June 21, 2007
Mada Foundation Invests in the Future
Seattle, WA -- June 21, 2007 -- Mada Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Mada Corporation, gave $43 million in grants to nonprofit organizations in 2006. The recipients include health care centers, educational organizations, and community groups dedicated to improving the quality of life for members of their communities as well as fostering an interest in science as the path to a more dynamic future. "We're thrilled to again be able to contribute in this way," said Foundation President Elizabeth Edwards in the Annual Report released last week. "There are so many worthy groups out there doing such good work to insure the promise of a positive future for everyone. We're particularly excited about organizations that deliver opportunities to the brightest, most curious young people who want to contribute to the knowledge that will benefit mankind for generations. Just one example is the Human Promise Initiative in Austin, Texas, which pairs high school students with scientists working on the cutting edge of research into gene therapies and human cognition. If just one of those students goes on to discover a way to cure a disease or extend healthy human life, all of Mada Corp's employees and investors can take pride in knowing they helped make that happen."
The total amount distributed was up ten percent over 2005 and has more than doubled in the past five years, thanks to an aggressive employee contributions campaign and increased awareness among major donors of the Foundation's diverse projects.
The largest single contribution of $3.2 million was dedicated to relief efforts for the earthquakes in southern India in October of 2006, which killed more than 40,000 people and left millions more homeless. Mada Foundation money built quick, efficient apartment complexes allowing the survivors to escape homelessness and the disease and crime that quickly follow. In addition, Mada Corp scientists and supplies were sent to the area to provide vaccines, treatment, and to register more than 100,000 survivors as members of the Mada Corp family, insuring them continued access to assistance and treatment as necessary.
The total number of funding recipients increased from just 32 in 2001 to more than 300 in 2006. "Having a larger fund to draw from allows us to support the most diverse range of projects and help as many people as possible," said Edwards. "We hope that in another five years, you'll see the Mada Foundation logo wherever you look"
Copies of the Foundation's report are available from their headquarters.
