News

Thinking Locally and Acting Globally - Philanthropy for the Japan Relief Effort

The Sogo Japan Fund was established by Neil Summerour to help the people of Japan rebuild from the devastation caused by the earthquake and tsunami on March 11, 2011. Through this Donor Advised Fund, Mr. Summerour plans to recommend grants to organizations helping with relief and reconstruction as well as to enhance cultural exchange and partnerships between Japan and local initiatives.

Mr. Summerour visited Japan for the first time in 1989 as a high school student with Elberton's sister city exchange program. He fell in love with Japan, remains in close contact with his host family and visits frequently. Even though his Japan-based friends and family were in an unaffected part of the country, when the tsunami hit, he became a go-to person stateside for getting help directly to effected people.

Because of Mr. Summerour's graphic design business, he has clients around the U.S. who have asked his advice on where to make donations and many have given him money to do with as he sees fit. Mr. Summerour was inspired by the generosity and knew he needed a system of accountability to manage these gifts. A Donor Advised Fund was a perfect match for his philanthropic goals and need for structure.

Mr. Summerour’s goal is to raise funds via web donations and checks made out to the Sogo Japan Fund at Athens Area Community Foundation. The process of recovery and reconstruction after a natural disaster spans many years beyond the media’s attention. The Sogo Japan Fund will begin making grants immediately, but plans to set aside donations for Mr. Summerour’s font prints for a permanent endowment. The endowment will earn interest over the years, ensuring that funds for grants are available in perpetuity.