In response to the devastation caused by recent tornadoes in Oklahoma, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Business Civic Leadership Center (BCLC) reported today that businesses have pledged more than $22 million towards relief efforts. The donations from 73 companies represent cash, in-kind products or services, and employee and customer matching campaigns.

“Our thoughts are with all those affected by the terrible tragedy in Oklahoma, and the business community is committed to doing what it can to help in relief efforts,” said Gerald McSwiggan, director of BCLC Issue Networks. “Many businesses have already offered support, and we anticipate that they, along with others, will continue to provide aid to various nonprofits throughout the disaster’s relief and recovery phases.”

Twelve companies have pledged $1 million or more in resources. The companies include: Chesapeake Energy Corporation; ConocoPhillips; Continental Resources; Cox Enterprises; Devon Energy Corporation; Koch Industries, Inc.; Love's Travel Stops; Lowe's; Oklahoma City Thunder; ONEOK, Inc.; Philipps 66; and Walmart. A full list of business community donors is available on BCLC’s online Oklahoma Tornado Corporate Aid Tracker.

In addition to tracking corporate donations, BCLC’s disaster response system has a number of resources for local businesses and nonprofits. The Disaster Help Desk for Business provides fast and reliable coordination of information among businesses, local chambers, disaster responders, and donors. Since its launch in 2007, the Help Desk has handled more than 19,000 inquiries from small business owners and supporting organizations. Additionally, the Disaster Recovery Aid Portal connects nonprofits to businesses with the resources necessary to aid in recovery efforts. BCLC manages the Portal in partnership with the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD).

Since its founding in 2000, BCLC has served as a liaison between businesses that contribute to disaster response and the nonprofits and communities in need of assistance. More information on BCLC’s ongoing work in response to the tornadoes in Oklahoma is available here.

BCLC is a program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Its network represents more than 125 companies committed to positively impacting society. The organization’s research, ideas, and programming embody business’ unique ability to achieve positive outcomes for societal challenges.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation (USCCF) is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce dedicated to strengthening America’s long-term competitiveness by addressing developments that affect our nation, our economy, and the global business environment.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Corporate Citizenship Center

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Corporate Citizenship Center

U.S. community development. Emerging-market development. Disaster response. Social and environmental innovation – businesses play an important role in all of these issue areas.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Corporate Citizenship Center is recognized in the corporate citizenship field as a source for fresh thinking, exceptional networking and practical lessons learned.

The Foundation works to strengthen collaboration and understanding among companies, corporate foundations, chambers of commerce, NGOs, and governmental offices. As a partnership facilitator, The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Corporate Citizenship Center helps businesses find highly effective ways to invest in local communities, be responsive in times of disasters, and improve lives and livelihoods across the globe.

The Foundations mission is to work with businesses to make the world a better place. Email ccc@uschamber.com to learn more.

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