(November 9, 2020)
As Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) prepares to launch its next five-year strategic plan, several in the protection of civilians movement are already taking note. Among those paying close attention to CIVIC is a generous philanthropic family that has been advocating for stronger human rights and improved protection of civilians caught in conflict for over two decades. They have decided to offer up to $250,000 in matching funds to CIVIC. This investment represents the largest investment from a private family that CIVIC has received to date.
Every day, at least 100 civilians die in conflict according to the United Nations. In 2019 alone, over 20,000 civilian casualties occurred in just ten countries, while in 2018 12,000 children were killed or maimed in conflict, the highest number ever recorded. Armed conflict today is increasingly turning into a war against civilians.
But this doesn’t have to be the case. Through its work in conflict-affected communities and in the halls of power, CIVIC has demonstrated that there is nothing inevitable about civilian casualties in war, and that civilian harm can be prevented, minimized, and remedied. Investments like this $250,000 matching gift coming from passionate families helps to ensure CIVIC’s ability to implement critical protection measures.
When asked about why the timing of this investment is important, the donors had this to say, “CIVIC is poised to make significant advances in the protection of civilians movement over the next five years. It has become clear to us that bringing their programs to scale will be instrumental in that, but without significant investment in their infrastructure progress would be much more challenging. Our hope is that this matching grant allows CIVIC to increase their unrestricted support and therefore execute upon their bold vision of no civilians being harmed in conflict.”
This gift won’t be realized, however, unless others step forward and also invest in our critical work. During this year-end giving season, gifts from other philanthropically-minded individuals can be matched so that their impact can be doubled. Together, a stronger protection of civilians movement will be built. To learn more about how you can participate in this match campaign, and double your impact today, please contact Sean Maloney, Development Director, at smaloney@civiliansinconflict.org.
Find a PDF of the press release here.
