Introducing the Black Lives Matter Survival Fund
Funding Our Own Survival So We Can Thrive
Since the beginning of this pandemic, the government has not done enough to support Black people, leaving too many of us in survival mode. Before COVID-19, there was already a racial-wealth gap, and this pandemic has exacerbated it.
BLMGNF and BLM Grassroots designed the BLM Survival Fund to support Black people and their families facing economic hardship during the pandemic by giving them cash as a means of support to keep them in their homes, keep food on the table, and ultimately provide a little breathing room in their lives.
Grantee Stories
Deanna Joseph
Kusema Thomas
Shafonia Logan
History
In the words of the Black Panther Party, this is about ‘Survival Pending Revolution.’
We’re part of a long legacy of groups stepping in to support those failed by our government — notably the Black Panther Party and its free breakfast program in the 1960s and 1970s. Cooperation and cooperative economics have been principles and survival tactics of Black communities for centuries.
The BLM Survival Fund is continuing this legacy and is an important step toward investing in Black life so we can all thrive.
How to Apply
So Much More Needs to Be Done
The BLM Survival Fund has met its goal of providing direct support to nearly 3,000 Black people and their families, and we will be closing applications until further notice. The enormous response has highlighted how severe the economic crisis still is for millions of Black people across the country, and how much more needs to be done.
To receive updates on the fund and to be notified if applications open again, text NEWS to 24365 or sign up with your email below:
We call on corporations and foundations to allow us to meet the enormous demand and continue getting cash into the hands of those who need it most. If your corporation or foundation would like to partner with us in this way, get in touch.
We can’t wait any longer. Congress needs to pass the COVID-19 stimulus package now. Delays are contributing to people’s hardship, and we need Congress to step up and provide monthly survival checks for our communities.
Other Organization Programs
There are a variety of other organizations offering assistance. To find out what’s available and whether you’re eligible, check out these programs.
211: Help During the COVID-19 Pandemic
If you need assistance finding food, paying housing bills, or other essential services, call 211 to speak to someone who can help or visit your local 211 website to learn more about federal, state, and local resources that may be available to you.
Mutual Aid Hub
Explore Mutual Aid Networks and other community self-support projects operating across the country to find the one closest to you.
M4BL Mutual Aid Resources
Our fam over at Movement for Black Lives has a list of mutual aid resources available in Arizona, Georgia, Florida, Illinois, Minnesota, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina.
National Center for Transgender Equality Mutual Aid Resources
The National Center for Transgender Equality has a general and Trans and LGBTQ+ specific list of mutual aid resources.
One Fair Wage Emergency Fund
One Fair Wage is providing cash assistance to restaurant workers, car service drivers, delivery workers, personal service workers, and more who need the money they aren’t getting to survive.
COVID-19 Freelance Artist Resource
This is a list of resources and financial relief available to artists of all disciplines. It is specifically designed to serve freelance artists, and those interested in supporting the independent artist community.
