The United Nations Foundation and the Council on Foundations, both based in Washington, D.C., have announced a fundraising initiative to aid UN humanitarian relief and recovery efforts in regions devastated by the December 26 tsunami.

The UN Foundation will provide $1 in matching funds, up to $100,000, for every $2 contributed by Council member family foundations. Funds raised through the initiative will go to the UN Tsunami Disaster Relief Fund to support the efforts of various UN agencies and the World Health Organization, with a portion of the funds earmarked for immediate emergency medical, food, and housing needs; the rest will be set aside for long-term economic recovery projects, including the rebuilding of homes, businesses, and infrastructure.

"This is a great example of donors once again coming together and showing their compassion and generosity in contributing to the relief effort in the wake of the deadly tsunami in Southeast Asia," said Dot Ridings, president and CEO of the Council, in a statement released to the press.

"As United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan has made clear, the reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts will require tremendous resources and commitment for years to come," added UN Foundation president Timothy E. Wirth. "As we approach the end of the first month, the region's needs are changing beyond those of the immediate relief phase. How will people replace their lost livelihoods? How will schools resume? How will orphans be safely placed? These concerns — all with lasting impact — are ones that the Council has been eager to address. We are very appreciative of their generous partnership with the UN Foundation."