Where to Donate That Stimulus Check
Photography contributed by Brittney Okabe
But why?
Some of us really need that money to cover our immediate needs, some of us can leave it in the bank because maybe, you can cover your expenses this month but next month is not certain. Some of us still have paying jobs and that check is like a bonus right now, or maybe, you have savings or a family support network and you don’t need that money now or in the next months.
The word “need” is important here because Capitalism has taught us to hoard and look out for just ourselves. Well, it’s time to consider and act from a more collective place. Maybe, first consider who in your close circle needs support and give there, if everyone you know is covered, then here is a list of places you can share your blessings with or do both.
People like me who are class privileged can sometimes think we are experiencing scarcity because we had to dip into our savings, or stop eating out at restaurants and buying new clothes, or might not get a nice vacation trip this year. This is capitalism tricking us. Real scarcity is not having enough $ for food or rent, swimming in debt, no family/parental safety net, no access to federal or state benefits. I invite my owning class friends to join me in rethinking scarcity and give bigger. Together we can take care of each other. Fuck capitalism, smash the state, community care for the win!
Ok, where?
Here is a list of places you can donate to, feel free to add to this list but make sure you vet your sources before you post!
Emergency Solidarity Fund for Day Laborer Workers! Organized by Ira Cuello-Martinez
Indigenous Women Hike Providing direct mutual aid to the Indigenous peoples of Payahüünadü, so-called Bishop, California. Jolie Varela is on the ground delivering essentials like baby wipes, food, books, and cleaning supplies to families in need as grocery stores are frequently wiped out. In such a remote area trucks are not quick to restock shelves. Venmo @Jolie-Varela
Brown Girl Rise giving $ directly to families in need and creating online curriculum to support youth during COVID. There is a tax-deductible link (Link goes to fiscal sponsor, specify BGR when you donate!) If you don't need to account for this donation in your taxes, consider becoming a monthly patreon!
ABC: Andando en Bicicletas y CaminandoImmigrant families, community activists, volunteer bicycle mechanics, many in need of a little extra help.
Street Roots A non-profit newspaper organization assisting and advocating for the most vulnerable communities i.e the unhoused and poverty-stricken demographics.
Borderland for Equity The only pro bono, civil rights organization founded by Women of Color serving the greater San Diego community.
Q Center Non-profit building community and empowering the LGBTQ2SIA+ community in the PNW
Centro Cultural’s Esperanza Relief Fund 100% of funds will go directly to migrant families in Washington County, especially those who are excluded from government assistance during this emergency.
Rohingya Refugee Relief Fund Donations will go to the ~60 families — 6 of which are undocumented — in the Chicago Rohingya refugee community that face urgent crises as a result of unemployment (evictions, medical costs, utilities, etc.)
Gender Reveal Trans Survival Fund Mutual aid fund to give directly to trans folks who for food and housing, prioritizing BIPOC, disabled, and otherwise vulnerable people. More info and ways to donate on Twitter.
Communities of Color United’s Racial & Economic Solidarity Fund AUSTIN TX local Mutual Aid fund organized by coalition of POC-led organizations including Mama Sana Vibrant Woman, allgo, & ICE Out of Austin. Money is going DIRECTLY to community members most in need, without being filtered through non-profit webs. This mutual aid fund is also being promoted by Undoing White Supremacy Austin (local SURJ chapter), & Austin Resource Generation.
Sexual Assault Resource Center, Portland metro area, Oregon. 24 hour help line/resource line for survivors. Case management for children who are being commercially sexually exploited. Free counseling for survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and sex trafficking. Sexual assault prevention/education programs in local schools. Crisis response to hospitals-sends trained advocates to come as a support person when sexual assault/domestic violence survivors check in at the ER
IIYC Distributing directly to individuals and families impacted with the intent to support the purchase of groceries, essential goods, childcare products, hygiene products, and medicine.
Pueblo Action Alliance bringing masks, funds, Indigenous authored novels & children’s books & essential care items and PPE to the Navajo Nation, Jicarilla Apache Nation, Zia, Zuni, and San Felipe Pueblos of NM
