Crisis Response Fund

The Crisis Response Fund moves quickly in the aftermath of US–based crises to help communities historically denied power rebuild. By responding to emergencies that threaten the progress of Tides’ priority issue areas, we fuel short-term recovery and long-term resilience.  

Protect Vulnerable Communities When Crises Strike

Crises can exacerbate the inequities faced by communities of color and other marginalized groups, harming their ability to fully recover from life-changing — and often life-threatening — events. Launched in response to the deadly Maui wildfires in 2023, the Tides Foundation Crisis Response Fund rapidly shifts resources and power to proximate leaders, accelerating their efforts to serve people in crisis. 

Help Marginalized Communities in Crisis

Tides powers community-driven emergency support for marginalized people to help them rebuild faster and build resilience for the future.  

Our Impact

Here’s how we’ve helped marginalized communities recover from crises since the fund launched in August 2023.  

7 grantee organizations
$190K granted from the Crisis Response Fund
$800K in Tides Foundation grantmaking for Maui wildfire response
Read our Maui Impact Report

Funding Priorities

Tides defines a crisis as any event or series of events that causes human, physical, economic, social, cultural, or environmental damage to communities historically denied power and overwhelms their capacity to cope. The Crisis Response Fund is committed to resourcing communities in crisis as quickly and equitably as possible.  

  • Crises Impacting Tides’ Issue Areas

    We fund local organizations whose primary work of grassroots power-building, advocacy, policy change, strengthening community resilience, and organizing across sectors is impeded by a crisis falling within one of our issue areas — democracy, health equity, environmental justice, and women’s and immigrants’ rights.  

  • Vetted Grantees Involved in Active Response

    The Crisis Response Fund rapidly supports active crisis work by amplifying the expertise of trusted Tides grantee partners who already serve affected communities and/or are responding to an active crisis. Priority will be given to organizations led by members of the communities they serve.  

  • Rapid Response

    Every minute counts after a crisis occurs to prevent additional suffering and harm. Tides supports organizations that provide rapid disaster response to affected communities.  

  • Long-Term Resilience

    The Crisis Response Fund also resources organizations working to build long-term community resilience in the face of future crises, including proximate leaders driving systems change to proactively address and reduce the frequency of crises.  

Grantee Stories

Maui Medic Healers Hui mobilized in August 2023 in response to the Lahaina fire — and remains mobilized to this day. The organization offers diverse healthcare services in multiple community hubs on the west side of Maui, providing services for over 350 people every day. Though they rapidly responded to the fire, their volunteers continue to serve the Maui community amid a lingering health concern: persistent coughs that some survivors still experience. They are one of many organizations still fighting for Hawaii’s marginalized people against the threat of urgent climate disasters.  

Learn More About Maui Medic Healers Hui

Help Tides Advance Crisis Recovery & Resiliency

For Funders

Support the Tides Foundation’s work to mobilize resources for marginalized communities in crisis by donating directly or transferring a donation from your donor advised fund. Contact crisisresponse[at]tides[dot]org to learn more. 

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For Grant Seekers

The Crisis Response Fund doesn’t accept unsolicited proposals. Tides will activate the fund to support our network of partners in the event of a crisis impacting Tides’ priority areas. Sign up for news from Tides to hear about future grantmaking cycles and read the stories of fellow change leaders or check back here for updates.  

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