A year after Irma and Maria, these donors and nonprofits are still at it
In the wake of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, more than 11,000 individuals, corporations and foundations from around the world generously donated
$6.4 million to The Miami Foundation's
relief funds. Those dollars have supported ongoing recovery and rebuilding efforts throughout Miami-Dade, the Florida Keys and Caribbean islands.
Rebecca Mandelman, vice president for strategy and engagement, reflects on the community champions who stepped up and continue to help the residents who need it most.
Pictured: Puerto Rico locals tend to a garden that will be transformed into a resilience hub; credit: Mercy Corps.
How to help those impacted by Florence
With Florence causing heavy flooding in the Carolinas, residents will need help. If you're looking for ways to donate, the Foundation for the Carolinas has set up a disaster relief fund to support those affected by the storm.
One on one with Armando Codina: "Our united desire to thrive is what makes us Miamians."
Armando Codinaarrived in the United States at age 14 from his native Cuba via Operation Peter Pan. Miami welcomed him, and the executive chairman of Codina Partners has since helped transform Greater Miami communities while consistently giving back. As we think about ways philanthropy can help us prepare for threats and rebound, Armando's Miami story reminds us that "the highest calling is to be involved with your community."
Pictured: Armando Codina, Foundation donor and executive chairman of Codina Partners.
Civic Leadership
Breaking down the ballot: understanding Florida’s proposed constitutional amendments
Every 20 years, Florida voters get to vote on changes to the state constitution. More than a dozen amendments have been proposed and will appear on the ballot. In her second of a three-part series about the elections, Dawn Shirreffs, our director of public affairs, breaks down the proposed amendments and shares what they mean so you know exactly what you're voting on come November 6th.
Pictured: The Constitutional Revision Commission meets every 20 years; credit: Pedro Portal for Miami Herald.
You're five steps away from hosting a My Miami Story conversation on Oct. 23rd
My Miami Story conversations create a space for residents to talk about our experiences and hear those of others, helping us connect and learn about what matters to all of us. Hosting a conversation on October 23rd empowers you to lead the countywide discussion about this community's future and the steps we can take to get there. We'll give you everything you need ahead of time and answer all your questions at upcoming
host meet-ups. Read on for tips that make for a successful gathering, then
sign up to host one!
Pictured: A 2017 My Miami Story conversation hosted by the YWCA Miami.
Community Investment
After a natural disaster, how should your charitable dollars be distributed?
In the days and months following last year's storms, nonprofits and donors played a significant role in helping Miami-Dade and neighboring regions rebuild. To date, $5.4 million in
hurricane recovery grants have enabled nonprofits to
distribute foodand supplies,
repair roofs in the U.S. Virgin Islands and
build resilience hubs in Puerto Rico. Here,
Lindsey Linzer, director of programs and grants administration, shares takeaways about grantmaking and how those dollars continue to be put to work.
Challenge winners team up to activate parks and streets in West Kendall
West Kendall residents Juan David Rey and Wendy Caraballo are on a mission to bring more arts, culture and entertainment options to their neighborhood. They connected after Juan's idea for an annual outdoor concert won the 2016
Public Space Challenge. Inspired, Wendy submitted a winning idea to turn a busy street into a cyclist-only thoroughfare. They've since created a group to plan more events like these and, if any of the
2018 Challenge finalists in West Kendall win, Juan and Wendy are ready to put their support behind them.
We're always looking for people and organizations that do great work in our community. If you have a story or know one we should highlight, email Ana Mantica.