Recent major global disasters have prompted many companies to not only give cash and in-kind donations to support humanitarian relief efforts, but also to consider longer-term disaster response partnerships with the humanitarian sector. When successful, these partnerships have the potential to exploit core competencies of both businesses and humanitarian organizations, improving disaster preparedness and, in some cases, contributing to disaster mitigation. They can also act as an effective forum for the exchange of information, ideas, and best practices. [refers to Altria, DHL (part of Deutsche Post), GlaxoSmithKline, Philip Morris (part of Altria), Sampoerna, Shell, Swiss Re, TNT (part of TPG), Volvo Group]