Rihanna, Jack Dorsey set up $4M grant to help domestic violence survivors amid coronavirus

Pop star Rihanna joined forces with Twitter founder Jack Dorsey to set up a $4.2 million grant to help victims of domestic violence affected by coronavirus stay-at-home orders in Los Angeles.

Rihanna’s Clara Lionel Foundation (CLF) announced on Thursday that the initiative — which includes $2.1 million donated from both her and Dorsey — is meant to address a possible rise of domestic violence occurring while people are trapped in unsafe homes.

We’re joining forces with Twitter/Square CEO @Jack today by co-funding $4.2 million grant to the @MayorsFundLA to address the current crisis for domestic violence victims in Los Angeles as a result of the COVID-19 Safer at Home Order. #startsmall #CLF pic.twitter.com/JKoKb60N3n

— Clara Lionel Fdn (@ClaraLionelFdn) April 9, 2020

The funds will provide 10 weeks of support for domestic violence victims in Los Angeles, including shelter, meals and counseling for individuals and their children, according to a statement.

The Los Angeles Housing Authority determined that approximately 90 people per week — often with their children — have been turned away since the “Safer at Home Order” was issued by Mayor Eric Garcetti (D) to stem the spread of coronavirus.

“At approximately $125 per day, the grant will cover housing and food for 90 domestic violence victims per week, with an additional 90 victims every week thereafter for 10 weeks,” the statement reads.

The CLF, which Rihanna founded in 2012 and named after her grandparents Clara and Lionel Braithwaite, announced last month that it would be donating $5 million to coronavirus response efforts including Feeding America, The World Health Organization’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund and International Rescue Committee. 

Rihanna’s makeup line Fenty Beauty is donating 100 percent of proceeds from the purchase of a makeup organizer to the emergency response.

We are doing our part to help fund emergency response around the world as a partner with Clara Lionel Foundation 100% of purchases from our CLF Makeup Organizer goes to @ClaraLionelFdn

Shop at https://t.co/oypHE2uWd9 or donate without a purchase at checkout. pic.twitter.com/V96VNIkz5N

— Fenty Beauty (@fentybeauty) April 4, 2020

Rihanna’s father, Ronald Fenty, told The Sun this week that he tested positive for coronavirus and that his daughter had sent a ventilator to his Barbados home.

“I thought I was going to die to be honest,” he said. “She did so much for me. I appreciate everything she has done.”

Dorsey on Tuesday said he would transfer $1 billion of his equity in Square to a new foundation that will support coronavirus relief efforts before transitioning later to focus on other causes.