching its targets, the chances are they’re not making a substantial positive change.
• Check the charity’s financials and stats. Trustworthy organizations will publish financial statements and reports each year. Some might be exempt from having to do so, but they should be able to provide them to public members who are interested in donating.
• Locate sources who work with or benefit from the charity. Word of mouth and first-hand experience of a charity’s work lets you know the charity’s quality. If you’re able to do so, check out the charity for yourself or speak to someone familiar with it. This way, your donation will go to the right place. 

How Can You Best Support These Charities?

After you’ve made your decision, it’s time for you to decide on how you’d like to help the charities you’ve chosen. Check how you can help – each charity runs specific programs that have unique aims. Find out what the aim of such programs is and whether they are right for you. 

Here are a few ways you can help your chosen charity:

• Donate money. You can find donation pages on the website of most charities. Your donation can be a one-time payment, or you can set it to be deducted regularly at different intervals. You can mostly pay via credit card, but some charities also take PayPal or Bitcoin payments.
• Buy their official merchandise. Charities can also raise money by selling merchandise. So, you can support them by buying the mugs, shirts, caps, pens, pencils, and any other such items they may be selling. Ideally, you should buy as much as you can to share and spread the word about the charity’s activities.
• Engage in volunteer work. As you’ve seen from our descriptions above, some charities engage in a lot of local and grassroots programs. You can help by taking on and organizing the program in your local area.
• Help their fundraising efforts. You can spread the word about the charity in your workplace, school, church, etc., and hold creative fundraising drives on social media or offline within your small circles.
• Share their stories. Most charities have compelling stories that you can share with your audience to attract more people to the cause.

Final Thoughts

Now it is up to you to select the charity that resonates most with you. And whichever charity you end up choosing and contributing to, we are sure that they will immensely appreciate your support. Hopefully, the information within this article has made this selection process a bit easier for you to support charities dedicated to providing hurricane relief—based on the causes that matter most to you.

Stay impactful,

PS: Finally, I want to leave you with a thought-provoking TED talk from Dan Pallotta, a leading philanthropic activist and fundraiser, about what is wrong with the way we think about charities – and what we can do about it:

Sources

• Britannica: Life of a Cyclone
• Center for Science Education: Hurricane Damage
• Coastal NOAA: Hurricane Costs
• Global Empowerment Mission: Home
• Charity Navigator: Global Empowerment Mission
• GuideStar: Global Empowerment Mission
• Global Empowerment Mission: Operations
• Global Empowerment Mission: Hurricane Otis
• Global Empowerment Mission: Operations: Latin America
• Global Empowerment Mission: 2023 Video Annual Report
• Global Empowerment Mission: Hurricane Ian
• Global Empowerment Mission: Hurricane Dorian
• Global Empowerment Mission: Donate
• Global Empowerment Mission: Donate Supplies
• Global Empowerment Mission: Volunteer
• Center for Disaster Philanthropy: Home
• Charity Navigator: Center for Disaster Philanthropy
• GuideStar: Center for Disaster Philanthropy
• Center for Disaster Philanthropy: Educational Resources
• Center for Disaster Philanthropy: Disaster Philanthropy Playbook
• Center for Disaster Philanthropy: Funds
• Atlantic Hurricane Season Recovery Fund
• Center for Disaster Philanthropy: Disaster Recovery Fund
• Center for Disaster Philanthropy: Consulting Services
• Center for Disaster Philanthropy: 2022 Annual Report
• Center for Disaster Philanthropy: Donate
• Center for Disaster Philanthropy: Events
• Center for Disaster Philanthropy: Subscribe
• Americares: Home
• Americares: About Us.
• Charity Navigator: Americares
• GuideStar: Americares
• Americares: Respond
• Americares: Recover
• Americares: Mental Health
• Americares: Mother and Child Health
• Americares: Diabetes and Hypertension
• Americares: FAQ
• Americares: Puerto Rico
• Americares: Donate
• Americares: Volunteer
• Americares: Product Donations
• Direct Relief: Home
• Charity Navigator: Direct Relief
• GuideStar: Direct Relief
• Direct Relief: Hurricanes
• Direct Relief: Hurricane Matthew and Haiti
• Direct Relief: Donate
• Direct Relief: Volunteer
• Direct Relief: Gaming
• Operation USA: Home
• Charity Navigator: Operation USA
• GuideStar: Operation USA
• Operation USA: History
• Operation USA: Awesome Girls Program
• Operation USA: Donate
• Operation USA: Donate Products
• Operation USA: Join Our Community
• Airlink: Home
• ISTAT: Home
• Charity Navigator: Airlink
• GuideStar: Airlink
• Airlink: Partners
• Airlink: Hurricane Matthew
• Airlink: Capacity Building
• Airlink: All Responses
• Airlink: 2022 Annual Report
• Airlink: Donate
• Airlink: Volunteer
• Airlink: Donate Frequent Flyer Miles
• Convoy of Hope: Home
• Charity Navigator: Convoy of Hope
• GuideStar: Convoy of Hope
• Convoy of Hope: Disaster Services
• Convoy of Hope: Hurricane Julia Response
• Convoy of Hope: Donate
• Convoy of Hope: Donate: Disaster Services
• Convoy of Hope: Volunteer
• Convoy of Hope: Attend an Event
• American Red Cross: Home
• American Red Cross: Clara Barton
• Charity Navigator: American Red Cross
• GuideStar: American Red Cross
• American Red Cross: Hurricane Relief
• American Red Cross: Hurricane Ian
• American Red Cross: Donate
• American Red Cross: Volunteer
• American Red Cross: Give Blood
• World Vision: Home
• World Vision: Our History
• Charity Navigator: World Vision
• GuideStar: World Vision
• World Vision: Disaster Relief
• World Vision: Hurricane Katrina
• World Vision: Top Disasters of 2022
• World Vision: Donate
• World Vision: Donate: Hurricane Relief
• World Vision: Sponsor a Child