Funding for the organization's activities comes from donations and fund raising efforts. In 2009, George Soros gave the foundation a US$50 million contribution. The money reportedly helped the organization raise significantly more than that amount. In 2001 The Concert for New York City provided funds for the organization. After Hurricane Sandy, the concert also provided funds for the foundation's efforts. Artists including The Rolling Stones, Robert Plant & The Strange Sensation, Shakira, John Legend, The Black Eyed Peas, Lady Gaga, The Who and Aerosmith have performed at the group's annual fund raising galas. During the 2019-20 Coronavirus Pandemic, the Rise Up New York! telethon provided funds to those impacted by the pandemic.