Haiti Telethon Organizers Award $35-Million in Relief Grants

Organizers of the “Hope for Haiti Now” telethon, which has raised more than $66-million for earthquake victims, announced their initial round of grants today.

The first $35-million was divided among six charities picked in advance of the telethon by the Entertainment Industry Foundation, with help from the Bridgespan Group. The seventh telethon beneficiary, the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund, will apply for money during the second round of grants in May, which is dedicated to recovery and rebuilding.

Oxfam America and Partners in Health received the most money, $8-million apiece. The American Red Cross, Unicef, and the United Nations World Food Program were awarded $6-million each, and Yele Haiti Foundation won $1-million.

Controversial Choice

Yele’s haul could draw some complaints: The group, which was founded by the singer Wyclef Jean, has faced criticism for failing to pay tax forms on time and has not handled large amounts of money like the other charities on the telethon list. The organnizatioon has said it has taken steps to improve its accounting practices.

The grants were determined by an advisory committee that included Steve Gunderson, president of the Council on Foundations, and David Saltzman, executive director of the Robin Hood Foundation.

Charities provided plans for how they will spend the money, and will be expected to give regular reports on their progress.

“We will continue to watch the progress on the ground as resources are swiftly deployed to help the people of Haiti,” said Mr. Gunderson in a statement.