Evaluating Post Hurricane Katrina Investments: Strengthening Decision-making and Organizational Impact

Following Hurricane Katrina, which struck the Gulf Coast states of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama in August 2005, the MacArthur Foundation deployed urgently needed resources, made wise strategic choices in taking advantage of existing relationships and focusing on long-term rebuilding, and funded a generally strong cohort of organizations that continue to play an important role in rebuilding the Gulf Coast. However, the foundation’s decision to limit its involvement in rebuilding efforts impacted the success of the organizations it funded. The foundation’s experience, unique expertise in affordable housing, and extensive networks would have benefited certain recipients who struggled to overcome challenges related to the disaster, the economy, and the national housing market. Those challenges have, in some cases, significantly affected recipients’ abilities to deliver against their missions.