Disaster preparation, relief, and recovery

In August 2023, one of the deadliest U.S. wildfires in the last 100 years devastated Maui and the Big Island of Hawaii, destroying rich traditions, customs and close-knit communities in its path. To support long-term recovery efforts, Truist Foundation made a $100,000 contribution to the Center for Disaster Philanthropy’s (CDP) Hawaii Wildfires Recovery Fund. The foundation also previously donated $1 million to the American Red Cross’ Annual Disaster Giving Program, which uses year-round funding to quickly mobilize on-the-ground support for shelters and other immediate needs when unexpected disasters such as the Hawaii wildfiresstrike.

“The deadly wildfires that swept across Hawaii over the past week will change people’s lives for years to come,” said Lynette Bell, president of Truist Foundation. “Truist Foundation knows all families and communities don’t have equal access to resources to rebuild, so CDP’s Hawaii Wildfire Recovery Fund is the perfect partner to help demonstrate our care. These funds will help provide critical assistance for impacted families and communities who face unique challenges that can prolong recovery efforts.”

Source: Unsplash

Tropical Storm Hilary brought catastrophic rain, historic flooding and significant damage to several states across the Southwestern U.S. in August 2023. On Aug. 21, Truist Foundation announced a $50,000 donation to the Center for Disaster Philanthropy’s Tropical Storm Hilary Recovery Fund.

“When disasters strike, Truist Foundation is committed to delivering localized care for teammates, clients and communities in affected areas,” said Lynette Bell, president of Truist Foundation. “Truist Foundation’s ongoing partnerships with Center for Disaster Philanthropy and the American Red Cross’ Annual Disaster Giving Program help ensure those impacted by significant weather events like Tropical Storm Hilary are well supported – from proactive preparation to immediate relief to long-term recovery efforts.”

Source: pexels.com

A 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Turkey near Syria in February 2023, killing more than 35,000 people—the deadliest earthquake in over a decade. In response, Truist Foundation made a $100,000 contribution to the Center for Disaster Philanthropy’s Turkey and Syria Earthquake Recovery Fund to help provide shelter, protection, cash assistance and health care.

“Truist is committed to caring for communities when they are ravaged by natural disasters,” said Lynette Bell, president of Truist Foundation. “The humanitarian support provided through CDP will address critical needs as Turkey and surrounding countries continue search and rescue efforts and begin a long road to recovery.”

When tornadoes left hundreds of residents near Griffin, Georgia and Selma, Alabama without homes, Truist Foundation contributed $25,000 to the American National Red Cross fund for the North Georgia Tornadoes. The Red Cross used funds to mobilize in both states, working with local partners to provide safe shelter, emergency relief supplies and damage assessments for impacted families. The Foundation also made a $1 million gift to the American Red Cross Annual Disaster Giving Program, designed to deploy assistance quickly to communities impacted by significant events such as tornadoes. 

In early 2023, almost the entire state of California received 400-600% over its typical average rainfall, causing flooded roads and homes, forced evacuations and lack of power to millions. To provide aid, Truist Foundation made a $100,000 grant to the Center for Disaster Philanthropy for the California Flooding and Storms Recovery Fund. The funds will focus on medium- and long-term community recovery and address needs such as rebuilding homes and livelihoods, mental health services and planning for future disaster prevention.

Photo: The pier at Seacliff is broken after a bomb cyclone hit the Bay Area on Jan. 4, 2023. (Source: Santa Cruz County via Twitter)

Truist Foundation announced donations totaling $1.35 million to support relief and recovery efforts for communities impacted by hurricanes in Fall 2022, including $1 million in response to the historic devastation Hurricane Ian left behind in Florida. The Foundation also committed $250,000 for recovery efforts in South Carolina and $100,000 for recovery efforts in Puerto Rico, impacted by Hurricanes Ian and Fiona, respectively. "As hurricanes continue devastating communities across the Southeast, Truist Foundation is committed to putting our purpose into action," said Lynette Bell, president of Truist Foundation. Beyond community grants, Truist Foundation supported impacted teammates through incremental matching of One Team Fund donations—a resource available to assist Truist teammates who experience unexpected hardships like natural disasters.