Bucking the trend of overspending on disasters and underspending on prevention and preparedness, the Red Cross attempted to divert some of its 9/11 relief monies to more underfunded projects. Outraged donors, however, thwarted the agency’s plans. Soon after the Sept. 11 attacks, the Red Cross created the Liberty Disaster Relief Fund to handle the surge in donations. After using the funds for immediate disaster relief, including food, water, and health services, the agency still had a lot…

To read this article and start a full year of unlimited online access, subscribe now!

Already a subscriber?

Need to register for your premium online access,
which is included with your paid subscription?

Support SSIR’s coverage of cross-sector solutions to global challenges. 
Help us further the reach of innovative ideas. Donate today.

Read more stories by Catherine Spence.