By The Patterson Foundation
Through more than a decade of working in philanthropy, The Patterson Foundation has learned the important role connectivity plays in strengthening people, organizations, and communities recovering from a large-scale disaster. While not always top of mind for donors in the days following a disaster, opportunities to restore and boost connectivity have proven time and again to be a wise investment — powering life-saving relief efforts and granting victims access to the resources necessary to safely navigate the crisis, among other essential needs.
NetHope, one of The Patterson Foundation’s longtime partners in strategic giving following a disaster, has informed this knowledge across its responses to multiple crises across the globe. The Feb. 6 earthquake that has devastated parts of Türkiye and Syria has once more highlighted the need for communications technology and connectivity in what continues to be a perilous time for millions across both countries.
To strengthen efforts to rebuild connectivity throughout the regions affected by this disaster, The Patterson Foundation has given $125,000 in unrestricted funding to NetHope's emergency response to the earthquake in Türkiye & Syria. The funding will provide internet connectivity for the people most affected by this disaster, technology equipment, and ensure better digital protection and cybersecurity to humanitarian aid organizations responding to the earthquake.
The total provides for half of NetHope’s $250,000 total funding goal for the response — a reflection of The Patterson Foundation’s belief in NetHope’s work and its proven track record of creating sustainable impact for those it serves.
“As citizens of the world, we are all affected by the horrendous scenes of destruction coming out of Türkiye and Syria,” said Debra Jacobs, president and CEO of The Patterson Foundation. “The Patterson Foundation has the moral imperative to strengthen people, organizations, and communities wherever large-scale disaster strikes. Through NetHope, donors have an opportunity to focus their support toward restoring connectivity, an often overlooked but crucial component of effective disaster response efforts.”
Founded in 2001, NetHope is a consortium of more than 65 leading international nonprofits that partners with global leaders in technology and philanthropy to design, fund, and implement innovative approaches to solve humanitarian challenges in the developing world through the use of technology.
NetHope’s Earthquake Response is focused on three main priorities:
“The Patterson Foundation understands the need for expert action at speed in an emergency like that of the devastating earthquake,” said Lance Pierce, CEO of NetHope. “Communication is aid. Internet connectivity is a vital need that assists those affected find safe shelter, food, and support and connects the agencies and experts who will help them. We are grateful for the generosity of The Patterson Foundation for their contribution and the tremendous impact their gift will make to those who need it most.”
This latest gift makes up part of the nearly $2.7 million The Patterson Foundation has invested in NetHope since 2011.
Visit thepattersonfoundation.org to learn more about The Patterson Foundation and its support for NetHope.
To help with this critical effort, please contact Molly Gascoigne, Chief Partnerships and Philanthropy Officer at molly.gascoigne@nethope.org or click here to donate today.
