Media

Long Time Veteran Supporter Craig Newmark Announces $100,000 Donation to support IAVA’s newest program The Vote Hub

September 14, 2020
Press

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 14, 2020
CONTACT: press@iava.org

NEW YORK, NY (September 14, 2020) – Craig Newmark, founder of craigslist and Craig Newmark Philanthropies and long time IAVA supporter, announced a generous $100,000 matching challenge to IAVA in support of its mission. Newmark’s call to action of the philanthropic community to support veterans now with a gift that for a limited time will be matched up to $100,000. This matching campaign will allow for IAVA’s continued innovation, in the vein of its newest tool, the Vote Hub, a digital portal designed to help veterans and civilians register to vote, find their polling location and even sign up to be a poll worker.   

IAVA believes veterans are an investment, not a charity and Newmark’s continued support in the form of a matching gift is a welcome and thoughtful investment that will help IAVA create a long-lasting impact on the organization’s mission, to connect, unite and empower post-9/11 veterans through non-partisan advocacy work, groundbreaking veterans research, and dynamic direct-support programs, which serve millions of veterans nationwide. It will also ensure IAVA remains at the forefront of using technology, social media and data to empower the veteran community. It is Newmark’s hope that others will join him in support of IAVA’s mission.

“I am proud to support this incredible organization. IAVA plays a vital role in the veteran landscape,” said Newmark. “I hope that this gift will inspire others to join me in supporting IAVA and America’s newest generation of veterans.” Newmark continued: “Voting is a civic duty and IAVA’s commitment to build a new platform that helps simplify the process while ensuring the privacy of users, is an incredible new resource for veterans and civilians alike. I applaud this investment in our democracy and I ask those who’ve done well in this country to make a gift to IAVA that I am excited to match.”

“Our nation’s veterans are lucky we have a hero like Craig,” said IAVA CEO Jeremy Butler. “For many years, and now once again, Craig has stepped forward as a leader recognizing IAVA’s seat at the table as a trusted organization motivating positive change for this country.” Butler continued: “Craig embodies the IAVA mission and all that is great about American ingenuity, generosity and service to country. We are truly grateful for his support and leadership, and we hope everyone in America will follow him in joining our mission.”

This expanded investment by Newmark in America’s veterans follows a year of historic gifts to promote trustworthy journalism. Newmark views his increased support for veterans and military families as a strategic component of his groundbreaking multi-pillar focus on helping to protect American democracy – alongside trustworthy journalism, voter protection and women in technology.

About IAVA

Founded by an Iraq veteran in 2004, IAVA is the non-partisan leader in advocacy,public awareness and 1-on-1 care management and peer support. We organize locallydrive historic impacts nationally and fight for over 400,000 veterans and their allies nationwide. If a veteran or their family is in need of assistance now, please reach out to IAVA’s Quick Reaction Force at www.quickreactionforce.org or 855-91RAPID (855-917-2743) to be connected promptly with a veteran care manager who will assist you. Visit IAVA’s The Vote Hub at www.votehub.org to register to vote and find polling information.

Craig Newmark Philanthropies was created by craigslist founder Craig Newmark to support and connect people and drive broad civic engagement. The organization works to advance people and grassroots organizations that are getting stuff done in areas that include trustworthy journalism, voter protection, gender diversity in technology, and veterans and military families.

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