Episcopal Relief & Development Secures $8 Million Grant to Combat Violence Against Women and Girls

Episcopal Relief & Development Secures $8 Million Grant

Episcopal Relief & Development (ERD), a nonprofit organization dedicated to alleviating poverty and injustice, has been awarded an impressive $8 million grant from The Laura Ellen and Robert Muglia Family Foundation. This four-year funding endeavor aims to significantly bolster their efforts to combat violence against women and girls across five countries in sub-Saharan Africa: Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Liberia, and South Sudan.

Expanding Impactful Interventions

With the funding support, ERD will implement proven approaches that have impacted numerous lives, including programs designed to reach approximately half a million individuals within these regions. The organization plans to equip faith and community leaders with the necessary tools and knowledge to address the root causes of gender-based violence. This initiative aims to blend faith-based engagement with behavioral science to alter harmful attitudes and dispel myths surrounding violence against women and girls.

Amidst the alarming rates of violence experienced by women in many parts of the world, the crisis of sexual and gender-based violence remains largely overlooked and significantly under-resourced. The grant will enable ERD to expand its programming capabilities to generate meaningful change and create safer communities where women and girls can thrive.

Empowering Survivors and Building Resilience

Abagail Nelson, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer at ERD, expressed gratitude for the Muglia family's longstanding support. “This partnership allows us to deepen our community-centered prevention work and expand evidence-based programming that addresses the root causes of violence,” she stated. By focusing on community engagement, ERD seeks to empower survivors, enabling them to reclaim their lives and regain agency in their communities.

The transformative investment from the Muglia family is indicative of their commitment to equality and support for efforts that promote women’s empowerment. As Most Rev. Sean W. Rowe, the Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church, pointed out, the grant exemplifies Christian charity in action, amplifying impactful work globally while showcasing the importance of investing in transformative programs.

A Legacy of Change and Community Support

For over 80 years, ERD has built a strong network of partnerships with faith-based organizations and community groups worldwide. This outreach has allowed them to promote sustainable change among communities severely affected by injustice, poverty, and environmental challenges. Each year, ERD impacts over three million lives, focusing on four interconnected priorities. These include nurturing caregivers and young children's potential, reducing violence against women and girls, strengthening community resilience against climate change, and facilitating disaster response.

Through this significant grant, Episcopal Relief & Development can not only expand its outreach but also innovate new strategies that elevate the safety and equality of women and girls worldwide. With strong and sustained support, ERD remains committed to creating lasting change, fostering resilience, and inspiring communities to unite against violence while generating hope and empowerment for women everywhere. Together, ERD and its partners are indeed pioneering a brighter future for all.

To learn more about Episcopal Relief & Development or to contribute to their mission, visit www.episcopalrelief.org.