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Black History Month was established in 1976 under President Gerald Ford, who encouraged Americans to "seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” Following a historic period of activism and community engagement in which cries for racial justice were heard throughout the world, Black History Month presents a unique opportunity to build on the momentum of the racial justice initiatives so many have generously supported. This Fund includes nonprofit organizations that are working diligently to promote economic and social justice for Black Americans and to fight racism and intolerance in the United States. The composition of nonprofits in this fund is subject to change.

The Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, led by The Reverend Martin Luther King Jr., was a pivotal time in our nation’s history and has had far-reaching repercussions. Modern movements for racial justice and equality, like the Black Lives Matter movement, are extensions of the work that he started. MLK Day, celebrated nationally on the third Monday in January, is a day of service that celebrates the Civil Rights leader’s mission, life, and legacy. The holiday, often referred to as “a day on, not a day off,” is dedicated to volunteerism, encouraging people everywhere to reflect and take action in their communities. The call to action on this day is intended to empower individuals, strengthen communities, bridge barriers, create solutions for some of our most pressing social problems, and move us closer to Dr. King’s vision of a “Beloved Community.” Dr. King led the charge to demand the most basic of human rights -- civil rights -- and there are plenty of opportunities to contribute. This Fund is comprised of nonprofit organizations that are fighting for social justice in the U.S. and around the world. We encourage you to give to this campaign, or to search on Bright Funds for a nonprofit that is doing the work to fight racism and intolerance in order to create a more just, equitable world. The composition of nonprofits in this fund is subject to change.

Bright Funds Foundation is funding the purchase of oxygen concentrators and cylinders. These concentrators will be mobilized to local hospitals through a unique partnership between Direct Relief and United Way Bengaluru in India. Oxygen concentrators are among the most vital items needed to treat people with severe Covid-19, who often arrive at hospitals with extreme hypoxemia. High-flow oxygen concentrators are used in hospitals to treat patients needing intensive care, while low-flow concentrators can help hospitals safely discharge patients who are stable but require at-home breathing support. Direct Relief is providing thousands of oxygen concentrators in response, transported by FedEx, free-of-charge, via two donated 777 charter flights. United Way of Bengaluru in India is also purchasing concentrators and cylinders on behalf of grassroots organizations. They are employing grassroots teams to deliver concentrators and cylinders. With your support, we can alleviate the oxygen shortages faced by district hospitals and save countless lives who are dependent on a regular supply of oxygen to survive. Direct Relief is waiving fees to United Way Bengaluru. Bright Funds' service fee will be added back as a donation to the Fund. Image by Gerd Altmann.

Violence against specific groups or races is not a new phenomenon in America; in early 2020, as COVID-19 cases began to appear in the U.S., violence against Asians and Asian-Americans began to increase. Since then, amplified nationalism, bigotry, and the spread of misinformation has contributed to a surge in cases of verbal harassment, physical assault leading to serious injury or even death, as well as civil-rights violations. On January 21, 2023, a deadly mass shooting occurred at the Star Ballroom Dance Studio in Monterey Park, California. To date, ten victims have died and at least ten others are injured. The shooting occurred during the city's first night of Lunar New Year festivities, one of the most important annual celebrations within Eastern and Southeastern Asian communities. Bright Funds stands in solidarity with the Asian community and strongly condemns racism, hate, and xenophobia of any kind. The Asian Anti-Discrimination Fund is comprised of pre-vetted nonprofits committed to supporting those who are taking a stand against racism through policy, advocacy, legal work, community-building, and education.

We are in a moment of reckoning as a nation and society. The protests we are all witnessing collectively is a call to action that we must address and eradicate deep-rooted systemic, personal and institutional racism. Bright Funds has established the Black Lives Matter Systemic Change Fund, composed of pre-vetted nonprofits who work towards systemic solutions that will rethread the fabric of our society to be more just and equitable. Through a single tax deductible donation to the Fund you will support a group of nonprofits that are part of the movement to fight for freedom, liberation and justice for all Black lives.

Bright Funds stands in solidarity and support with Black communities across the United States. We are committed to empowering the activists, donors, companies, and nonprofits that are playing an ongoing role in ushering in a long overdue era of dignity, security, and equality to Black communities. Bright Funds has established the Black Lives Matter Fund, composed of pre-vetted nonprofits working in various areas of reform to end racial discrimination in the criminal justice system and address the overarching systemic injustices facing the Black community in every corner of society. This special Fund was created to reflect our deep belief and commitment to a world where Black lives are no longer systematically targeted, and where justice prevails. Through a single tax deductible donation to the Fund you will support a group of nonprofits that are part of the movement to fight for freedom, liberation, and justice for all Black lives.

The W.H.O. has declared COVID-19 a pandemic and public health emergency of international concern. Bright Funds Foundation has established the 2020 Coronavirus Food Access Fund to support vulnerable populations in need of food access assistance during this time of crisis. Through a single donation to the Fund, you can support multiple organizations' initiatives to provide short-term and long-term response and recovery. Given the ever-changing nature of this pandemic and widespread impact, the composition of the nonprofits in this Fund may evolve.

The W.H.O. has declared COVID-19 a pandemic and public health emergency of international concern. Bright Funds has established The 2020 Coronavirus Response and Recovery Fund, comprised of pre-vetted nonprofits based in the United States providing emergency response around the world and in the US. Through a single donation to the Fund, you can support multiple organizations' initiatives to provide short-term and long-term response and recovery. Given the ever-changing nature of this pandemic and widespread impact, the composition of the nonprofits in this Fund will evolve. Generally this fund will support healthcare, medical needs, vulnerable populations, nutrition/food support at both the local and international level.