Although it is too early to say for sure, Beverley Jackson, the executive director of Rebuilding Together, said that she believes the organization will weather the storm. The nonprofit renovates homes for low-income residents in many communities, including Willow Glen and Campbell.

"This is the time we confirm funding and we have been able to grow slightly in size," Jackson said. "The tsunami has not affected us. Our supporters remain consistent."

Foundation for HOPE Executive Director Sue Holt said donations to her organization have remained steady in the wake of the tsunami. The foundation raises money for HOPE Services, a nonprofit that provides aid for people with developmental disabilities in five counties, including Santa Clara County.

Holt said donations in February were particularly strong. Although she said that the organization has implemented a more aggressive marketing campaign over the past year, which could account for the boost in fundraising, she added that the foundation's supporters are faithful.

"When natural disasters occur, people tend to give to other causes," Holt said. "But they are still loyal. The gift may be delayed, but people still manage to give to local organizations."

However, some nonprofits are anticipating a dry spell due to an increase in overseas donations. Hilary Barroga, the development manager for EHC LifeBuilders, a nonprofit that provides shelter and supportive services for homeless people with a chapter in Willow Glen, said she has noticed a decrease in funds this year.

"The tsunami hit during prime giving time," she said.

In addition to private donations, Barroga said some corporate sponsors have pulled out this year in order to divert funds to the tsunami relief effort. Although the tsunami may have grabbed hearts and headlines around the world, Barroga said she hopes residents remember that people in need live close to home as well.

"People direct money to what is the biggest thing in the news," she said. "But the homeless are always in a state of emergency. It's difficult when huge disasters attract such media attention because the problems we deal with are on the same scale but are something people encounter every day."

For other nonprofits serving local interests, the diversion of donated dollars to the tsunami relief effort has also created some anxiety.

Since the tsunami hit after the peak donation period, Anne Ehresman, the chief development officer at Willow Glen­based InnVision, said it's too early to tell how the stream of overseas donations will affect the organization. But Ehresman added that this year could be difficult, especially since the Georgia Travis Center still needs $100,000 in funding to complete the center.

"Part of our concern is, 'how do we make sure people remember to provide relief at home as well as abroad?" Ehresman said.

Some cities have developed a solution to Ehresman's concern. To help provide relief to residents in need, Campbell earmarks funds through the Santa Clara County Community Block Grant Development program, which provides money to local nonprofits. This year, Campbell has set aside $172,440.

Sharon Teeter, Campbell's housing coordinator, said the city prioritizes reserving funds for low-income and very low-income citizens and the nonprofits that cater to these individuals, such as Rebuilding Together and InnVision.