At Rutgers Global Health Institute, we view health as a matter of social justice, and we believe “global health” is about equity, not geography. On March 24, Rutgers Giving Day, we came together as a community to help confront health disparities in New Jersey, which have worsened due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During the 24-hour event, we raised $18,870 for our new Health Equity in New Jersey Fund, which supports the institute’s efforts to address global health issues in Rutgers’ home state.
Results broken down
The $18,870 raised includes $15,370 in donations from 142 individuals and $3,500 in challenge grants:
- $2,500 – Newcomer’s Leaderboard (fourth place for highest unique donor count among funds participating in Rutgers Giving Day for the first time)
- $1,000 – Faculty and Staff Challenge (fund within Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences supported by the most faculty and staff)
Among the $15,370 in donations were $7,500 in matching gifts from members of the Rutgers Global Health Institute Impact Council and friends of Rutgers Global Health Institute.
Equitable Recovery
These funds will help support Equitable Recovery for New Jersey’s Small Businesses, a program that is providing much-needed help to small businesses and nonprofit organizations in low-income communities. Minority- and women-owned businesses are facing especially dire economic circumstances.
The Equitable Recovery program offers free training and consultations pertaining to a safe workplace, as well as access to a variety of supportive services. The goal is to keep infections down, keep workers employed, and increase the chances that these businesses can survive over the long term.
Donations enable us to offer the Equitable Recovery program at no cost to small businesses and nonprofit organizations that are facing enormous obstacles during this pandemic. The program is underway in New Brunswick and rolling out in Newark. Additional funds help us increase our impact and reach other vulnerable communities throughout New Jersey.
Ambassador impact
Sixteen volunteer ambassadors reached out to friends, family, and colleagues in their own personal and professional networks to raise awareness and encourage others to donate to the Health Equity in New Jersey Fund. They are: Reena Antony, Terence Darcy, Umer Hassan, Jim Hoyt, Lara De Meo Hoyt, Arpita Jindani, Richard Marlink, Rohit Mukherjee, Shane Neibart, Adishi Ranjan, Lori Riley, Marlena Sabatino, Angela Senger-Mersich, Kinnary Shah, Kim Swann, and Olivia Varga.
In Case You Missed It
You can still support our Equitable Recovery program by donating to the Health Equity in New Jersey Fund.