From IAVA:
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America Receives $500k Matching Donation from Craig Newmark Philanthropies
Support from organization of craigslist founder to match gifts to veterans nonprofit one-to-one through December 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 30, 2020
CONTACT: press@iava.org
NEW YORK, NY (November 30, 2020) – Today, nonprofit Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) announced a $500,000 matching donation from Craig Newmark Philanthropies. The philanthropic investment will multiply the impact of every additional gift that the organization receives through the month of December.
On the last day of Veterans Month and two years following its transformational $5 million gift to IAVA, the organization of craigslist founder Craig Newmark has once again stepped up and renewed its support of the nonprofit’s mission to connect, unite, and empower post-9/11 veterans. A previous member of the IAVA Board of Directors and longtime supporter of veterans and military families, Newmark is encouraging his fellow Americans to support those who have served by donating to IAVA. This call-to-action follows a similar challenge Newmark made earlier this year and once again the philanthropist is further putting his money where his mouth is by encouraging other civilians to act on their duty to stand with America’s veterans.
“Our nation’s veterans are lucky we have a hero like Craig,” said Jeremy Butler, CEO of IAVA. “For many years, and now, once again, he has stepped forward as a leader in hopes of inspiring others to join him.”
Butler continued: “We are truly grateful for Craig’s support and commitment to veterans and their families, and we hope everyone in America will follow him in joining our mission.”
The growing population of post-9/11 veterans is younger, more diverse, and more prone to service-connected disabilities than their predecessors. Recognizing the unique needs of the country’s youngest veterans, IAVA provides them with personalized, one-on-one support. This is in addition to advocating on their behalf at the local and national level, including helping to bring the post-9/11 GI Bill to reality. To date, the nonprofit has served millions of veterans nationwide.
“IAVA is vital to the future of our veterans – and the future of all Americans. That is why I am proud to support this incredible organization,” said Newmark. “I’ve been proud to serve on IAVA’s Board for eleven years as they continue to fight for the veteran community and win critical battles in Washington. I hope that this gift will inspire others to join me in supporting their important work and America’s newest generation of veterans.”
The gift from Craig Newmark Philanthropies will match donations made to IAVA throughout December 2020 one-to-one, up to $500,000, including those made prior to this announcement. Givers need not take any additional steps to unlock the match offer. Those who would like to support IAVA can visit www.donate.IAVA.org/give.
Craig Newmark is a Web pioneer, philanthropist, and leading advocate. Most commonly known for founding the online classified ads service craigslist, Newmark works to support and connect people and drive broad civic engagement. In 2016, he founded Craig Newmark Philanthropies to advance people and grassroots organizations that are “getting stuff done” in areas that include trustworthy journalism & the information ecosystem, food insecurity, voter protection, women in technology, and support for veterans and military families. At its core, all of Newmark’s philanthropic work helps to strengthen American democracy by supporting the values that the country aspires to – fairness, opportunity, and respect. For more information, please visit: CraigNewmarkPhilanthropies.org. Craig can be found sharing his personal perspective on the issues of the day at @craignewmark.
IAVA is the voice for the post-9/11 veteran generation. With over 400,000 veterans and allies nationwide, IAVA is the leader in non-partisan veteran advocacy and public awareness. We drive historic impacts for veterans and IAVA’s programs are second to none. Any veteran or family member in need can reach out to IAVA’s Quick Reaction Force at quickreactionforce.org or 855-91RAPID (855-917-2743) to be connected promptly with a veteran care manager who will assist. IAVA’s The Vote Hub is a free tool to register to vote and find polling information. IAVA’s membership is always growing. Join the movement at iava.org/membership.
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