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Wisconsin Grantmakers Support Haiti Relief Efforts |
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Photo credit: Talia Frenkel, American Red Cross
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Foundations across the globe immediately responded to the devastation in the wake of the 7.0-magnitude earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12, 2010. By the end of the week after the disaster struck, more than $800 thousand had been donated to Haiti relief and recovery efforts. Now, two months after the disaster, grantmakers across the U.S. have pledged over $76 million in direct support for Haiti.
"Wisconsin's philanthropic community played a swift and critical role in providing resources and support to relief and recovery efforts," said Deborah Fugenschuh, Donors Forum of Wisconsin President.
From community foundations to corporate grantmakers, Wisconsin organizations have given generously to relief efforts by:
- directing grants aid to relief organizations;
- matching their employee gifts to eligible disaster relief organizations such as the International Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders and UNICEF;
- providing volunteer work through networks at the disaster site to organize local support and align employees in the region;
- donating unique equipment, products, and services to address needs created by the disaster; and
- encouraging public and employee support for relief efforts.
Over 70% of community foundations across the U.S., including Greater Milwaukee Foundation and Madison Community Foundation created a special fund dedicated to Haiti. These two organizations have also created web pages with ways their members and other donors can help Haiti.
On the corporate side, many Wisconsin grantmakers responded quickly with financial assistance to Haiti relief efforts. Among those organizations are GE Foundation, Johnson Controls, JP Morgan Chase, Kohl's, M & I Bank, Northwestern Mutual Foundation, Oshkosh Corporation, P&H Mining, Robert W. Baird, Rockwell Automation, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and Wisconsin Energy Foundation. Together, these organizations have pledged or contributed over a quarter of a million dollars to relief organizations.
Other Wisconsin grantmakers responded readily with non-cash donations. Harley-Davidson Foundation donated 25 motorcycles to aid relief efforts. Midwest Airlines has offered to match donated miles from Midwest Airlines members.
As the leading resource for philanthropy in Wisconsin, Donors Forum of Wisconsin will continue to monitor and provide the most up-to-date information on local charitable efforts toward humanitarian relief and recovery efforts on our Haiti earthquake disaster webpage. |
"We recognize that the disaster in Haiti calls for a compassionate response from people that are able to help," said Edward J. Zore, Northwestern Mutual chairman and chief executive officer. "Supporting the American Red Cross allows us to have an immediate impact." |
