After a series of hurricanes have devastated the Gulf Coast lately, charities both small and large are looking for much more in relief funds to support the varied relief efforts already under way.

According to the Chronicle of Philanthropy today, charities have raised over $25 million so far - a number dramatically lower than what is normally raised in the days following major disasters, and only a fraction of how much is needed for the emergency response taking place throughout areas like Florida, Louisiana and Texas.

The hurricane relief fund set up by Catholic Charities USA has raised only $54,000 since it was set up prior to Hurricane Gustav; the same organization saw 180,000 donors provide $150 million after Hurricane Katrina.

Many reasons have been suggested for the lower funding numbers this season including the recent stock market downturns. Regardless of the 'why' fundraisers and charities are hoping that the power of networks can both raise awareness and donations.

Today, on the American Red Cross' Hurrican Ike blog, the organization sent a call to supporters though a press release:

The American Red Cross is appealing to online communities to come together Friday, September 19th to promote its message and brand and help overcome critical funding shortages for the Disaster Relief Fund. (Read more...)

The release continues, by urging, "everyone who has a blog, Twitter account, Facebook profile, and other online presence to display support for the victims of Hurricanes Gustav, Ike and hundreds of other disasters tomorrow with the goal of raising awareness and funds to provide relief." According to the release,

Participants can:

• Change their profile pictures to a Red Cross Avatar for the day (or longer)
• Place a Red Cross Banner on their sites and share on social networks
• Embed Red Cross PSAs
• Embed Red Cross Relief Videos from Disaster Sites
• Embed Red Cross widgets
• Embed Red Cross audio clips from the field
• Promote the Text 2Help campaign
• Share Red Cross news items on social networks
• Be creative! Show support and encourage donations in their own way

On Friday, September 19, 2008, join the Red Cross on Twitter, become a fan on Facebook, or email your comments to socialmedia@usa.redcross.org.

Use the NetSquared community blog to keep our large community informed of ways to take action online and the efforts currently underway for online communities to come together in the disaster relief. Let us know how you are using social media to help in the efforts highlighted by the American Red Cross and others!