The Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense today announced receiving a $1.35 million grant from Open Philanthropy. With this sixth grant to the Commission, Open Philanthropy’s critical support of the Commission’s work now totals $8.66 million.
“We are very grateful to Open Philanthropy for their continuing support of our work to help reduce catastrophic biological risk from pandemics, bioterrorism, and biological warfare” said former Senator Joe Lieberman, co-chair of the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense. “With this generous infusion, we can continue our work with the Administration and Congress to implement the recommendations in our National Blueprint for Biodefense and our nine other reports.”
“It remains clear to me and my fellow Commissioners that our Nation and the world are in grave danger from active biological weapons programs in other countries, bioterrorism, accidental releases of organisms from laboratories, and naturally occurring diseases. This funding will support our continuing work on biodefense,” said Gov. Tom Ridge, first U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security and co-chair of the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense. “The only way we are going to win the fight against biological threats is to take preemptive action. We thank Open Philanthropy for standing with us and helping us make that happen.”
Open Philanthropy identifies outstanding giving opportunities, makes grants, follows the results, and publishes its findings. Its mission is to give as effectively as it can and share the findings openly so that anyone can build on them.