Getting Started

Who should complete the form?

The form should be completed by a community leader, public official, Tribal leader, nonprofit executive, coalition lead, emergency management partner, or another person authorized to help initiate a community partnership conversation.

What happens after I submit the form?

Your local Red Cross Chapter Executive Director will review your submission and follow up regarding next steps. If there appears to be alignment, the next step is typically an initial discovery conversation.

How long does the process take?

The timeline depends on the community, local readiness, Red Cross capacity, and the scope of the potential collaboration. The first step is an initial discovery conversation.

Partnership and Selection

Is my community guaranteed to become a Community Resilience Collaboration partner?

No. Submitting the form begins the conversation. The Red Cross will review the request based on local priorities, community readiness, available capacity, partnership opportunities, and alignment with the collaboration model.

What makes a strong collaboration?

Strong collaborations are usually built on trusted local leadership, community engagement, existing partnerships, a willingness to include residents, and a commitment to long-term resilience.

Can more than one organization be involved?

Yes. Strong collaborations often include local government, Tribal Nations, schools, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, emergency management, health partners, businesses, volunteers, and resident leaders.

Roles and Support

Will the Red Cross lead the effort?

The community leads the effort. The Red Cross serves as a partner, facilitator, convener, and preparedness resource.

What kinds of activities could be part of a collaboration?

Depending on local priorities and available capacity, a collaboration may include preparedness education, volunteer engagement, youth preparedness, community events, training opportunities, emergency planning connections, partner coordination, and support for community-led resilience planning.

Does this program provide funding?

Community Resilience Collaborations are partnership-based efforts focused on strengthening preparedness, resilience, volunteer engagement, and local capacity. Resource opportunities may vary by community and chapter capacity.

Community-Led Approach

How are community priorities identified?

Community priorities are identified through conversation, local knowledge, available data, and input from residents, organizations, volunteers, and community leaders. The goal is to understand what matters most locally before shaping next steps.

How does the Red Cross work with Tribal Nations?

The Red Cross approaches partnership with Tribal Nations with respect for sovereignty, local leadership, and government-to-government relationships where appropriate. Each conversation is guided by the priorities, protocols, and leadership of the Tribal Nation.

What does success look like?

Success may look different in every community. In general, a successful collaboration strengthens local relationships, increases preparedness, expands volunteer engagement, supports community-led response, and builds capacity that can last over time