Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DRI Foundation?

The DRI Foundation:

• Provides funding to grassroots organizations to fund local initiatives that enhance disaster preparedness, risk reduction, and long-term recovery
• Provides scholarships to enter the profession of emergency response, crisis management, business continuity and disaster recovery
• Provides opportunities for volunteerism

Why did DRI International create the Foundation?

DRI International is a 501(c)6—a professional trade organization and cannot accept donations, necessary for funding charitable activities. The Foundation is a 501(c)3 and can accept donations and provide grants and aid to those in need.

Who can nominate an organization for a grant or other aid?

The DRI Foundation relies on the DRI’s global network of certified disaster management professionals to look for opportunities for the foundation to provide support or aid. Please contact us at giving@driif.org.

How does the Foundation select what organizations receive grants?

The Giving Committee of the DRI Foundation Board of Directors has procedures for determining equitable and balanced distribution of support or aid.

How can I contact the DRI Foundation with requests or ask questions?

Please send an email to getinvolved@driif.org.

How long has the Foundation been around?

DRI Foundation is a 501c(3) charitable organization launched in 2011.

What is the Foundation’s vision?

A world where every community is equipped to withstand and recover from disaster—empowered by local leadership, strengthened by inclusive opportunity, and supported by a global network of resilience professionals.  A world where lending a helping hand will change lives.

What is Disaster Risk Reduction?

• Term more commonly used in non-profit space, used in place of business continuity.
• Concept and practice of reducing disaster risks through systematic efforts to analyze and manage the causal factors of disasters, including through reduced exposure to hazards, lessened vulnerability of people and property, wise management of land and the environment and improved preparedness for adverse events.

What makes a community resilient?

Below are the six characteristics as identified by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC):

A safe and resilient community…

• …is knowledgeable and healthy. It has the ability to assess, manage, and monitor its risks. It can learn new skills and build on past experiences.
• …is organized. It has the capacity to identify problems, establish priorities and act.
• …is connected. It has relationships with external actors who provide a wider supportive environment, and supply goods and services when needed.
• …has infrastructure and services. It has strong housing, transport, power, water, and sanitation systems. It has the ability to maintain, repair and renovate them.
• …has economic opportunities. It has a diverse range of employment opportunities, income, and financial services. It is flexible, resourceful and has the capacity to accept uncertainty and respond (proactively) to change.
• …can manage its natural assets. It recognizes their value and has the ability to protect, enhance, and maintain them.

DRI Foundation Activities

What does the Foundation do?

The Foundation helps build resilient communities through three focus areas:

• Donations after Disasters – We empower communities to become a part of the recovery process by partnering with local charities. By aiding grassroots organizations and non-profit agencies local to the disaster, we ensure those affected get help as soon as possible.
• Resilience and Rebuilding – We organize Volunteer Day, an annual opportunity for resilience professionals to give back to host communities during DRI International’s annual conference.
• Education –The DRI Foundation awards scholarships for college students, as well as women and veterans seeking to enter the business continuity profession.

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