Thrivent Announces Additional $3M Gift To Support Hurricane Recovery Work

September 12, 2017 | Callie Briese - Director - External Relations

Organization’s total support of hurricane relief efforts as much as $6 million

MINNEAPOLIS (Sept. 11, 2017) - Thrivent, a not-for-profit membership organization of Christians, announced today that is has agreed to be a keystone partner of Habitat Hammers Back, the Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma repair and rebuilding initiative led by Habitat for Humanity.

On behalf of the organization’s members, Thrivent is committing a $1 million grant to the Habitat Hammers Back initiative. Additionally, because of the tremendous work and clean-up in the wake of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, Thrivent is committing an additional $2 million through a long-standing partnership with Habitat for Humanity. These funds will allow Thrivent members and others to travel to affected areas and volunteer alongside families who need assistance.

This total of $3 million committed to Habitat for Humanity - along with up to $3 million the organization previously committed to match personal contributions made on Thrivent.com - creates the potential for a total Thrivent hurricane relief impact of $6 million.

"We are heartbroken as we see the devastation left by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma," said Brad Hewitt, CEO of Thrivent. "When tragedy occurs, Thrivent members respond with both their hearts and their hands to make a difference for those in need. Connecting people with ways to live generously is central to our mission of helping Christians be wise with money. We are continuing to pray for those in the wake of these hurricanes, and we hope these funds offer relief for those who need it most."

"Habitat for Humanity is committed to helping families recover from Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, and we wouldn’t be able to do it without the support of our partners like Thrivent," said Habitat for Humanity International CEO Jonathan Reckford. "As a membership organization of Christians, Thrivent knows the importance and power of neighbors helping neighbors. We thank Thrivent for their contribution which will go a long way to helping families rebuild."

Through Habitat Hammers Back, Habitat is already at work responding to Hurricane Harvey, helping families to clean up and prepare for the rebuilding effort to come. Habitat will work with its local offices throughout the hurricane-affected regions to assess the shelter and housing needs and develop response options. In addition to long-term housing repair and construction, Habitat’s response includes organizing volunteers and resources to help with the cleanup of homes damaged by wind and flood waters.

Thrivent extends gift-matching offer to include those affected by both Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma

Thrivent also announced today that it is extending its commitment to help those affected by Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma. The organization will match up to $3 million in personal donations made on Thrivent.com to selected nonprofit organizations supporting Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma relief efforts.

This matching opportunity is open to anyone and will run until the $3 million match is met or until Dec. 31, 2017 - whichever comes first. If Thrivent members and their communities respond overwhelmingly to this gift-matching offer, Thrivent will consider increasing the match amount.

The following organizations have been selected to receive the match dollars:

National

Convoy of Hope
Habitat for Humanity
LCMS Disaster Response
Lutheran Disaster Response
Orphan Grain Train Inc.
Samaritan’s Purse
WELS Christian Aid and Relief

Regional

American Red Cross Serving Central and South Texas
American Red Cross West Palm Beach and Martin County

To participate in the match, visit Thrivent.com, click on Hurricane Harvey Relief and then follow instructions for personal donations.

Additional ways for Thrivent members to make a difference

Thrivent is asking its members to consider getting involved in grassroots efforts to raise funds or volunteer for disaster relief by forming Thrivent Action Teams. Through this program, members can lead volunteer teams in fundraising or service activities that can be completed within 90 days. Thrivent provides promotional materials, t-shirts, and a $250 Community Impact Card that can be used as seed money to purchase project supplies and create promotional materials.

Finally, eligible Thrivent members can direct Choice Dollars to relief organizations responding to the hurricane victims.

For more information on how to get involved and continue to make a difference, visit Thrivent.com.

About Thrivent

Thrivent is a not-for-profit membership organization that helps Christians be wise with money and live generously. It offers its more than 2 million member-owners a broad range of products, services and guidance nationwide. For more than a century it has helped members make wise money choices that reflect their values while providing them opportunities to demonstrate their generosity where they live, work and worship. For more information, visit Thrivent.com. You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter.

The Thrivent Choice® charitable grant program engages Thrivent members and chapters in providing grants that support charitable activities, furthering Thrivent’s mission and its purposes under state law. All grants are made at the sole discretion of Thrivent. Directing Choice Dollars® is subject to the program’s terms and conditions available at Thrivent.com/thriventchoice.