(AP) — A Maui wildfire fundraiser created by three local volunteers within days of the disaster has now distributed nearly $780,000 to displaced families. While that’s a small portion of the tens of millions raised via online fundraising campaigns, the Help Maui Rise fund has drawn praise for its transparency and a commitment to disbursing donations more equitably by using data. Sally Ray is director of domestic funds for the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, a nonprofit that advises communities on disaster recovery and manages several recovery funds. She says she applauds Help Maui Rise for its focus on an equitable recovery, including those who may be marginalized by age or language and not connected digitally.

© copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved

AP Photo