THE GIVER’S LEDGER JUNE: Tornado Relief, Philanthropy, and Power in Action
First Published: NINA NEEDLEMAN | Volume I, Issue 4 | June 19, 2025
LOCAL SPOTLIGHT
One of the earliest on the ground agencies out of the gate helping people affected by the Tornado was this impressive agency! They jumped to collect survival supplies and coordinate volunteers in a massive multi-day People’s Response Hub to provide for urgent needs .
Action St. Louis is a grassroots racial justice organization that seeks to build political power for Black communities in the St. Louis region. They build campaigns that leverage organizing, communications, advocacy, and direct action to mitigate harm against our community while fighting for long-term transformation. Action St. Louis and Housing Justice work is a crucial response to St. Louis’s pressing affordable housing crisis.
PHILANTHROPIC DISASTER RESPONSE
How should an Individual donor think about a Disaster?
What should we expect as to how long recovery will take from the May 16th Tornado?
Amy Shaw, President and CEO of Nine PBS said “the May 16th Tornado was St. Louis’s Katrina. It will take a generation for some of the north side families and businesses to recover.”
Orvin Kimbrough CEO of Midwest Bank says the “Real Work of Leadership is Managing Transitions. If we don’t manage the emotional, cultural, and operational shifts that come with change, we risk losing momentum, damaging trust, and stalling growth…Change isn’t a moment, it’s a season. Sometimes, it’s several seasons strung together.”
For you as an individual donor – realize recovering from this Tornado is not a once-and-done donation.
Consider: a) setting up an automatic monthly donation to a nonprofit (or two) that are providing long term solutions to people rebuilding their lives. Could be in the areas of shelter/housing, childcare, food, house repairs, replacing furnishings, diapers, transportation etc. or b) setting up a strategy for bi-annual or annual donations to key recovery providers.
BOARD MEMBER TOOLBOX
In this new feature, I will periodically share or suggest something that will help you be a better board member. This month, the topic is your nonprofit’s Banking Relationship.
Ask your Treasurer or Finance Chair: “When’s the last time we did an RFP on our bank”? An RFP is a Request for Proposal.
Does your nonprofit’s bank:
Offer you competitive fees for the services you get? (How do their fees and services compare to other banks serving non-profits?)
Have references who are “raving fans”?
Provide a banker for your board, advisory board, or a committee?
Sponsor an event or buy a table at your gala?
Commit to provide volunteers when you need some?
Provide introductions and references/resources that help you grow or problem solve?
It’s good to check up on your nonprofit’s business relationships every few years. Bank, CPA, Brokerage (if you have an endowment or investments). Make sure your expenses here are reasonable and it doesn’t hurt to ask for a relationship and help beyond the business services.
UPCOMING EVENTS
International and Cultural Events of interest Around the Metro:
June 21-22-Fiesta in Florissant – 50 St. Francois Street, Florissant. The Hispanic Festival Inc is hosting their annual Fiesta in Florissant! Enjoy a weekend full of fun, culture, food, 5 Latino bands, Folkloric dancers.
June 21st: One Africa! One Nation! Farmers Market – 1955 Adelaide Ave, STL, 63147 Put on monthly by the African National Women’s Organization. 10am-3pm. Produce, artisan goods, cultural performances, food vendors all at O’Fallon Park Family activities – children’s circle, gardening workshops, yoga.
July 12th: Commemoration of the 30th Anniversary of Srebrenica Genocide St. Louis - Soldiers Memorial, 1315 Chestnut St, St. Louis, MO 63103 Join the Bosnian community 9am-12pm, for a solemn morning of remembrance marking the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide. This event honors the memory of the victims and highlights the importance of peace, justice, and unity.
August 23rd - 24th: The International Institute - Festival of Nations – Tower Grove Park
HAPPY JUNTEENTH!
Today is a powerful reminder.
Juneteenth isn’t just about history—it’s about honoring freedom, truth, and the continued fight for justice.
Let’s keep showing up for one another—not just today, but every day.