In response to the horrific shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas,
The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation has announced a total of $250,000 in emergency grants to organizations that are assisting victims and community members impacted by this tragedy. On May 24, 2022, just 10 days after the tragic massacre in Buffalo, an 18-year-old entered Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas and killed 19 children and two teachers before he was shot and killed by police. We mourn the lives lost and stand with the community of Uvalde in the wake of this senseless tragedy.
The Weinberg Foundation’s emergency funding package consists of the following grants:
- $125,000 to the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country (Uvalde Strong Fund) – This Fund supports victims, their families, and all residents of Uvalde, including local nonprofit organizations working to meet critical needs following this tragedy. The Fund will be directed by an advisory committee comprised of Uvalde residents who will allocate the funds according to the needs and priorities of the victims’ families and larger community. The Fund will also support long-term efforts within the Uvalde community focused on long-term recovery and healing, including the provision of medical and mental health services in the months to come.
- $125,000 to Sandy Hook Promise Foundation – This grant will support the national work of Sandy Hook Promise, which was established to advocate for sensible gun reform following the similar, horrific mass shooting that took place at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012. The organization also provides direct services, including training programs aimed at preventing gun violence and mass shootings. The organization will likely see an influx of funds following the Robb Elementary shooting, which will allow Sandy Hook Promise to expand its reach and effectiveness.
The Weinberg Foundation’s response to other recent emergencies and disasters includes $250,000 in response to the recent mass shooting in Buffalo, New York; $1 million in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine; $18 million in COVID emergency funding to existing grantees; $250,000 in response to the 2021 US multi-state tornado outbreak; $100,000 to support those affected by the 2021 collapse of the Champlain Towers condo building in Florida; $200,000 in response to the 2020 wildfires in Northern California; $1.2 million in response to the 2018 Tree of Life Synagogue mass shooting; and $500,000 each in the wake of 2017 hurricanes Irma (in Florida) and Harvey (in Texas). The Foundation also supported Israel in times of crisis, including $500,000 in emergency relief during the 2012 missile attacks in Israel and $700,000 for services supporting those affected by the Gaza conflict in 2014.