Sudanese-led efforts to provide critical aid and services to more than 20 million people caught in a humanitarian crisis received a much-needed boost from an Australia-based philanthropy. Minderoo Foundation recently donated $2 million AUD ($1.3 million USD) to the Center for Disaster Philanthropy’s Sudan Humanitarian Crisis Fund to support broad efforts that help address the critical needs of vulnerable, marginalized, and at-risk groups and build longer-term solutions that enable communities to recover amid famine and conflict. The foundation also joined the Funders for Mutual Aid in Sudan, a group of organizations committed to supporting and strengthening life-saving efforts of frontline humanitarian responders who provide immediate relief, build resilience and pave the way for recovery in their communities. 

I asked John Hartman, CEO of Minderoo Foundation, why they decided to join our efforts, and he said, “Our focus is on enabling the lifesaving work already being led by frontline responders in Sudan. By working with trusted partners like the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, we can direct support where it is most effective and ensure communities have the agency and resources they need during a humanitarian crisis.”

Philanthropy has a critical role to play right now: not only by mobilizing resources urgently, but by funding in ways that honor local expertise, leadership and agency. This latest gift is intended to catalyze additional donations from other funders monitoring the situation in Sudan.  

“This gift strengthens our ability to work alongside those closest to the need and know what their communities need most to recover with hope, dignity and agency,” shared Patricia McIlreavy, CDP’s president and CEO. “In a crisis, donors can choose to stand by or step up. I am grateful to Minderoo Foundation for joining our collective efforts to strengthen long-term, locally led and community-rooted programs that empower communities to rebuild stronger and safer than before the humanitarian crisis.” 

Read the full article about Funders for Mutual Aid in Sudan by Taylor Dudley at Center for Disaster Philanthropy.