BWF in the News

June 28, 2011

SAN FRANCISCO, June 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- craigslist and craigconnects founder Craig Newmark today launched a month-long campaign to support non-profit and government organizations that successfully work with veterans and military families. The campaign is part of his craigconnects initiative launched in March, and includes a $100,000 grant challenge for four highly respected non-profit veterans' organizations, as well as extensive social media outreach by Newmark and the organizations involved.

"A lot of people do a lot of good work to help military families and vets, and I'd like to bring attention to them and to provide some direct support," said Newmark.

The non-profit organizations selected for the campaign are Blue Star Families, the Bob Woodruff Foundation, the Intrepid Foundation, and Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. The four will participate in a grant challenge to raise funds from their existing and new supporters.

"These guys really get the job done, effectively providing services and advocacy where they're needed," said Newmark.

Newmark said he will donate a total of $100,000 to the four organizations based on the number of donations they receive during the challenge, rather than the amount of money they raise. "What I want to do with craigconnects is help build involvement, not just raise money. All non-profits need money, but what they really need are supporters who will be there long-term. I hope everybody will come to our site, check out these groups, and decide which they want to support."

He added that he is also using social and traditional media to support government agencies like the Department of Veterans Affairs and local VA medical centers. "They're starting to use social media to provide better customer service and outreach to our veterans," he said. "I want people to know about the good stuff they're getting done." Click here to view more

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