Overview

• Drawing on funding data, the report quantifies an estimated $151 billion in regional damages, $120.5 billion in federal aid with roughly $75 billion for immediate response, and $6.5 billion in philanthropic support.
• It finds New Orleans’ nonprofit ecosystem experienced both innovation and persistent strains shaped by government policy, market forces, racial inequities, cultural context, and environmental risk.
• The analysis focuses on monetary grants to 501(c)(3) charities and incorporates eleven interviews with local and national leaders conducted from April to July 2025.
• Recommendations prioritize integrating community knowledge with professional expertise, investing early in coordination infrastructure, balancing structure with flexibility, and funding nonprofit operational capacity.
• A 2024 trust survey cited in the report shows 57% of Americans trust nonprofits versus 33% for philanthropy, highlighting the legitimacy challenges facing donors.