The Community Foundation of Louisville extends our deepest condolences to the survivors of recent incidents of mass casualty crimes at Old National Bank and Chickasaw Park. We acknowledge that those who survived these tragic events will have a long journey ahead to cope with the enduring trauma of senseless violence. In recent years, Louisville has experienced a significant increase in gun violence with more than 160 gun-related incidents per year. These incidents of recurring violence are an indicator of a community in crisis.

Members of our community are asking what they can do right now to address this crisis? The Community Foundation of Louisville staff has spoken with survivors of gun violence and nonprofit leaders to develop a comprehensive strategy to answer this question. We heard that survivors and nonprofits are seriously under-resourced to sustain pathways to coping. In response to this we have established three pathways for individuals, government, businesses, philanthropies, and faith communities to use their dollars to support. We invite you to participate in this three-part strategy to honor the lives of those murdered in Old National Bank and Chickasaw Park, assist nonprofits helping all survivors of gun violence, and assist nonprofits working to reduce gun violence.

Supporting Survivors of Mass Casualty Crimes through a Partnership with the National Compassion Fund

The National Compassion Fund (NCF) will oversee the collection and distribution of donations to the heirs and survivors of these mass casualty events*. NCF uses community established protocols to implement and administer a process ensuring 100% of the donations are distributed through an equitable, transparent, and efficient process to people directly impacted in these acts of criminal violence. The Community Foundation of Louisville will work with NCF to convene a local steering committee to establish protocols that will be publicly shared by  July 1, 2023.