Local Charity Network

Local Heroes

At IFF, our strength lies in the resources within the local network. Our mission is to support communities and first responders impacted by disaster, and we cannot do it alone. We rely on a diverse and comprehensive network of non-profits, charities, and community organizations that align with our mission and values.

IFF Trusted Partner Network

The local resource network is a multi-layered system, including international, national, statewide, regional, and local resources. IFF understands that the most effective, responsive, and resilient neighborhoods are those formed by neighbors who intend to help one another before, during, and after a disaster. IFF searches for, identifies and secures partnerships with non-profits that resonate with the "neighbor helping neighbor" mentality.

We rely on local volunteers and neighbors to tell us about their community organizations and charities. These are the groups that do good work behind the scenes and quietly help communities without seeking recognition.

Vetting Framework for IFF Partner Network

IFF's commitment to public health and safety means that all non-profits and community organizations within the Partner Network undergo a rigorous vetting process. This ensures that the organizations matched with affected communities are reliable, trustworthy, and effective. The following framework outlines the basic criteria for evaluating potential partners at the national, regional, and local levels.

Core Vetting Criteria

Each organization is evaluated against these key criteria to confirm their ability to provide high-quality public benefit services.

• Charitable Status: The organization must possess and maintain current charitable status (e.g., 501(c)(3) in the U.S.) to ensure it is a legitimate non-profit entity. We verify this status through official government databases and third-party charity watchdogs like Charity Navigator, Guidestar, and the BBB Wise Giving Alliance.

• Public Benefit Programs: We confirm that the organization offers demonstrable, no-cost public benefit programs. The services must be directly accessible to the affected community without any fees or hidden costs.

• Non-Discrimination Policy: The organization must have a clear and enforced non-discrimination policy that ensures its services are available to all individuals and families, regardless of race, gender, religion, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic.

• Public Accessibility: We verify that the organization's programs are consistently available for public use. This includes checking for open public access to necessary program services and a transparent process for obtaining assistance.

• Reliability and Consistency of Service: We assess the organization's operational history and track record. This includes reviewing their response to past incidents, their service delivery model, and their ability to sustain support over the long term. We look for evidence of consistent and reliable service, even under pressure.

• Immediate or Emergent Solutions: We prioritize organizations that can provide immediate, emergent, and long term recovery solutions during a disaster. This criterion focuses on the speed, efficiency and capacity of the initial response.

• Basic Amenities: We search for organization's capacity to supply or secure essential basic amenities. This includes housing, food, clothing, medication, and water; these are actionable items required for every response and vital for stability.

• Community Feedback: We gather and review general community feedback from those who have used or interacted with the organization. This qualitative data provides crucial insight into the user experience, reliability, and perceived effectiveness of their services.

Emergency Response Team Deployments:

If your community member is affected by disaster or your agency is already engaged with the affected community member; you may request IFF support at any time. If the incident is still active, and your require emergency incident support, request an ERT deployment.

Volunteer Emergency Response Teams (ERTs) are a division under the Community Connect Charitable Program within IFF. ERTs are deployed to all active and recent incidents as requested by local first responder partners and public agency notification. ERTs provide free:

• Incident Support

• Community Assistance

• Damage Evaluation and Prevention

• Long Term Recovery Education

• 501(c)3 Fundraiser Setup and Management

• IFF Trusted Partner Network Referrals

Not all IFF branches have adopted the ERT pilot program. ERT programs are most effective in person, where volunteers can support incidents in real time and help affected communities begin the healing process. To determine if ERT is available for your area or to inquire about starting one, please contact your local IFF representative.

Sponsorship of Charity, Fundraisers, Events:

The Community Connection program is built to support local organizations, partners, local leaders, and/or communities, families, and first responders in affected areas.

The International Fire Foundation is often requested to co-host or provide fiscal sponsorship to local community events. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, IFF offers fiscal sponsorship for fundraising events that align with IFF mission and values. With IFF, Partners may host charity events or accept donations without the burden of establishing your own non-profit organization or separate foundation and reap all the benefits of tax exemption for supporting patrons by partnering with IFF. Typically, charity events with full tax exemption receive double the amount of support than an event without a fiscal sponsor. Work with your local International Fire Foundation community officer or organize your own event – either way, event supporters will enjoy the tax benefits of contributing to a registered non-profit and supporting the event. There are no fees or costs associated with utilized IFF fiscal status or software. Together, let's build a stronger, safer community!

The International Fire Foundation may choose to engage or be requested as the fiscal sponsor of the event if IFF mission and values align with the event activities.

Community

Connection