Helping overlooked communities with crowdfunding tools

Over the last week, many Americans received stimulus payments via direct deposit from the IRS; however, many people were left out of this program. While some may still have funds coming eventually, many in the communities we serve will not. Additionally, some receiving stimulus funding may find that they are fortunate to not need these funds and are looking for a way to help others around them.

Online funding tools can help. Communities across the country are coming together to develop creative ways to pool funds to help those most in need. Here are just a few examples:

• In Washington, D.C., immigrant advocacy and activist organizations have launched GoFundMe pages, so that people who have received stimulus funds and don't need them can contribute them to reputable organizations who can pass funds and necessities onto communities who have otherwise been overlooked.
• In Oakland, CA, teachers have pledged their stimulus checks to support their students who are undocumented through the Stimulus Pledge, which allows people to donate to a fund that will then be distributed by schools based on their understanding of the needs their communities face.
• Teachers in San Francisco are working with local immigrant support organizations to collect funds to support their students and families.

If your organization or the community you serve is in need, know that there are people out there who want to help, and online crowdfunding platforms may be able to help connect supporters with those in need. 

Interested in more information like this? Visit our COVID-19 resource pages and join the online learning community!