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2010 Earthquake in Haiti

2010 Earthquake in Haiti

Over 2 million people have been affected and over 200,000 people died as a result of the January 2010 earthquake in Haiti. 188,383 houses have been damaged or destroyed. Over 1.5 million displaced people living in 1,241 settlement sites. There are 4,758 schools that have been damaged or destroyed.* 

The scale of destruction and need has resulted in quick and significant contributions pouring in to support relief efforts. The overwhelming success of the Text Haiti Campaign by the American Red Cross, which encourages people to donate $10 by texting "HAITI" through their cell phone, is an example of how individuals and organizations of all sizes are having an impact with small gifts in large quantities.

For more information or questions, please contact Elisabeth Hyleck, Director of Learning and Engagement.

Maryland Philanthropy Network MEMBER EFFORTS

There are a number of Maryland Philanthropy Network members who have acted swiftly and generously to support relief efforts.  Please let us know how you are engaged in relief efforts.

  • The Baltimore Community Foundation sent notice to donors and has information on the website about "Thinking Globally, Giving Locally" spotlighting four international organizations located in Baltimore that are assisting those in Haiti
  • United Way of Central Maryland reports that United Way Worldwide is working to mobilize aid to Haiti through donations to UWWW's Disaster Fund
  • THE ASSOCIATED has established an emergency relief fund. One hundred percent of all contributions to the fund will be allocated directly to the relief effort.
  • The Verizon Foundation has given $100,000 to World Vision and Food for the Poor ($50,000 each). Through the Verizon Foundation's Disaster Relief Incentive Program employees have pledged $590,000, totaling more than $1M from Verizon and its employees. Verizon Wireless has allowed customers to text $10 donations to 90999, is waiving all texting fees, and is sending the money immediately, instead of waiting the customary 90 days to ensure that all the bills are paid.  Verizon has also sent 50 pallets of supplies to the American Red Cross Disaster Services in Haiti, including hand sanitizer. Additionally, Verizon waived all long-distance usage charges for call made from residential landline and Verizon phones to Haiti from 1/12 – 2/14.
  • Constellation Energy Group hasgiven $50,000 to the American Red Cross Central MD Chapter.
  • McCormick & Co. has given $50,000 to the American Red Cross Central MD Chapter, and is giving an employee match of up to $25,000 .
  • Bank of America has pledged $1 million, is accepting donations at 6,000 branches across the country to support the American Red Cross' Haitian Relief and Development Fund, and will waive transaction fees for customers making a donation with a BofA debit or credit card.
  • M&T Bank has contributed $100,000 to the American Red Cross, and is matching Red Cross contributions made by its employees up to $100,000.
  • The Weinberg Foundation has donated $250,000 to five international relief organizations.
  • Venable has given $50,000 to Partners in Health and Doctors Without Borders, and Venable employees have given $75,000.
  • Annie E. Casey Foundation has adopted a three-pronged response to support the relief effort: up to $150,000 in funds to support the work of on the ground agencies; a 2-1 match for the contributions of its staff to support charitable organizations assisting in relief efforts; and exploring opportunities for expert staff to assist on-site.
  • Morton K. and Jane Blaustein Foundation has contributed $50,000 to Partners in Health.
  • David and Barbara B. Hirschhorn Foundation has contributed $5,000 to Catholic Relief Services.
  • Elizabeth B. and Arthur Roswell Foundation has contributed $5,000 to The American Red Cross.
  • Open Society Institute has given $4 million so far for the Haitian relief effort to support the international relief efforts for disaster victims andintends to play a leadership role in the redevelopment of Haiti, relying on their foundation in Haiti, FOKAL, to steer reconstruction efforts.
  • Sylvan/Laureate Foundation has given to the Clinton/Bush fund and is matching employee gifts.
  • The new BaltimoreACTS fund has been established at the Baltimore Community Foundation, and the Aber Unger Foundation is matching donations.
  • Kaiser Permanente has donated $500,000 to four nonprofits working on the ground in Haiti.
  • The Baltimore Community Foundation and Annie E. Casey Foundation are supporting the work of doctors from the University of Maryland Medical Center in Haiti.

RESOURCES FOR GRANTMAKERS

International Organizations Based in Baltimore and Assisting in Haiti:

MEDIA

"Charitable Giving: A Philanthropic Outpouring to Haiti"
The New Year is already presenting unimaginable challenges with last week's earthquake in Haiti. Our thoughts are with the millions of people there as news continues to unfold about this horrifying disaster. As individuals we are often compelled to respond immediately-and certainly there is a need for such support - By Betsy Nelson, Special to The Daily Record, January 22, 2010

BaltimoreACTS
BaltimoreACTS.org is an umbrella campaign to promote, encourage and connect Baltimore citizens and corporations to critical causes locally and globally. It was conceived by a group of passionate Baltimoreans from the marketing, digital, entertainment, arts, business and nonprofit communities. The Aber Unger Foundation will match donations through BaltimoreACTS up to first $50,000. The BaltimoreACTs fund is established at The Baltimore Community Foundation. Share your strories of how you are helping!

*Sources: CIA World Fact Book; OCHA, Humanitarian Bulletin #3, 24 May 2010

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Resource type: 
ABAG Resource Page
Funding Area: 
Disaster Relief
Topic: 
Grantmaking Strategy & Tools
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