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As we step into 2024, the call for humanitarian assistance echoes louder than ever. The profound impact of global events has put into sharp focus the importance of launching an employee relief fund for your organization.
Relief funds serve as a beacon of hope in times of distress. They offer needed financial assistance during unforeseen disasters and personal hardships, from hurricanes and regional conflicts to serious illnesses and the loss of loved ones. In this article, we’ll take a look back at the events of 2023 and explain why they are so important when planning ahead for 2024.
Our 2023 Impact
2023 was an impactful year for Emergency Assistance Foundation (EAF). Our team worked tirelessly to help over 25,000 individuals and families worldwide, providing more than $30 million in financial assistance, powered by $40 million in donations. This is a testament to our Fund Partners' commitment to helping their own, the dedication of our team, and the generosity of our donors.
These funds helped people recover from various disaster events throughout the year, with the top five in dollar amount awarded being:
- The Ukraine Conflict
- The Israel/Palestine Conflict
- The Turkey/Syria Earthquake
- Typhoon Mawar
- Maui Wildfires
In addition to specific disasters, we also took a look at the event categories to understand the types of hardships that impacted people the most. In 2023, the top five event categories were:
- Serious Illness/Injury
- Impacts Primary Residence
- Natural Disaster
- Loss
- Non-Routine Medical Expense
You can see that increasing natural disasters and conflicts continue to greatly impact the lives of people around the world, leading to medical emergencies, loss, and other hardships at home. These adversities often affect nearly every aspect of a person’s life, and with no financial assistance, they can be catastrophic and difficult to overcome.
Natural disasters continued to play a major role in 2023, as there were 28 separate billion-dollar weather and climate disasters in the United States alone, the highest ever recorded. This makes the year the worst on record, as the disasters cost at least $92.9 billion combined and resulted in 492 deaths. Globally, there were around 240 climate-related disasters that claimed over 12,000 lives.
Additionally, the ongoing crises such as the Ukraine Conflict and the Israel/Palestine Conflict continue to affect millions of people and remind us that the work is far from over. In fact, these events underline the growing necessity for emergency relief funds.
Looking back at the last year helps us to understand the dangers we face and the importance of being able to provide assistance. Preparing ahead of time is crucial to being able to respond quickly. Now that we’ve examined 2023, let’s look at what 2024 has in store.
The Imperative of Launching a Relief Fund in 2024
As we navigate through 2024, the necessity for relief funds has become more pronounced amidst escalating global challenges. The UN's somber economic forecast for the year — compounded by conflicts and climate disasters — underscores an urgent need for humanitarian aid.
In the face of these adversities, an employee relief fund becomes a beacon of hope and resilience. The first month of 2024 has already seen its share of calamities, with severe winter weather hammering many areas of the United States. These storms have brought snow, ice, sleet, and freezing temperatures reaching as low as -40°F, and resulted in at least 55 deaths nationwide.
Additionally, conflicts still rage in Ukraine and Palestine/Israel, marking another challenging year for the humanitarian world, with a likely surge in displacement and loss.
The projection for the year includes a heightened risk of extreme weather events, with scientists warning of the possibility of the most severe El Niño effect in decades. This anticipated climatic phenomenon could mean that the worst is yet to come, with potential severe weather — like heat waves — poised to break further records.
Simultaneously, the world continues to grapple with the economic repercussions of past crises. From the lingering impacts of the pandemic to the acute economic pressures faced by communities worldwide, the ripple effects are felt across every sector.
As we face the uncertainties of 2024, the formation of new relief funds stands not just as a charitable gesture, but as an essential pillar of global stability and human kindness. These funds are instrumental in providing critical support to those affected by the dual crises of natural and man-made disasters. Establishing a relief fund is a step toward fortifying the sense of community within organizations and across societies, fostering resilience in the face of unprecedented challenges.
How Establishing a Relief Fund With EAF in 2024 Can Help Your Organization Support Employees in Need
If you’re interested in making sure your team members are taken care of, but are worried about figuring out how to launch a relief fund, we’re here to help!
In the aftermath of disaster or hardship, your organization needs to be able to help impacted team members rebuild and recover from the potentially devastating impact. A relief fund can boost morale and enable your employees to donate and contribute directly to the support of fellow team members. Establishing a relief fund can alleviate the stress that disasters and hardship put on those within your organization and allow them to stay focused on recovering from the event.
If your organization is interested in launching a relief fund, consider establishing a fund with Emergency Assistance Foundation today. EAF administers all relief fund activities – including accepting donations, objectively reviewing grant applications, and awarding and distributing grants – while also maintaining legal and regulatory compliance.
By establishing a fund with us today, your organization can assist members of your team affected by natural disasters and other hardships. Relief fund grants can help impacted individuals pull through difficult times and start on the path toward recovery. If you’d like to learn more about how your organization can help your team during crises, you can review additional information about how a fund works or contact us today. We look forward to helping you make a difference for those who need it most!
