Heiresses launch nonprofit for women's issues

updated 1:21 p.m. ET Nov. 14, 2007

NEW YORK - A group of heiresses that includes two sisters from the Hunt oil dynasty announced on Tuesday the creation of a nonprofit fund focused on women's issues that only accepts donations of $1 million or more.

Helen LaKelly Hunt and her sister, Swanee Hunt, a former U.S. ambassador to Austria, founded Women Moving Millions with a combined $10 million donation. The nonprofit will address issues of poverty, education, health care, human rights and violence issues in the U.S. and around the world.

The Hunt sisters are joined by Abby Disney, granddaughter of Roy Disney and grandniece of Walt Disney, as well as former Cisco executive Cate Muther; Margot Franssen, founder of the Body Shop in Canada; and Katie Grover, a former Wall Street executive.

The group's goal is to raise $150 million by April 2009. It will work with the Women's Funding Network to distribute the money.

The Hunt sisters are the youngest of 14 children of the Texas oil tycoon Haroldson Lafayette Hunt Jr., who was known as H.L. Hunt. He made his fortune in oil, starting in Arkansas in the 1920s before moving on to Texas. The Hunt Oil Co. is run today by his youngest son, Ray L. Hunt.

More from msnbc.com Eerie Beirut: Gunfire and thunder | Lebanon Q&A Toyota feeling some of Detroit's pain Red Tape: Perils of the pocket call   Exclusive video: Edwards on Dem campaign Gold-medal moms prepare for Beijing

Print this Email this Blog this  IM this

MORE FROM GIVING

Giving Section Front

Gates, others help despite Myanmar troubles More aid, and rain, on way to Myanmar   Video: U.N. to Myanmar: Let aid in Preemie charity strikes chord with The Feeling CEOs discuss whether giving pays 'Miracle' Marine dies Myanmar accepts aid, not aid workers Walking the talk: Some celebs are living green Economy takes toll on relief agencies Cause Celeb: 'Lights, camera, Take Action' Giving Section Front   Add Giving headlines to your news reader: