With all the bad economic news, layoffs, Bernie Madoff’s ponzi scheme, and a general depressing feeling taking hold all around America, it’s interesting to note that philanthropists are still busy doing God’s work and donating large sums of money to worthy charities.
Johns Hopkins University has announced the end of an eight-year fundraising effort that raised more than $3.7 billion. Nice. According to the Philanthropy News Digest, ” The original goal of the campaign — to raise $2 billion by the end of 2007 — was surpassed two years ahead of schedule, thanks in part to some of the largest gifts ever received by the university. They include four commitments totaling $157 million from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for reproductive health initiatives and research on childhood pneumonia and tuberculosis in AIDS patients in developing countries. Of the total raised by the campaign, $2.2 billion — or 58 percent — was designated for Johns Hopkins Medicine, while about $1 billion was awarded for program support. Nearly $3.1 billion — or 82 percent — of the funds raised came from sources outside Maryland. ”
Leor Energy founder Guma Aguiar, has announced an $8 million gift to an organization dedicated to bring North American Jews to live in Israel. Nefesh B’Nefesh, whose goal is to revitalize Western Aliyah and expand it for generations to come, by removing the financial, professional and bureaucratic obstacles that are preventing many potential Olim from fulfilling their dreams. In the process, we hope to send an unmistakable signal of Jewish solidarity linking Israel and the Diaspora. The generous gift by Aguiar, comes at a time when Jewish philanthropy in particular has taken a big hit due to the Bernie Madoff affair.
Trying to help the world of pediatric cancer research, the The St. Baldrick’s Foundation in Pasadena, California, has announced grants totaling more than $2.4 million.
Obviously these are just a few examples, but it seems that worthy causes still have generous donors looking to help fund their projects.
