FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 8, 2020
CONTACT: press@IAVA.org

NEW YORK, NY – Craig Newmark, founder of craigslist and Craig Newmark Philanthropies and long time IAVA supporter, announced a generous $100,000 matching donation to IAVA. 

IAVA believes veterans are an investment, not a charity and Newmark’s gift is a welcome and thoughtful investment that will help IAVA create a long-lasting impact on the organization’s mission, operations and community, and it will power innovative 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.

This matching challenge will amplify the impact of every other donation that IAVA receives in the month of May. Newmark, a longtime supporter of veterans and military families, is using this donation to challenge other Americans to step up, donate to IAVA and support our nation’s veterans.

“I am proud to support this incredible organization. IAVA plays a vital role in the veterans 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: “Giving Tuesday now is a great start, and today, only a few days after, I hope that the spirit of philanthropy will continue through the entire month of May. I ask those who’ve done well in this country to join me and support IAVA.”

“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 in hopes of inspiring others to join him.” 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: Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) is the premier veterans advocacy and support organization on the planet. Every day, we fight for veterans. Hard. We are the tip-of-the spear non-profit engine of impact that connects, unites and empowers over 400,000 veterans and allies nationwide. Founded by Iraq veteran Paul Rieckhoff in 2004, IAVA is the non-partisan leader in advocacy, public awareness and 1-on-1 care-management support. We organize locally and drive historic impacts nationally.

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.