Following a #GivingTuesday campaign to raise funds and awareness for local and national domestic violence hotlines, the Avon Foundation for Women and the National Domestic Violence Hotline have partnered to grant $500,000 to 25 local advocacy programs in cities across the U.S.
Each of the selected programs will receive a $20,000 grant to continue operating 24-hour hotlines that provide direct services and support for survivors. A recent census funded by the foundation found that shelters often lack the resources to meet housing and other basic needs.
“The generous dollars received from our partners at the Avon Foundation for Women will enable more victims to get the help they need whether it is for counseling, shelter, legal services or compassionate support as they try to live a life free from violence,” Katie Ray-Jones, CEO of the National Domestic Violence Hotline, said in a statement. “The funds will also serve as a critical resource for nonprofits facing the end of the fiscal year on June 30.”
Last year, the Avon Foundation participated in #GivingTuesday with a matching gift of $500,000 to help raise $1 million for the Hotline. The partnership is part of the foundation’s Speak Out Against Domestic Violence initiative to build awareness and improve services for survivors.