Funds to help Red Cross prepare for and respond to disasters and build community resilience
(June 22, 2020) –The American Red Cross today announced grants totaling $10.5 million from Lilly Endowment Inc., to support efforts to help those who have been most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The grants include $7.5 million for the American Red Cross’ national work and $3 million for efforts in Indiana where Lilly Endowment is headquartered.
The funds are supporting the American Red Cross’ multi-faceted response to the pandemic in Indiana and across the country. The response includes the provision of a range of support services for individuals and communities; continuity of critical emergency response operations in the COVID-19 environment including sheltering, feeding, purchasing and distributing relief supplies, storing equipment, maintaining vehicles, and providing health and emotional support; and continuity of lifesaving blood collection efforts, which have been seriously affected by school and business closings.
“The American Red Cross relies on the generosity of our volunteers, donors and partners to fulfill our lifesaving mission,” said American Red Cross President and CEO Gail McGovern. “Dedicated supporters such as Lilly Endowment enable the Red Cross, through the power of volunteers, to fulfill its mission of alleviating human suffering in the face of emergencies.”
“We at Lilly Endowment are heartened by the ways in which the American Red Cross is able to respond to the needs of individuals severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, both in Indiana and across the nation,” said Ronni Kloth, Lilly Endowment’s vice president for community. “Through its impressive network of employees and volunteers, Red Cross is quickly, effectively and compassionately helping people navigate these difficult times.”
Each year, the Red Cross responds to nearly 64,000 disasters across the country, including home fires, hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, tornadoes and wildfires. Red Cross services are provided to people in need of assistance at no cost and regardless of income through the generosity of Red Cross donors.
About Lilly Endowment Inc.
Lilly Endowment Inc. is a private philanthropic foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly Sr. and sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. Although the gifts of stock remain a financial bedrock of the Endowment, it is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, it supports the causes of community development, education and religion. Although it funds significant programs throughout the United States, especially in the field of religion, it maintains a special commitment to its founders’ hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.