Transforming Lives Impacted by Leprosy and Chronic Illnesses Through Global Philanthropy
The Foundation focuses on the relief, care, and assistance of those with Hansen’s disease (leprosy) in the medical missions of Roman Catholic institutions in third-world countries.
While J Homer Butler formed the Foundation with the specific intent of providing relief to those with leprosy, in light of advancements in the prevention and treatment of Hansen’ Disease, we also now provide grants to charities that focus on the treatment of other chronic diseases including HIV/AIDS, congenital diseases and food/waterborne diseases.
Transforming Lives for over 50 years
Since our incorporation in 1960 under the laws of the state of New York and our registration as a non-profit organization under IRS 501(c)3, the Foundation has improved the lives of thousands of victims of leprosy and other chronic diseases in India, Africa, Central America, and South America.
Since the Foundation is non-operating, it is supported primarily by the investment income of the endowment of its founder, J Homer Butler.
The Volunteer Board of the Foundation meets twice a year to review the grant applications and typically approves 10-20 grants per year. Over the past 50 years we have provided over $10 Million Dollars in aid through small grants typically ranging from $5-15K.
Recent Causes
India
Embrace a Village
Embrace A Village works across the state of Tamil Nadu. The team travels around over 4000 kilometers (2485.4 miles) to 35 villages providing custom made shoes to those who have been impacted by the disabling deformities of leprosy. It also provides many other medical services and supplies. It's Vision is to see the spiritual, physical, and social transformation in the lives of people with Hansen's disease.
Niger, Africa
Wells4Wellness
Wells4Wellness is a non profit organization providing clean water and fighting diseases such as leprosy, and HIV in Niger, Africa. The projects funded by JHBF this year (May 2024) grant completed the well at the Gonaou Village Clinic which is in a remote part of Niger, 90 kilometers from the City of Marada in a Growing Region called Kornaka. For more information go to Wells4Wellness.com.
Ghana
Nkanchina Leperosarium
The US based Brothers of the Holy Cross run this leprosarium in Ghana, providing medical services with equipment and pharmaceuticals funded by JHB.
Giving Impact
The J Homer Butler Foundation has funded numerous causes around the world in an effort to alleviate the pain and suffering of those afllicted by chronic desease. We have helped organization in obtaining medical supplies, durable medical equipment, housing, clean and potable water, clinic construction and maintenance and other necessary items in the fight against victims of leprosy and other diseases.
JHB has supported hundreds of different organizations in Central and South America, India, Africa and Asia.
JHB has funded 100's of Leprosariums and Clinics around the world
Thousands of Lives have been improved due to our support.
Grant Criteria
Our grants must be directed toward the medical condition of those with chronic diseases such as medicines, medical supplies, durable medical equipment, and direct medical assistance.
Labor costs, housing, transportation and other non-material expenses are assumed to be provided by the charitable organizations and as such requests for non-material expenses will not be honored or considered.
If your applying organization receives US government support then you are not eligible for funding from JHBF.
If your organization is not US based then you must obtain a US sponsor who is willng to agree to receive and send you funds recieved from JHBF. We can only send funds to US based non-profits with a registered IRS EIN.
Requesting A Grant Application
In order to receive a grant application, all three sections of this Request for Application form must be filled out.
Part I relates to the organization requesting the grant that will be providing the actual services. If your organization is not a US based 501(c)3 non-profit, then you will need to upload two letters
1. In Part I upload a letter of recommendation from a local diocesan bishop indicating knowledge of your organization and the work you do in your local community as consistent with the principles of the bishop's diocese
and
2 In Part II upload a letter/contract with a US-based 501(c)3 non-profit showing their agreement to sponsor your organization, receive funds from JHB Foundation, and forward those funds in their entirety in either US dollars or the current equivalent amount in local currency.