Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson announced an additional $65 million in donation funding on Friday, Aug. 7, to support the Church's initiative for women and children. The announcement was made during a press conference and panel discussion held at the Church Office Building in Salt Lake City.
This new commitment brings the Church's total investment in the project to $184 million over three years. The initiative has impacted more than 52 million women and children globally.
The announcement occurred during the second annual Caring for Women and Children Initiative Consortium, which included leaders from seven global humanitarian and nongovernmental organizations. President Johnson stated that the commitment is a result of the impact and change created by the established collaboration and confidence in the work.
Blaine Maxfield, managing director of the Church's Welfare and Self-Reliance Service Department, noted that the work involves organizations operating across 12 countries in Africa and Asia. He said the gathering celebrates progress while acknowledging that significant work remains to empower individuals, families, and communities to care for one another.
During a panel discussion, leaders from participating organizations shared insights on the initiative's impact. Heather Danton, the director for food security and nutrition at CARE, compared the collaboration to a beehive, where different organizations bring unique strengths to achieve a higher good.
Dr. Winnie Mwebesa, senior managing director of global health for Save the Children, explained that community ownership and early involvement are essential for creating generational change rather than being dependent on a permanent organizational presence. Ana Céspedes, CEO of Vitamin Angels, noted that providing micronutrients, such as vitamin A, can significantly reduce mortality rates for children under age five.
The initiative focuses on long-term, sustainable change. Reed Peterson, CEO of iDE, observed that creating sustainable change increases economic impact and helps individuals create income to pass down to their children.
Jenna Recuber, deputy CEO of The Hunger Project, highlighted how supporting women can empower them to become educators within their own communities. President Johnson concluded by inviting individuals to look for needs within their own communities to address local challenges.
