61 Community Diaper Banks Named Recipients of Inaugural $100,000 Funds for Change Initiative

NEW HAVEN, Conn., Nov. 19, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Diaper Bank Network (NDBN) has selected 61 community-based diaper banks as grant recipients of the nonprofit organization's inaugural $100,000 Funds for Change initiative.

"The Funds for Change grants are designed to enhance the sustainability or capacity of individual diaper banks to address diaper need in their respective communities," said Alison Weir, director of programs. "In three short years, NDBN has gone from a start up nonprofit, to the leading champion of the diaper bank movement, and now financial supporter of local programs that impact lives by providing clean diapers to struggling families." 

In total, NDBN awarded more than $100,000 in grant funding to member diaper banks operating in 30 states. However, the net impact of the Funds for Change exceeds $200,000, as each NDBN grant is matched dollar-for-dollar by the diaper bank's local supporters. The grants range in size from $800 to $2,000, and recipients include both newly formed and established diaper banks, located in all sizes of communities throughout the country, from the frontier to major cities.

Funding for the initiative was made possible by a combination of support from individual and corporate donors as well as major gifts. Continued financial support will enable NDBN to expand the number of grantees in 2015.

Since its founding in 2011, the National Diaper Bank Network has spearheaded the growth of the diaper bank movement. Today, the network includes more than 230 member organizations in 42 states and the District of Columbia, and provides diapers to nearly 315,000 infants and toddlers each and every month.

"Diaper banks make a huge difference in the lives of infants and toddlers by providing small things…clean diapers," said Weir. "The continued success of local diaper banks requires strong community support and donations of dollars, diapers and time. A fundamental goal of NDBN is to spur the growth of the diaper bank community."

However, Weir points out that more diaper banks are needed in more communities, and cites U.S. Census Bureau statistics that show that 5.6 million children under the age of three live in poor and low-wage families.

Plus, the Feeding America study "In Short Supply" found that 32 percent of low-income families surveyed reported reusing disposable diapers, while 48 percent reported delaying changing a diaper to make their supply last longer.

"We know that diaper need is a hidden consequence of poverty," added Weir. "NDBN receives calls every day from families struggling to make ends meet. The diaper bank community must continue its mission, as all babies deserve clean diapers."

The following provides a complete list of Funds for Change grant recipients listed by state and city.

About the National Diaper Bank Network: The National Diaper Bank Network (NDBN) is a nationwide nonprofit dedicated to ensuring that every child in the U.S. has enough diapers to be clean, dry & healthy. Founded in 2011, the network raises awareness of diaper need (#DiaperNeed) and supports the development and expansion of diaper banks in communities throughout the country. Its active membership includes more than 230 diaper banks, diaper closets and food banks located in 42 states and the District of Columbia. Huggies^® supports NDNB as the founding sponsor, and works to combat diaper need through the Every Little Bottom campaign by donating more than 20 million diapers per year to families in need. More information on NDBN and diaper need is available at www.nationaldiaperbanknetwork.org, and on Facebook (facebook.com/NationalDiaperBankNetwork) and Twitter (@DiaperNetwork).

CONTACT: Troy Moore, 203-821-7348 

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141119/159587

SOURCE National Diaper Bank Network

Related Links

http://www.nationaldiaperbanknetwork.org