RTF supports earthquake recovery in Venezuela with a civil society-first emergency fund
September 10, 2026
The June 24 earthquakes in Venezuela brought new hardship to communities already facing years of instability. In the midst of loss and displacement, neighbors, educators, and volunteers stepped forward to help. Their efforts showed how much recovery depends on people who know their communities, understand what is needed, and have the trust to bring others together.
Yet many of these local organizations remain among the least visible to international donors. To help bridge that gap, Rising Tide Foundation launched the Venezuela Earthquake Emergency Fund. Through a civil society-first approach, we offered flexible support that builds on local knowledge, relationships, and capacity to act. We have supported more than 20 projects with over USD 1 million.
This approach reflects an observation from the work of Lenore Ealy, Rising Tide Board Member, on post-disaster recovery:
“The organizations that proved most nimble were those operating with modest ambition matched to their actual capacity — local knowledge, earnest relationships, and the freedom to respond to what was directly in front of them.”
In practice, this means supporting local organizations that meet urgent needs while helping people rebuild their lives. Their efforts range from providing shelter and essential supplies to restoring communications, equipping volunteer medical teams, and helping children receive medical treatment.
Through our long-standing partner Antonio Canova of Un Bello Árbol, we are supporting micro-schools that are providing high-quality education, opening quickly after the disaster while public schools have remined closed, helping children regain a sense of normalcy through play and learning. We have also supported new partners, including one that mobilized engineering students to assess damaged buildings and help families determine whether they can safely return home. These are just a few of the many initiatives helping communities recover.
This response would not have been possible without the local knowledge and trusted networks of Rocío Guijarro and Andrés Halvorssen, CEO and President of CEDICE Libertad respectively, and Brigitte Rivas, founder of Buena Pinta. Their guidance has been essential in identifying local initiatives and ensuring our support reaches organizations rooted in the communities they serve.
Over the past months, we have focused on earthquake relief and supporting affected communities as they recover. While this vital work continues, we are renewing our focus on strengthening free institutions and creating the foundations for long-term prosperity through the Venezuela Rising Fund. As we prepare to close applications soon, we are inspired by the more than 200 proposals received and the determination of the people behind them to build a better future for Venezuela.
Across the Venezuela Initiative, our purpose is to support the conditions that allow people to act on their own initiative, shape their own futures, and create opportunities for themselves and their communities. We are grateful to the partners whose work brings that purpose to life.
