Funding: Sustainable Sources and Increased Access

In all the case studies discussed, policymakers and community members have leveraged a variety of different funding resources to develop and implement disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. Included among these resources are funds from: the federal government, state government, nonprofits, private businesses, local governments, and more. It is important that all those involved in developing a community’s disaster resilience take advantage of all the funding opportunities that may be available to frontline communities. In addition, in order to facilitate increased access to resources that help communities recover, individual community members should be prepared to the extent possible, to access funds in the event of a disaster. Outside of the technical support needed to access available funds, having individual savings that are set aside specifically to respond to these types of events can better allow families to rebound and recover from disaster events even though this is not likely for frontline community members who do not have financial cushions or flexible budgets. Many of these case studies identify funds from a variety of different sources that can be leveraged by affected communities and individuals in order to make ends meet, so that equitable preparedness, response, and recovery goals are realized. 

Lessons Learned

• Disaster funds need to be flexible to fit the needs of various communities and circumstances and to address the specific needs of frontline communities.
• Public-private partnerships are an innovative source of funding and should be sought out when looking to finance disaster resilience. 
• Disaster planning often creates economic benefit for partners involved, which often incentivizes investments in these types of projects and can be used as a bartering tool.