Patricia McIlreavy

When disaster strikes, donors often flood impacted regions with support, but private giving usually dries up after just six months. The Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP), led by Patricia McIlreavy, is pushing funders to think differently. It supports marginalized communities when disasters hit, but focuses on the recovery period when they are no longer in the limelight. 

“We mobilize philanthropy to strengthen the ability of communities to withstand disasters and recover equitably,” McIlreavy says. In addition to creating resources to guide philanthropy’s response, CDP hosts pooled funds supporting regions like the Middle East, Ukraine, and storm-battered parts of the U.S. 

In 2025, billionaire MacKenzie Scott gave the organization a serious boost—a $60 million unrestricted grant, the largest CDP had ever received, and its third gift from Scott.

“Every community deserves the chance to thrive, even amid crises,” wrote McIlreavy in response to the gift. “This gift will help us further catalyze philanthropy toward long-term recovery that is led by and responsive to local communities.”