The newly announced initiative will support programs for special populations in parts of Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas hit by this season's hurricanes; previously, the foundation gave grants to groups like the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Centers for Disease Control Foundation, and local faith- and community-based organizations to support a variety of activities, including assessment of addiction and mental health needs.

"As our hearts and our hands continue to go out to those so deeply affected by the storms of August and September, we are looking forward to the months and years ahead to when we can say that Katrina represented a true sea-change that caused us to transform a region, and the nation, for the better," said RWJF president and CEO Risa Lavizzo-Mourey.