How diaspora groups in the US are responding to disasters in Nepal, Colombia, Venezuela and other homelands

A series of catastrophic events in 2026 have caused extensive devastation in Nepal, Colombia, and Venezuela. The United Nations Global Emergency Fund, the United States, and the European Union have all pledged substantial financial support for Nepal alone. However, diaspora communities living abroad now play a crucial role in responding to these disasters. These groups, often well-connected with community organizations in their home countries, possess a strong pool of donors and unique access to the affected regions.

Diaspora-led nonprofits can quickly mobilize resources due to their established partnerships. For instance, the Nepali Association of Oregon, the Albany New York Nepalese Society, and Nepalese Aid are raising funds for Nepal through donations from Nepalese people living in the U.S. Similarly, Venezuelans abroad have come together to support the aftermath of the June 2026 earthquakes in their homeland.

These groups have also demonstrated flexibility, such as Give To Colombia's rapid response to Hurricane Iota in 2020, raising $500,000 to rebuild the island and support displaced residents.

Volunteers and donors in diaspora communities are highly engaged and invested in their cause. The Albany Nepalese Society, for example, aims to gather support from over 600 Nepalese individuals. Young immigrants, both newcomers and children of immigrants, are also being engaged to expand donor bases and contribute to long-term philanthropic efforts.

While diaspora-led nonprofits may raise modest sums compared to other disaster response initiatives, their rapid response and commitment to rebuilding efforts fill critical gaps in disaster relief.