With the toll from the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunamis rising, a growing number of foundations and charitable organizations have stepped forward to pledge aid and financial assistance to the people and countries affected by the disaster.

On Thursday, the Austin-based Michael & Susan Dell Foundation announced a pledge of $3 million to relief efforts. "We in the United States understand firsthand what it means to receive support from across the globe in times of crisis. Now it is our turn to show the people of southern Asia how much we care for their survival and well-being," said foundation co-founder Michael Dell. "We encourage people in our country and everywhere to find in their hearts to give generously to these people and the relief efforts."

A day later, the New York City-based Starr Foundation pledged $2.5 million to recovery and humanitarian efforts. "The events of December 26 represent a tremendous tragedy, the impact of which will be felt for years to come," said foundation and American International Group chair M. R. Greenberg. "AIG employees throughout the stricken region are providing monetary and hands-on volunteer support through local charities and recovery organizations. To further support the relief effort, AIG is encouraging its employees to contribute through the AIG Disaster Relief Fund, and the Starr Foundation will match these donations one hundred per cent."

And on Monday, the Carnegie Corporation of New York, which normally makes grants in the areas of education and international peace and security, announced a grant of $1 million for disaster relief. "At a time of such human tragedy and vast devastation caused by the earthquake and subsequent tsunami, we have to face the fact, once again, that philanthropy must transcend geographic, religious, and even programmatic boundaries," said Carnegie Corporation president Vartan Gregorian.

Elsewhere, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, a fraternal benefit society based in Appleton, Wisconsin, announced a $1 million grant and a $2 million matching grant to Lutheran World Relief's Wave of Giving campaign to assist victims of the disaster. The matching grant will be extended, through April 15, 2005, to Thrivent Financial members nationwide, with the funding to be used to provide clean water, food, shelter, and basic supplies; repair and rebuild clinics, schools and community centers; and provide psychological counseling to survivors dealing with the loss of loved ones.