The AP Emergency Relief Fund

When Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast in August 2005, many Associated Press staffers were personally affected. Some of them lived and worked in the area, while others had family who needed help. AP employees rallied to help these colleagues by setting up the AP Emergency Relief Fund, which has since become a source of crucial assistance to staff and family members worldwide.

Established as an independent 501(c)(3), the Fund has distributed nearly 30 grants totaling over $160,000 to help AP staffers who have suffered damage or losses as a result of conflict or natural disasters. These grants have been used to rebuild homes, move to safe houses and repair and replace bomb-damaged belongings.

The AP matches all gifts in full and also donates the net proceeds from AP Essentials, AP’s company store, to the Fund.

How to Give

In order to be ready to help the moment emergencies strike, the Fund relies on the generous and ongoing support of the extended AP community. Donations, which range from $10 to $10,000, can be made by check or credit card at any time throughout the year; they are tax deductible and matched in full by AP.