Dejana Foundation Commits $1 Million to Direct Relief for Venezuela Earthquake Response
PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y. – The Peter & Jeri Dejana Foundation today announced it has committed a $1 million grant to Direct Relief to support ongoing humanitarian efforts following the powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24, 2026.
The grant will help Direct Relief continue providing medicines and emergency medical supplies requested by healthcare providers and humanitarian organizations serving affected communities. It will also support locally led efforts as the response transitions from immediate emergency operations to long-term recovery.
“The Peter & Jeri Dejana Foundation’s extraordinary generosity will give healthcare providers and community organizations greater flexibility to meet urgent needs as conditions continue to evolve,” said Elizabeth Spies, Senior Manager, Foundation Engagement at Direct Relief. “This commitment will help sustain essential medical assistance throughout the long recovery ahead.”
The 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes struck north-central Venezuela on June 24, causing widespread damage from the epicentral region near Yumare to greater Caracas. According to the latest official figures, more than 6,500 people were killed and more than 226,000 were treated at hospitals. Nearly 24,500 people remain in transitional camps. The disaster added to existing pressures on Venezuela’s health system, while a post-disaster assessment estimates recovery needs at $21 billion.
Since June 24, Direct Relief has provided 46.7 tons of medicines and medical supplies valued at $31.2 million and provided $550,000 in emergency grants to seven organizations in support of the Venezuela earthquake response efforts.
The organization’s efforts have supported search and rescue, mobile medical care, logistics, warehousing, and rehabilitation services, including prosthetic and orthotic care. Aid shipments have included essential medicines, emergency medical backpacks, hygiene kits, personal protective equipment, medical-grade tents, nutritional products, and supplies for wound care, nephrology, and other critical health needs.
Direct Relief is working with local organizations including Fundación Wayuu Taya, the Venezuelan Red Cross, and Acción Solidaria to direct resources where they are most needed. Direct Relief’s established relationships within Venezuela enabled the organization to respond quickly after the earthquakes and adapt its support as needs evolved.
The grant from the Peter & Jeri Dejana Foundation comes during a year in which the Foundation has announced plans to commit $26 million through its “26 in ’26” initiative, encompassing both grantmaking and operating costs. The commitment represents the largest annual philanthropic investment in the foundation’s history and expands its support for organizations serving children, families, veterans, patients, and communities in need.
Direct Relief is a humanitarian aid organization active in more than 90 countries around the world and all 50 U.S. states. Its mission is to improve the health and lives of people affected by poverty or emergencies, without regard to politics, religion, or ability to pay. Direct Relief ranked fifth on Forbes’ list of America’s Top 100 Charities and was awarded the 2025 Seoul Peace Prize for its global humanitarian impact.