NEW YORK, NY – Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) announces a $500,000 matching donation from Craig Newmark Philanthropies. The philanthropic investment will multiply the impact of every additional gift that the organization receives through the month of December.

One year following its transformational $5 million gift to IAVA, the organization of craigslist founder Craig Newmark has renewed its support of the nonprofit’s mission to connect, unite, and empower post-9/11 veterans. A member of the IAVA Board of Directors and longtime supporter of veterans and military families, Newmark is encouraging his fellow Americans to support those who have served by donating to IAVA. This call-to-action follows a similar challenge Newmark made at the 12th Annual IAVA Heroes Gala, during which he received the 2018 Civilian Leadership Award and helped to announce the previous donation. This year, the philanthropist is further putting his money where his mouth is to encourage other civilians to act on their duty to stand with America’s veterans.

“Our nation’s veterans are lucky we have a hero like Craig,” said Jeremy Butler, CEO of IAVA. “For many years, and now, once again, he has stepped forward as a leader in hopes of inspiring others to join him.”

Butler continued: “We are truly grateful for Craig’s support, and we hope everyone in America will follow him in joining our mission.”

The growing population of post-9/11 veterans is younger, more diverse, and more prone to service-connected disabilities than their predecessors. Recognizing the unique needs of the country’s youngest veterans, IAVA provides them with personalized, one-on-one support. This is in addition to advocating on their behalf at the local and national level, including helping to bring the Post-9/11 GI Bill to reality. To date, the nonprofit has served millions of veterans nationwide.

“Veterans, active service members, and military families uniquely serve our country by both protecting our democracy and embodying our shared values, such as fairness, opportunity, and respect for all,” said Newmark. “IAVA gets results for these brave folks.”

Newmark continued: “I’ve been proud to serve on their Board for the last eleven years and witness their critical wins in Washington, and I hope that this gift will inspire others to join me in supporting IAVA and America’s newest generation of veterans.”

The gift from Craig Newmark Philanthropies will match donations made to IAVA throughout December 2019 one-to-one, up to $500,000, including those made prior to this announcement. Givers need not take any additional steps to unlock the match offer. Those who would like to support IAVA can visit www.donate.IAVA.org/give.