The Patterson Foundation Contributes $250,000 to the Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Recovery Fund

March 2, 2022 – Sarasota

The Patterson Foundation has given $250,000 to the Center for Disaster Philanthropy’s (CDP) Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Recovery Fund. This unrestricted funding will be used to address humanitarian needs that arise from the ongoing conflict, particularly among the most vulnerable, marginalized, and at-risk internally displaced peoples and refugees.

More than half a million people have fled Ukraine since the Feb. 24 start of Russia’s military assault and invasion, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Journalists and minority groups who fear persecution under a potential Russian occupation are fleeing the country or leaving areas that are being bombed or at risk of further conflict. The border with Poland already has lines of potential refugees miles long. CDP established its Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Recovery Fund to give donors opportunities to contribute vital cash donations to Ukrainian and international organizations working to identify and meet the greatest areas of need.

“The harrowing scenes of violence and destruction flashing across our screens in recent days show humanity at its lowest point,” said Debra Jacobs, president and CEO of The Patterson Foundation. “Now, our better angels must come forth to help the people of Ukraine amid the chaos that has engulfed their home country. The Center of Disaster Philanthropy is an invaluable resource for donors who want to maximize the impact of their funding. Its expert staff has a deep knowledge of complex disaster recovery efforts that ensures funds are applied strategically and effectively for those in need.”

The Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Recovery Fund is informed by CDP’s long history of strengthening disaster recovery, including efforts to protect the millions forcibly displaced by the conflict in Syria. CDP is the only full-time national resource dedicated to helping donors maximize their impact by making more intentional giving decisions in response to domestic and international disasters. CDP’s expertise and tangible impact on communities worldwide have helped it evolve into a trusted resource for both major philanthropists and grassroots donors in over a decade of work. Additionally, CDP consults with foundations and corporations on disaster-related giving strategies that best align with their missions. 

“The only certainty in Ukraine at the moment is that it will get worse for too many before it gets better,” said Patricia McIlreavy, president and CEO of the Center for Disaster Philanthropy. “Once again, The Patterson Foundation sets an example, providing a generous and timely gift that will aid the Ukraine people in their time of most desperate need.”

CDP has leveraged the power of philanthropy to strengthen communities recovering from disasters while equipping them for future challenges since 2010. Beyond the Global Refugee Crisis, CDP has strengthened medium- and long-term recovery efforts following disasters such as Hurricane Harvey, the 2019 California wildfires, and Haiti’s earthquakes in 2010 and 2021. In 2020, CNN honored the organization as one of eight featured nonprofits for the network’s 14th Annual CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute ceremony. 

The Patterson Foundation has been a long-time supporter of CDP and its mission to strengthen communities recovering from disasters. Since 2013, The Patterson Foundation has given more than $5.6 million to CDP for operations and recovery efforts in the aftermath of disasters around the world.

To donate to these funds or learn more about CDP, please visit disasterphilanthropy.org. Visit thepattersonfoundation.org to learn more about The Patterson Foundation.