American India Foundation Calls for Aid for Tsunami-Struck India.

NEW YORK -- The American India Foundation (AIF) launched today a Tsunami Relief Fund with the goal of raising at least $2 million in the next 90 days. AIF will match dollar for dollar the first $1 million in contributions with 100% going to provide assistance to those in India recovering from the massive tsunami following Sunday's 9.0 magnitude earthquake. Using its national presence with nine chapters across the country AIF will reach out to the broader community through direct appeals and fundraising events in the next few months.

AIF's Honorary Chairman President Bill Clinton noted, "The Tsunami disaster is a tragedy of historic and global proportions, and though it struck in the span of hours, its effects will be felt for years to come. Charitable people throughout the world are responding with great generosity, but we must not forget that the need for assistance will continue long after the story has faded from the front pages. We must do all we can to help now and support longer term restoration efforts in the months and years to come."

Born nearly four years ago out of the rubble of the Gujarat earthquake of January 2001, AIF dedicated its first year of operations to the relief and rehabilitation efforts in Gujarat. The Gujarat Earthquake Relief Fund successfully rebuilt thousands of homes, educated over 10,000 children, built and supplied four hospitals, and provided for long-term livelihood support through small business loans and entrepreneurship training for over 8,000 people.

AIF has set up the Tsunami Relief Fund to receive tax-deductible contributions from donors wishing to provide aid to the victims of this horrendous disaster. In the short-term, deployments from the tsunami fund will go to appropriate emergency relief agencies with expertise in disaster mitigation. As the emergency relief efforts quickly turn to reconstruction and long-term rehabilitation of the area, AIF's India team will source best-of-breed local NGOs, execute memoranda of understanding, and monitor the progress of our investments in rebuilding India's infrastructure. AIF staff in India has vast experience in sustainable development and is supported by advisory councils comprised of sector experts. AIF grants are focused on education and livelihood projects with a particular emphasis on primary education and women's empowerment.

AIF reaches out to all organizations throughout the country, regardless of ethnic affiliation to work together to provide the strongest response and support to the survivors. You can help those affected by this crisis to rebuild their livelihoods by making an online donation today at http://www.aifoundation.org/, or mailing a check to American India Foundation, Tsunami Relief Fund, c/o McKinsey & Company, 55 East 52nd Street, New York, NY 10022.