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On June 22nd, 2022 a powerful earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan. That afternoon, the toll had already reached at least 1,000 casualties and more than 1,500 more injured. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the 5.9-magnitude earthquake occurred around 1:30 a.m. local time. It was felt across most of the country, and because it took place near the border of Pakistan, the country was also affected. We don't yet know the full magnitude of the disaster, but these organizations are sharing their work and receiving donations so that you can help those affected.

Mass shootings in the United States continue to plague our communities with tragedy and senseless violence. The mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas on Tuesday, May 25, 2022 took the lives of 21, including 19 children, leaving the nation shocked and heartbroken. Days before, 10 people were killed and 3 were injured during a shooting at a Buffalo, New York supermarket in what is considered a targeted attack on the African-American community. Another mass shooting occurred in Monterey Park, California on January 21, 2023 and has taken the lives of 10, with at least 10 others injured, while the community was celebrating the Lunar New Year. On February 13, 2023, three students were killed and five others were injured after a gunman opened fire on Michigan State University's East Lansing campus. These tragedies, among hundreds of others, have devastated countless communities throughout the country. Gun violence in the United States has become a public health crisis, and leaves citizens wondering what they can do to help prevent the next tragedy. Bright Funds created the Anti-Gun Violence Fund to promote and support organizations whose missions include advocating for gun violence prevention at all levels. These pre-vetted organizations use legislative advocacy, education, research and community-based programming to enhance gun control policy while educating community members on the warning signs of a potential attack. Through a single donation to this fund you will support a group of nonprofit organizations who are doing the work to create a nation safe from the tragedy of gun violence.

The Antiracism Fund supports organizations doing the hard, important work of advancing antiracism. The Antiracism Fund includes organizations that support efforts to advance antiracism through research, education, policy, advocacy and community outreach. These organizations promote comprehensive and fundamental societal change in order to achieve racial equity for all. “In a racist society it is not enough to be non-racist, we must be anti-racist.” — Angela Davis

Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, over 7 million people have fled Ukraine and nearly 18 million Ukranians are in need of humanitarian aid. Bright Funds has established the Ukraine Humanitarian Support Fund, composed of pre-vetted nonprofits committed to providing this critical aid to Ukrainians. Through a single donation to the Fund you will support a group of nonprofits that are mobilizing resources to help those who are most vulnerable during this conflict.

November 11th is Veteran's Day, a national day of recognition for veterans of the United States Armed Forces. The Veterans Day Fund features organizations that support the men and women who have served our country, as well as their families. These organizations provide a variety of services, including mental health and supportive services, financial assistance, and support for life after duty including job opportunities and community engagement. Veterans Day by the Numbers: 19.5 million – the approximate number of veterans in the United States 9 million – the number of veterans over the age of 65 5.06 million – the number of veterans receiving disability compensation 2 million – the number of female veterans of those receiving disability compensation 500k – the number of World War II veterans still living in the United States 1.56 million – the number of veterans in California, the highest number in the country 1.46 million – the number of veterans in Texas, the second-highest number in the country 11% – the percentage of veterans who experience homelessness 50% – the percentage of veterans experiencing homelessness who also live with a mental illness like PTSD Through a single donation to the Veterans Day Fund, you will support highly-rated organizations dedicated to supporting and honoring America's veterans. The composition of nonprofits in this fund is subject to change.

November is Native American Heritage Month (NAHM), also known as American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month. It is a time to celebrate the rich and diverse ancestry, cultures, traditions, and histories of America's Indigenous people. According to the National Congress of American Indians, NAHM is also “an opportunity to educate our workforce, raise awareness about the uniqueness of Native people, and the myriad of ways in which tribal citizens have conquered challenges to maintain voice and dignity and to remain an influencing presence in a rapidly evolving nation.” Through a single donation to the Native American Heritage Month Fund, you will support Indigenous-led nonprofits focused on building Indigenous power, protecting and restoring land and culture, and strengthening and supporting healthy Native communities. The composition of nonprofits in this fund is subject to change. Fund photo by Getty Images.

World Food Day celebrates the global progress made toward zero hunger and highlights the world’s commitment to ending world hunger by 2030. Celebrated annually on 16 October, World Food Day promotes global awareness and action for those who suffer from hunger, and to highlight the need to ensure healthy diets for all. Collective action across 150 countries is what makes World Food Day one of the most celebrated days of the United Nations’ calendar. Hundreds of events and outreach activities bring together governments, businesses, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), the media, and general public. They promote worldwide awareness and action for those who suffer from hunger and for the need to ensure healthy diets for all. Bright Funds created the World Food Day Fund so that you can support the work of great organizations addressing hunger in worldwide. The composition of nonprofits in this fund is subject to change. #WorldFoodDay #FoodHeroes fao.org/world-food-day

Bright Funds has created the Hispanic Heritage Fund to recognize the innumerable contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans. This Fund was created to honor the contributions and culture of Hispanic and Latino Americans. We invite you to join us in celebrating the history and culture of the U.S. Latinx and Hispanic communities. The composition of nonprofits in this fund is subject to change.

World Refugee Day, recognized annually on June 20, was established by the United Nations to celebrate and honor refugees around the world. According to the UN, every minute, 20 people leave everything behind to escape war, persecution or terror. More than 80 million people around the world have fled their homes, which is just the beginning of a long and difficult journey, often involving refugee camps, abrupt relocations, family separation, and unnavigable bureaucratic processes. Through a single donation to the Fund, you can support multiple organizations working for and on behalf of refugees around the world. Join us in shining a light on the rights, needs and dreams of refugees so that everyone can not only survive, but also thrive. The composition of nonprofits in this fund is subject to change. Hashtags: #WithRefugees #WorldRefugeeDay2021 #RefugeesWelcome *Fun fact: The first-ever Refugee Team competed at the 2016 Olympics in Rio. The team was comprised of athletes from Ethiopia, South Sudan, The Democratic Republic of Congo, and Syria.*

World Oceans Day, recognized annually on June 8, was established by the United Nations to both celebrate the beauty and mystery of the ocean, as well as to promote public interest in protecting, preserving, and sustainably managing its resources. The ocean covers 70% of the planet and produces at least half of the available oxygen; it is home to the vast majority of earth’s biodiversity, is a major source of food for billions around the world, and is a key driver of global economies. However, 90% of big fish populations are depleted, more than 50% of coral reefs are destroyed, and we are taking more from the ocean than can be replenished. Through a single donation to the Fund, you can support multiple organizations' initiatives working to protect our oceans and the life within them. Join us is supporting organizations that help significantly reduce marine pollution, protect marine and coastal ecosystems, and work towards the conservation and sustainable use of the sea. The composition of nonprofits in this fund is subject to change.

On June 19, 1865 -- a full two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued -- news of the end of slavery finally reached Texas. Since then, Juneteenth, also known as Jubilee Day, Liberation Day, and Emancipation Day, has become a time to recognize and celebrate the culture, contributions, and achievements of African Americans. Early celebrations often served a dual purpose as political rallies to give voting instructions to newly freed enslaved peoples. However, in the early 20th century, economic and political forces led to a decline in Juneteenth celebrations due to state laws and amendments being passed that disenfranchised Black people and excluded them from voting, such as the Jim Crow laws. The Civil Rights Movement re-invigorated the holiday. In 2020, in the midst of several high-profile deaths of Black men at the hands of police, Juneteenth started to become more widely known and its significance particularly important. Systemic racism continues to plague the United States, and the struggle for true Black liberation continues to this day. Join us in supporting organizations that continue to work on dismantling white supremacy and eliminating systemic racism. The Juneteenth Fund is composed of nonprofits with missions that address these complex, pervasive relics of oppression through education, policy, advocacy, and access to quality healthcare and other direct services. The composition of nonprofits in this fund is subject to change.

In the summer of 1969, police raided a gay bar in New York City; the riots that ensued were a major turning point for the fight for gay rights in the United States. Since June 1970, LGBTQ+ folks, along with activists, advocates, and allies have continued to gather together in June to march with Pride. While there are still many obstacles the LGBTQ+ community faces, significant progress has been made over the past few decades. The Pride Fund supports organizations that promote the safety and advance the wellbeing of the LGBTQ+ community through advocacy, direct services, health accessibility, education, legal representation, and public policy changes. Through a single donation to the Fund, you can support multiple organizations' initiatives working to ensure acceptance, equity, and justice for all. The composition of nonprofits in this fund is subject to change.

May is Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, a time to recognize and celebrate Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States. May was chosen to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese to the U.S. on May 7, 1843, and to mark the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869 which had been primarily constructed by Chinese immigrants. Bright Funds has established the AAPI Heritage Month Fund, composed of highly-rated Asian American nonprofits focused on civil rights, housing rights, legal representation, education, and cultural preservation and expression, all to amplify the community’s voice. Through a single donation to the Fund you will support a group of nonprofits that are working to eliminate discrimination and lift the voices of the AAPI community. The composition of nonprofits in this fund is subject to change.

Every year in May, Mental Health Month provides a dedicated time to raise awareness about the realities of individuals living with mental illness and ways to manage and achieve mental wellness.The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the mental health of people of all ages. In November 2020, the CDC reported that 44% of Americans were coping with either depression or anxiety. Now, more than ever, it is critical to reduce the stigma around mental health struggles -- because that stigma often prevents individuals from seeking help. Bright Funds has established the Mental Health Awareness Month Fund composed of pre-vetted nonprofits committed to raising mental health awareness. Through a single donation to the Fund, you will support a group of nonprofits that are providing direct services, doing research, and educating in order to challenge myths, biases, and discrimination about what mental health is - and what it is not. The composition of nonprofits in this fund is subject to change.

Earth Day is celebrated each year on April 22nd, marking the anniversary of the modern environmental movement. Earth Day is marked by more than a billion people annually as a day of action toward a cleaner environment and the fight against climate change. We encourage you to give to this campaign, or to search on Bright Funds for a nonprofit that is working toward a healthier planet. The composition of nonprofits in this fund is subject to change.

International Women's Day (IWD), observed annually on March 8, is a worldwide celebration of women’s achievements. It offers an opportunity to reflect on progress made, to call for change, and to honor acts of courage and determination by women who have helped in moving the needle toward gender parity within their countries and communities. We encourage you to give to this campaign, or to search on Bright Funds for a nonprofit that is helping to create a more just, equitable world. The composition of nonprofits in this fund is subject to change.

Black History Month was established in 1976 under President Gerald Ford, who encouraged Americans to "seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” Following a historic period of activism and community engagement in which cries for racial justice were heard throughout the world, Black History Month presents a unique opportunity to build on the momentum of the racial justice initiatives so many have generously supported. This Fund includes nonprofit organizations that are working diligently to promote economic and social justice for Black Americans and to fight racism and intolerance in the United States. The composition of nonprofits in this fund is subject to change.

The Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, led by The Reverend Martin Luther King Jr., was a pivotal time in our nation’s history and has had far-reaching repercussions. Modern movements for racial justice and equality, like the Black Lives Matter movement, are extensions of the work that he started. MLK Day, celebrated nationally on the third Monday in January, is a day of service that celebrates the Civil Rights leader’s mission, life, and legacy. The holiday, often referred to as “a day on, not a day off,” is dedicated to volunteerism, encouraging people everywhere to reflect and take action in their communities. The call to action on this day is intended to empower individuals, strengthen communities, bridge barriers, create solutions for some of our most pressing social problems, and move us closer to Dr. King’s vision of a “Beloved Community.” Dr. King led the charge to demand the most basic of human rights -- civil rights -- and there are plenty of opportunities to contribute. This Fund is comprised of nonprofit organizations that are fighting for social justice in the U.S. and around the world. We encourage you to give to this campaign, or to search on Bright Funds for a nonprofit that is doing the work to fight racism and intolerance in order to create a more just, equitable world. The composition of nonprofits in this fund is subject to change.

Torrential rain this weekend led to devastating flooding in the Middle Tennessee Area. In support of the communities impacted by the floods, Bright Funds has established the 2021 Tennessee Flood Response and Recovery Fund. This Fund is comprised of pre-vetted nonprofits providing emergency response in the region. Through a single donation to the Fund, you can support multiple organizations' initiatives to provide short-term and long-term response and recovery. We have initially selected organizations that are providing immediate relief needs. The composition of the nonprofits in this Fund are subject to change as we learn more about the needs on the ground.

Violence is escalating in Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover of the presidential palace and seizing control over the country. Bright Funds established the 2021 Afghanistan Emergency Aid Fund to support organizations working to deliver aid to areas in conflict and support displaced people in Kabul. This fund is comprised of pre-vetted nonprofits providing emergency response in the region. Through a single tax deductible donation to the Fund, you can support multiple organizations’ initiatives. We have initially selected organizations that are on the ground assisting with immediate relief needs. The composition of nonprofits in this fund is subject to change as we learn more about the needs on the ground.

On Saturday, August 14, a 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck the southwestern part of Haiti. Bright Funds has established the 2021 Haiti Earthquake Disaster Response and Recovery Fund. This fund is comprised of pre-vetted nonprofits providing disaster response in the region. Through a single tax deductible donation to the Fund, you can support multiple organizations’ initiatives to provide short-term and long-term response and recovery. We have initially selected organizations that are on the ground assisting with immediate relief needs, including rescue efforts and medical assistance. The composition of nonprofits in this fund is subject to change as we learn more about the needs on the ground.

Bright Funds Foundation is funding the purchase of oxygen concentrators and cylinders. These concentrators will be mobilized to local hospitals through a unique partnership between Direct Relief and United Way Bengaluru in India. Oxygen concentrators are among the most vital items needed to treat people with severe Covid-19, who often arrive at hospitals with extreme hypoxemia. High-flow oxygen concentrators are used in hospitals to treat patients needing intensive care, while low-flow concentrators can help hospitals safely discharge patients who are stable but require at-home breathing support. Direct Relief is providing thousands of oxygen concentrators in response, transported by FedEx, free-of-charge, via two donated 777 charter flights. United Way of Bengaluru in India is also purchasing concentrators and cylinders on behalf of grassroots organizations. They are employing grassroots teams to deliver concentrators and cylinders. With your support, we can alleviate the oxygen shortages faced by district hospitals and save countless lives who are dependent on a regular supply of oxygen to survive. Direct Relief is waiving fees to United Way Bengaluru. Bright Funds' service fee will be added back as a donation to the Fund. Image by Gerd Altmann.

India is experiencing a catastrophic second wave of COVID-19, consistently surpassing its own daily records of infection rates and deaths. While Delhi has been hit the hardest, the virus has rapidly traveled to smaller cities and towns that are struggling. The situation in India is devastating, and it poses a global risk -- experts warn that the more the virus spreads, the more chances it has to mutate and create variants that could eventually resist current vaccines in circulation, threatening to undermine other countries' progress in containing the pandemic. The 2021 India COVID-19 Recovery Fund is composed of pre-vetted nonprofits based in the United States providing emergency response in India. Through a single donation to the Fund, you can support multiple organizations' initiatives to provide short-term and long-term response and recovery. Our Fund approach is informed by expert and local recommendations based on up to date information from disaster philanthropy and nongovernmental organization networks, such as the Center for Disaster Philanthropy. Given the ever-changing nature of this pandemic and widespread impact, the composition of the nonprofits in this Fund will evolve. Generally this fund will support healthcare, medical needs, vulnerable populations, and essential services. (Photo: Shivamjoker / Tumisu)

Violence against specific groups or races is not a new phenomenon in America; in early 2020, as COVID-19 cases began to appear in the U.S., violence against Asians and Asian-Americans began to increase. Since then, amplified nationalism, bigotry, and the spread of misinformation has contributed to a surge in cases of verbal harassment, physical assault leading to serious injury or even death, as well as civil-rights violations. On January 21, 2023, a deadly mass shooting occurred at the Star Ballroom Dance Studio in Monterey Park, California. To date, ten victims have died and at least ten others are injured. The shooting occurred during the city's first night of Lunar New Year festivities, one of the most important annual celebrations within Eastern and Southeastern Asian communities. Bright Funds stands in solidarity with the Asian community and strongly condemns racism, hate, and xenophobia of any kind. The Asian Anti-Discrimination Fund is comprised of pre-vetted nonprofits committed to supporting those who are taking a stand against racism through policy, advocacy, legal work, community-building, and education.

We are in a moment of reckoning as a nation and society. The protests we are all witnessing collectively is a call to action that we must address and eradicate deep-rooted systemic, personal and institutional racism. Bright Funds has established the Black Lives Matter Systemic Change Fund, composed of pre-vetted nonprofits who work towards systemic solutions that will rethread the fabric of our society to be more just and equitable. Through a single tax deductible donation to the Fund you will support a group of nonprofits that are part of the movement to fight for freedom, liberation and justice for all Black lives.