As Minnesotans brace for a surge in spring flooding, the state's philanthropic community is paving the way for rapid donor response to community needs.
Minnesota's largest online giving site, GiveMN, is building a "one-stop shop" where donations can be made to key players involved in disaster relief. It's expected to go online within the week.
"We wanted to be proactive and get this online now, rather than bugging these [flood relief] organizations in the middle of their work," said Dana Nelson, executive director of GiveMN. "This should be available well before the floods sweep the state."
Those floods could create some serious damage. The Minnesota River and the Red River of the North, which forms the state line between North Dakota and northwest Minnesota, are among the rivers in the nation considered at highest risk for spring floods.
"Some disasters you can't prepare for, but with floods, everyone knows they're coming," said Nelson.
Nelson said she started by contacting United Way and American Red Cross groups across the state, as well as community foundations.
"We wanted to know, 'Who in your area is involved in immediate flood response?"' she said. "'How can we support your work?"'
Donating online will be a good deal for both donors and nonprofits, she said. Thanks to GiveMN funders, 100 percent of the donations will be given to the flood relief groups. Funders will pick up the 2.9 percent processing fee that typically accompanies the transactions.
