When large-scale disasters strike, the People First Fund activates to help disaster victims and connect caring donors by:
Providing Direct Cash Grants for Urgent Needs.
Grants cover self-identified essentials, from temporary shelter to food and clothing.We partner with local organizations to identify those affected, with a focus on high need populations.
Ensuring Donations Make the Greatest Impact.
Donations put money directly into the hands of the people and families impacted, filling a void in traditional disaster response. We do it faster than anyone else and with an industry-low 3% administrative cost.**
** EAF remains committed to minimizing fees so we can maximize the dollars sent to individuals in need, and on average, 97% of donations contribute to grant payments, while only 3% go solely to administrative costs.
NOW RESPONDING
Afghan Resettlement
NOW RESPONDING
Afghan Resettlement
We are currently working to provide essential financial aid to Afghan refugees who supported US efforts in Afghanistan and are now resettling in the United States.
If you would like to make a donation, or if you have been impacted and would like to apply for a grant, please use the links below.
*Report on the Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households in 2022 - May 2023, The Federal Reserve
The People First Fund is administered by financial first responder Emergency Assistance Foundation.
Emergency Assistance Foundation (EAF) ensures financial assistance reaches those impacted as quickly and efficiently as possible, no matter the obstacle.
- We have our pulse on every disaster occurring around the world in real time, and our multi-lingual team members, located across 10 different time zones, are always ready to provide compassionate support.
- EAF is trusted by 350+ companies, partnering in the ongoing administration of employee relief funds - each typically available only to team members at those organizations. With the People First Fund, EAF is expanding our reach and furthering our commitment to helping as many people in need as possible.
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Every 12 minutes, EAF helps a person or family in need.
Reane, Grant Recipient
in donations received.
in financial assistance awarded.
individuals and families assisted.
countries served.
Our previous disaster response efforts.
Our previous disaster response efforts.
We have our pulse on every disaster event occurring around the world in real time, and our global team mobilizes instantly to get essential financial assistance directly into the hands of those impacted -- no matter the location or obstacle. Below is a sampling of disaster events to which we have responded. Click to view the full impact report.
HURRICANES HELENE & MILTON
Hurricanes Helene and Milton have devastated the southeastern United States, causing widespread destruction and casualties from Florida to the Appalachians.
HURRICANE BERYL
The earliest-forming Category 5 Atlantic hurricane on record, Hurricane Beryl caused massive destruction throughout the Caribbean, Yucatán Peninsula, and the Gulf Coast of the United States in late June and early July 2024.
JASPER WILDFIRES
The 2024 Jasper wildfire raged through Jasper (in Alberta, Canada) from July to September, initially starting in the mountains before finally reaching the town. The fires cost $880 million in insurance claims, making it the ninth most expensive natural disaster for insurance companies in Canadian history.
BRAZIL FLOODS
From the end of April to mid-May 2024, the Rio Grande do Sul area received rainfall three times higher than the usual year-to-date average. As a result, deadly, historic floods devastated the area, affecting 2.4 million people and causing billions of dollars in damages.
ISRAEL-PALESTINE CONFLICT
As the devastating Israel-Palestine conflict continues, millions are facing a devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza and extending geographical locations with a dire need for relief. Together with our Fund Partners, we are working to ensure emergency financial assistance reaches those in need.
MAUI WILDFIRES
The wildfires in Maui, Hawaii quickly became the deadliest to impact the United States in over a century. A large percentage of structures were damaged or destroyed, and thousands of residents were left in need of shelter and other necessities.
TYPHOON MAWAR, GUAM
Typhoon Mawar struck Guam, leaving residents with damage, water supply issues and widespread power outages. With its hurricane-force winds and overwhelming rainfall, the storm was the strongest to impact Guam in decades.
UKRAINE CONFLICT
When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, it sparked a true humanitarian crisis in the country. From citizens navigating power outages and property damage from explosions, to refugees fleeing the country for safety, EAF and our Fund Partners were there to provide assistance.
TURKEY & SYRIA EARTHQUAKE
On February 6, 2023, a powerful earthquake devastated vast areas of southern Turkey and northwest Syria, killing more than 55 thousand and leaving millions of people in the region struggling to rebuild their lives.
HURRICANE IAN
Making landfall in September 2022, Hurricane Ian became the third-costliest weather disaster on record, and the deadliest hurricane to strike the state of Florida. Ian caused widespread damage across western Cuba, Florida, and the Carolinas.
WINTER STORM URI
In 2021, Winter Storm Uri devastated Texas with snow, sleet, freezing rain, and extreme cold temperatures. The storm contributed to over 200 deaths and financial losses estimated to be between $80 and $130 billion.
COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Relief fund activity was greatly impacted by COVID-19, with a scale and scope markedly greater than a typical disaster. EAF followed the COVID-19 pandemic as it spread - making our first grants for the event in Wuhan, China.