Overview

The One America Appeal is a nonprofit charitable initiative established on September 7, 2017, as a 501(c)(3) organization. It was announced by the five then‑living former U.S. presidents—Jimmy Carter, George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama—to encourage public support for communities affected by a series of devastating 2017 hurricanes.

Purpose and scope

The initiative was created to galvanize national attention and charitable donations for recovery work after Hurricane Harvey and was quickly broadened to include areas impacted by Hurricanes Irma and Maria. The appeal framed relief as a nonpartisan, humanitarian effort and sought to help long‑term rebuilding, immediate relief needs, and support for local organizations working on the ground.

Launch and public presence

The campaign launched with a rare joint public service announcement by the five former presidents, which aired during the National Football League’s season opener broadcast on the NFL. That broadcast helped the message reach a wide audience and reinforced the bipartisan nature of the appeal.

Operations and impact

Rather than creating a new relief bureaucracy, the One America Appeal encouraged contributions that were directed to established charitable partners and local relief groups experienced in disaster response. Donations were intended to support housing, emergency services, infrastructure repair, and community recovery projects. The campaign emphasized coordination with on‑the‑ground organizations to help target aid where it was most needed.

Notable aspects and legacy

The One America Appeal is notable for bringing together five former presidents across different political parties in a unified humanitarian appeal. Observers described it as an example of civic leadership during a major natural‑disaster response and a model for cross‑partisan cooperation in relief fundraising. Its broad message—support for affected families and communities—remains a point of reference for discussions about public figures mobilizing charitable action after emergencies.

Further information