United Way Hurricane Sandy Recovery Fund Receives $5 Million Contribution from Lilly Endowment Inc.

NEW YORK, Dec. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- United Way of New York City and United Way Worldwide announced today that $5 million has been added to the United Way Hurricane Sandy Recovery Fund through a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to United Way Worldwide. The generous contribution will be used by local United Ways along the eastern seaboard to address the near and long-term recovery needs of communities that FEMA has declared disaster areas. 

"Hurricane Sandy upended the lives of over eight million people and the road to recovery will be long," said Sheena Wright, President & CEO of United Way of New York City.  "Lilly Endowment's support will play a major role in helping people rebuild their lives by connecting families to financial benefits, providing access to mental health and trauma-related services, as well as addressing their ongoing basic needs, such as food and utilities assistance."

"We were deeply moved by the accounts of the widespread destruction caused by Hurricane Sandy," said N. Clay Robbins, Lilly Endowment's president and CEO.  "We know that residents of communities devastated by disasters such as Hurricane Sandy must have access to a viable and effective human service system to help them rebuild their lives.  As local United Ways do in disasters throughout the country, the local United Ways in the areas affected by Hurricane Sandy are mobilizing resources to support recovery efforts and services.  Lilly Endowment is pleased to be able to add to the support being generated by United Way Worldwide and the United Way of New York City for the Hurricane Sandy Recovery Fund."

"We know that communities experiencing disasters of Hurricane Sandy's magnitude have immediate and urgent needs, but often the greatest needs occur with the intermediate and long-term recovery and rebuilding of lives and communities. That's the role of United Way," says U.S. President, United Way Worldwide, Stacey Stewart. "The Lilly Endowment has a long history of philanthropy and community development. We are profoundly grateful for their substantial gift and support toward strengthening the communities we will rebuild together."

At the request of and in coordination with United Way Worldwide, United Way of New York City created the United Way Hurricane Sandy Recovery Fund and will ensure that all funds are used efficiently and effectively to serve those in need. United Way of New York City will charge no administrative fees. One hundred percent of donations received (less any processing fees charged by credit card companies) will be granted by local United Ways to community nonprofits that are addressing the recovery needs of communities most affected by the hurricane.

United Way has a history of immediate response in times of need. Following the 9/11 attacks, United Way of New York City created the September 11^th Fund in partnership with the New York Community Trust, raising and distributing more than $500 million. Following the devastating earthquake in Haiti in 2010, United Way of New York City partnered with the Brooklyn Community Foundation to found and fund the NYC Haitian Hope & Healing Fund to address the short and long-term needs of affected individuals residing in New York. In the aftermath of Hurricane Irene in 2011, United Way of New York State set up the Hurricane Irene Recovery Fund to help those in need.

About Lilly Endowment Inc.
The Indianapolis-based Lilly Endowment is one of the country's largest private foundations, with assets of $6.2 billion at the end of 2011. Founded in 1937 by J.K. Lilly and his two sons, Eli and J.K. Jr., with gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical enterprise, the Endowment supports its founders' interests in community development, education and religion. While gifts of stock in Eli Lilly and Company remain the financial bedrock of the Endowment, it is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location.

About the United Way Hurricane Sandy Recovery Fund
The United Way Hurricane Sandy Recovery Fund is a regional fund created to provide recovery assistance to communities that FEMA has declared disaster areas.  Contributions to the Fund will be used by local United Ways along the Eastern Seaboard to address the intermediate and long-term recovery needs of affected individuals, families and communities.   To learn more about the Fund in action, visit UWSandyRecovery.org.

About United Way of New York City
United Way of New York City fights poverty across the five boroughs. UWNYC designs and invests in evidence-based programs that help low-income New Yorkers achieve educational success, income stability and good health. UWNYC rigorously evaluates their work and uses lessons learned to inform and advance public policies and practices that prevent and alleviate poverty citywide. To learn more about UWNYC's work and how to get involved, visit www.UnitedWayNYC.org, follow UWNYC on Twitter (@unitedwaynyc), or like them on Facebook (www.facebook.com/unitedwaynyc).

Contact:
Larry Kopp - 917-282-2357
[email protected]

Kamian Allen – 212-671-0892
[email protected]

SOURCE United Way of New York City