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cassmarketos·Aug 21, 2020

Hi friends, Posting a direct and somber ask for help. For the last few months, I've been working with a nonprofit food pantry in Queens called 9 Million Reasons, helping them understand nonprofit governance + social + crowdfunding. However, they are in desperate need of *immediate* funding to help meet the demand created by COVID, and I'm looking for connections to *large* single donors OR any advice or thoughts on grants or foundations to apply for funding through. We need 250K to keep the lights on, but 500K would help us make significant improvements to infrastructure and streamline distribution, plus hire people to work there. (Right now, there are 2 full-time staff... both currently working without pay.)Any connections help. 9 Million Reasons is embedded with some of the most vulnerable communities in New York City. In February, they were serving ~2K families a month. When the pandemic hit, that number skyrocketed within a matter of days. They are now serving 30K families a month—about 150K people total—and that number is only growing. They are working around-the-clock with a team of volunteers to meet demand, but they're still not getting enough food to enough people, fast enough. They're also servicing other food pantries, community fridges, and local organizations (DSA, community gardens, etc). Right now, they are surviving off minimal donations, alongside the maxed out credit cards of the founders + some fronting of food supplies by their providers—which is incredible! But those bills are coming due. More about the org is here: https://9millionreasons.nyc/about And on their Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/9millionreasons/ Last week's meal stats: ~262,000 meals out the door (including families that come in person to pick up, often waiting hours at the door starting at 5 or 6 AM)Anyway, again: anything helps. Thank you for reading!

beccawilliams·Aug 22, 2020

@cassmarketos I reached out to my mother-in-law who is a retired grant writer.She did some quick research and came up with the following in case it's helpful:"Resource possibilities:Quickest way and may already have in place: Food drives by churches, synagogues, mosques, Boy Scouts & youth organizationshttps://www.nycommunitytrust.org/covid19/ Already awarded millionshttps://women.nyc/news/covid-19-resources/COVID-19 resources for those in need and ways to help others - women.nycDuring this time, New Yorkers are facing unique challenges. Women.nyc will be using our platform and leveraging our public, nonprofit and private partnerships to identify and develop helpful resources, information and volunteer or donation opportunities for New Yorkers in need, or those looking to lend a helping hand. If you have resources or information you’d […]women.nychttp://www.fundsnetservices.com/searchresult/26/Hunger-&-Homeless.htmlfree website of funders includes ideas of grocery chains, food manufacturersTarget & Walmart have small grantsSeveral search engines available, but many have a fee associated with them.https://nyc.grantwatch.com/grant-search.php; has numerous search possibilities and there are ongoing grants listed, but to access all information has a cost. https://thenycalliance.org/information/covid-19-support-and-relief-effortsInformation: Covid 19 Support And Relief Efforts | NYC Hospitality AllianceCOVID-19 Support and Relief Efforts for Operators and Employees. COVID-19 Support and Relief Efforts for Operators and Employees. In this time of challenge and uncertainty, The Alliance is grateful and encouraged by the numerous COVID-19 related support and relief efforts being provided to the hospitality industry.thenycalliance.orgon above website: Organization: NYC Food Supply MatchResource: Food Supply MatchDetails: Are you primarily a food producer, farmer, processor, distributor, or retailer? Are you facing challenges with your demand and/or supply of food? If you are a farmer, food producer, food processor, food distributor or food retailer with excess supply or if you have demand for certain food items you cannot meet, please fill out this form."

cassmarketos·Aug 24, 2020

Thank you! This is extremely helpful, I really appreciate it! And thank your mother-in-law for me, an angel. <3

beccawilliams·Aug 24, 2020

Will do, @cassmarketos! Glad it was helpful!