Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors Launches Initiative with The Bridge Fund to Support Work on the Ground in Sichuan Province.

New York, NY, May 22, 2008 – In the face of unspeakable destruction and untold human tragedy caused by the recent earthquake in Sichuan Province of China, Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors today announced that it is coordinating a donor appeal through The Bridge Fund, one of its special projects that has developed long-standing relationships with local and national Chinese charitable organizations since its establishment 12 years ago.

Working in close coordination with China Charity Federation, Sichuan International Friendship Association and the Sichuan Red Cross, the Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors initiative – The Bridge Fund Sichuan Earthquake Compassion Fund – will assist approximately 100,000 people affected by the earthquake over a 12-month period. The fund will meet immediate needs in the region by providing critical supplies, including food, drinking water, tents, quilts, warm clothes, jerry cans, kitchen sets, illuminating equipment and medical services, including disease control.

The Bridge Fund is well situated to work effectively and swiftly on the ground having collaborated extensively with organizations based in Sichuan Province, including Chengdu, Aba Prefecture and Ganzi Prefecture, according to Melissa Berman, President and CEO of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors.

 “The Bridge Fund will make use of its strong, deeply rooted relationships with non-governmental organizations based in Sichuan Province, providing a unique opportunity for donors who want the assurance that their contributions will have a direct impact and bring immediate relief to those who are undergoing such suffering,” Berman said. 

Over the years, The Bridge Fund has worked with local partners in the most remote and hardest to reach areas of the region supporting healthcare, education, community development, cultural heritage preservation and environmental conservation.

“Our heart goes out to all the people who have been affected by this catastrophe, which has so devastated the vibrant communities that have been part of our lives for many years,” said Monica Garry, Executive Director of the Bridge Fund. “We hope that our work and familiarity in the region will help us anticipate and meet the needs of those who are suffering.”

Donations provided through the fund will aim to meet the initial appeal from the International Red Cross to raise $19.3 million dollars for the benefit of the Red Cross Society of China relief efforts. Contributions from the special fund will also be targeted to support a second phase of community rebuilding efforts, especially in the remote areas of Aba Prefecture to assist Chinese and Tibetans who have been injured, have lost their jobs and homes.

Donations may be made to:

The Bridge Fund Sichuan Earthquake Compassion Fund

Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors

6 West 48^th Street, 10^th floor

New York, NY 10036

 

About Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors

Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors (www.rockpa.org) is an independent, nonprofit service that develops and manages effective giving programs for individuals, families, foundations and trusts. In 2007, Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors advised on more than $165 million in giving in 30 countries. Headquartered in New York City, with offices in San Francisco and Los Angeles, it traces its antecedents to John D. Rockefeller, Sr., who in 1891 began to professionally manage philanthropy “as if it were a business.” He set the style of family giving by specifying that grants would be used “for the well-being of people throughout the world.” Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors also includes The Philanthropic Collaborative, a special charitable gift fund vehicle managed solely as a service to clients. 

 

About The Bridge Fund

The Bridge Fund (www.bridgefund.org), established in 1996, strives to fulfill its mission of promoting sustainable economic development, environmental conservation and cultural heritage preservation in Tibetan communities in China. Its priority is to assist the most disadvantaged of these communities, which lack or have limited access to economic opportunities, technical skills, education, and health care. Current programs are focused on education, healthcare, cultural preservation, business, environment and community development.

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