Key Bridge Relief and Recovery Efforts

The Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed after being struck by the 984-foot-long cargo ship, the Dali, early in the morning on Tuesday, March 26, 2024. Tragically, an eight member crew of construction workers were on the bridge when it collapsed. Two were thankfully rescued. Recovery and salvage efforts continue and the waterway and bridge are closed for the foreseeable future.

• For official information regarding the Francis Scott Key Bridge Response, please visit the Unified Commands Website.
• Baltimore City Mayor's Office Key bridge Response Action Plan
• The Maryland Tough Baltimore Strong Alliance webpage: https://mtbs.gbc.org/

As we do during times of disaster, Maryland Philanthropy Network will serve as a clearinghouse for resources and information about relief and recovery efforts. This page will be updated as new information is received, so please check it regularly. 

Philanthropic Responses: Resources and Information

• The Baltimore Civic Fund and Baltimore Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs have set up an emergency response fund, The Key Bridge Emergency Response Fund, to support the immediate needs of the victims’ families and the families of the survivors. The money raised will be distributed to the families of those impacted. While monetary support can never replace the loss of a loved one, the goal is to help ease the burden of those affected by this tragedy.
• Baltimore Community Foundation established the Maryland Tough Baltimore Strong Key Bridge Fund to provide a secure way for Baltimoreans and those who care for them to contribute to the recovery and resilience of Baltimore as a result of the March 26 Key Bridge tragedy. This fund supports regional efforts to heal, respond and memorialize in coordination with adjacent efforts with our strategic partners.
  • The Maryland Tough Baltimore Strong Alliance (MTBSA) is a cross-sector collaboration of philanthropic, business, and community organizations and leaders committed to ensuring a full recovery following the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse on Tuesday, March 26, 2024.
• United Way of Central Maryland established the Bridging the Gap Fund to address what is needed and will remain connected as needs shift. United Way of Central Maryland's fund will support efforts in eviction prevention, food access, and other mid- and long-term needs. 
• Port of Baltimore Emergency Business Assistance Program - The Port of Baltimore Emergency Business Fund is a funding resource operated by the Maryland Department of Commerce (Commerce) to support temporary economic and financial relief for eligible businesses impacted by the disruption of operations to the Port of Baltimore. To be eligible for assistance from the fund, eligible businesses must demonstrate economic and financial injury incurred after March 26, 2024 and resulting from the disruption to the operations to the Port of Baltimore through reduction in business revenue and activity or oncreased costs to business operations.

Please let us know how you are engaged in relief efforts. Grant amounts, assisted organizations, and any other relief work that your organization undertakes will serve as valuable resources as your grantmaking colleagues craft response strategies.

Other Relief Efforts

• The Archdiocese of Baltimore has established The Key Bridge Disaster Relief Fund and is collecting donations for the Apostleship of the Sea ministry.

• The Baltimore International Seafarers’ Center is accepting donations to support its work serving seafarers who call on the Port of Baltimore.

• Maryland Nonprofits is also working to compile a comprehensive list of available resources, services, and assistance programs that can be mobilized to aid those affected by the Key Bridge collapse.

• The North Point-Edgemere Volunteer Fire Department is collecting nonperishable items to deliver to first responders. Items donated so far include water, Gatorade, energy drinks, crackers and protein bars.

• The Latino Racial Justice Circle started a GoFundMe campaign which raised almost $100,000 to support the families of the construction workers who were on the bridge at the time of the collapse. This has since closed given the size of the fund.

• The League of United Latin American Citizens is organizing a GoFundMe campaign for the families of the construction workers.

• The Baltimore chapter of the U.S. Coast Guard Chief Petty Officers Association is collecting donations to support the Key Bridge relief effort.

• The Maryland Department of Labor has created an unemployment insurance hotline for workers affected by the Key Bridge collapse. Call 667-930-5989 Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (noon).

Best Practices in Disaster Grantmaking

A joint study of the European Foundation Centre and the Council on Foundations determined that grantmakers can be more effective and strategic in addressing disasters by following eight principles of good disaster management.

1. Do no harm.
2. Stop, look and listen before taking action.
3. Don't act in isolation.
4. Think beyond the immediate crisis to the long term.
5. Bear in mind the expertise of local organizations.
6. Find out how prospective grantees operate.
7. Be accountable to those you are trying to help.
8. Communicate your work widely and use it as an educational tool.

A number of practical suggestions for good disaster grantmaking flow from these principles and are highlighted in this free guide. Click here to read more and download "Disaster Grantmaking: A Practical Guide for Foundations and Corporations".

Click here for more resources about disaster grantmaking.