pennywise responses
The Urgent Response Fund supports smart, efficient, and effective responses to geopolitical crises in their immediate aftermath. From natural disasters to threats to reproductive freedom, our partners are working hard and saving lives under extraordinarily difficult circumstances .
human rights
We are angry. We are engaged. We are taking action.
In June 2022, the Supreme Court issued its decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, overruling Roe v. Wade and denying women constitutional protection of their reproductive rights. Pennywise has been working diligently to identify organizations that are meeting this moment in resourceful and effective ways, working to ensure that women can still access full spectrum reproductive care. Our grantees:
In June 2022, the Supreme Court issued its decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, overruling Roe v. Wade and denying women constitutional protection of their reproductive rights. Pennywise has been working diligently to identify organizations that are meeting this moment in resourceful and effective ways, working to ensure that women can still access full spectrum reproductive care. Our grantees:
- Offer direct services in states where abortion will remain legal
- Generate safe, legal pathways to abortion access for all women in the US
- Work at the intersection of reproductive rights and voter engagement to demand policy reform
natural disasters
July 2023 - VT Flood Response
On July 10th, 2023 Vermont experienced historic and catastrophic flooding. Pennywise was honored to be able to play an immediate role in the response. We dedicated our energy to assessing flood related fundraising efforts that were underway around the state. We have strengthened old partnerships and entered into exciting new ones to achieve our goal of maximizing the impact of every penny we contribute to relief efforts.
Pennywise support went to the following organizations:
On July 10th, 2023 Vermont experienced historic and catastrophic flooding. Pennywise was honored to be able to play an immediate role in the response. We dedicated our energy to assessing flood related fundraising efforts that were underway around the state. We have strengthened old partnerships and entered into exciting new ones to achieve our goal of maximizing the impact of every penny we contribute to relief efforts.
Pennywise support went to the following organizations:
- The Vermont Main Street Flood Recovery Fund
- The Intervale Center
- The Vermont Flood Response and Recovery Fund
February 2023 - Earthquake Response for Survivors in Syria
Our partners at Alight began immediately to provide critical support for Syrians who’ve been displaced from their homes by the massive earthquake that hit the region on February 6, 2023. Alight has provided food, warm clothing and blankets, hygiene items, and heated, safe shelter for over 1,000 families in Aleppo, Syria. They also offered cash support to bridge families through the disaster and, when possible, helped people make repairs and return to their homes.
Our partners at Alight began immediately to provide critical support for Syrians who’ve been displaced from their homes by the massive earthquake that hit the region on February 6, 2023. Alight has provided food, warm clothing and blankets, hygiene items, and heated, safe shelter for over 1,000 families in Aleppo, Syria. They also offered cash support to bridge families through the disaster and, when possible, helped people make repairs and return to their homes.
June-October 2022
Resources for Flood Survivors in Pakistan
Pennywise worked with Alight to play its role in alleviating the plight of flood victims in Pakistan. Through a large network of volunteers and partners, Alight has provided relief support across four provinces where the response had been limited. Alight distributed food packets and collaborated with multiple organizations, sharing its experience and capacity to address various flood-related challenges.
Resources for Flood Survivors in Pakistan
Pennywise worked with Alight to play its role in alleviating the plight of flood victims in Pakistan. Through a large network of volunteers and partners, Alight has provided relief support across four provinces where the response had been limited. Alight distributed food packets and collaborated with multiple organizations, sharing its experience and capacity to address various flood-related challenges.
August 2021
Haiti Earthquake Emergency Response
Pennywise helped provide direct support through our dear friends at SOIL. Two local Haitian community leaders from the south took emergency supplies to the areas affected and assessed the needs of the people there.
All of SOIL's relief efforts were conducted in partnership with trusted local organizations.
Haiti Earthquake Emergency Response
Pennywise helped provide direct support through our dear friends at SOIL. Two local Haitian community leaders from the south took emergency supplies to the areas affected and assessed the needs of the people there.
All of SOIL's relief efforts were conducted in partnership with trusted local organizations.
2017 Anguilla Heritage Assessment Project.
Hurricane Irma, a category 5 hurricane made landfall on islands in the eastern Caribbean on September 6, 2017. The storm devastated the island of Anguilla, causing widespread damage to buildings and utilities infrastructure. Among those buildings damaged or destroyed were some of the oldest structures on the island including churches and those associated with the island’s historic salt industry. Erosion of coastal pre-Columbian archaeological sites is also expected to have occurred.
Hurricane Irma, a category 5 hurricane made landfall on islands in the eastern Caribbean on September 6, 2017. The storm devastated the island of Anguilla, causing widespread damage to buildings and utilities infrastructure. Among those buildings damaged or destroyed were some of the oldest structures on the island including churches and those associated with the island’s historic salt industry. Erosion of coastal pre-Columbian archaeological sites is also expected to have occurred.
humanitarian relief
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Vermont Benefit for Ukraine
Vermont has an incredible history of welcoming refugees, and is home to many who have fled the Putins of the world. Pennywise partnered with local organizers on an online and in-person fundraising event benefitting victims of the war. Pennywise offered fundraising infrastructure, implementation experience and a matching grant to helo increase impact. We raised money but were also able to put bodies in a room, to send a huge wave of support to the people of Ukraine and their families here in VT, to stand as a community in the face of authoritarianism. |
War in Ukraine: Immediate response
Pennywise was proud to begin supporting Alight (formerly the American Refugee Committee) immediately following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Alight is an international non-profit that has been monitoring the situation in Ukraine for months. They are all about finding others. About inviting people and organizations in who understand those they serve deeply, and who are doing incredible work around the world. For years they have been building a platform where these amazing organizations can come together, leverage each others strengths, and solve big problems while staying close to the people they serve. Together, they are amplifying the good they do and developing new solutions and approaches for the displaced. |