Greater New Orleans Foundation Establishes Hurricane Isaac Relief Fund For Immediate and Long Term Relief in Greater New Orleans Area

NEW ORLEANS, Aug. 30, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- To provide immediate relief for the victims of Hurricane Isaac, the Greater New Orleans Foundation has opened the Hurricane Isaac Relief Fund (HIRF). Proceeds from this fund will support nonprofit organizations in the Greater New Orleans area providing storm assistance and care for residents with emergency needs. As for long term recovery efforts, the HIRF will be used to address the comprehensive rebuilding needs of the community.

"Just as important as short term relief is the strategy for addressing the long term effects of this disaster," says Albert Ruesga, president and CEO of the Greater New Orleans Foundation. "While it's way too early to know the full extent of the storm's aftermath, our experience after hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and after the Gulf Coast Oil Spill, has fully prepared us to aggressively tackle both the immediate and long term challenges our community is facing."

The Greater New Orleans Foundation administers similar funds that benefit the region. In 2005, immediately after hurricane Katrina, the Rebuild New Orleans Fund was established with assets totaling more than $25 million. In the past five years, the Foundation has directed 1,200 grants to help storm victims and to provide critical resources for returning residents home. After the 2010 Gulf Coast oil spill, the Greater New Orleans Foundation generated over $1 million in relief for clean-up efforts.

Donations to the Hurricane Isaac Relief Fund (HIRF) can be made online here.

About the Greater New Orleans Foundation
The Greater New Orleans Foundation is one of the oldest and largest philanthropic organizations in the region. Every day, the Foundation joins other foundations, non-profit organizations, community leaders, and government officials to address the needs of the community and build consensus for solutions. Together with its family of donors, the Foundation has invested over $100 million in our region since it opened its doors over 25 years ago to respond to community needs. www.gnof.org

SOURCE Greater New Orleans Foundation