We help monthly contributors pool funds to give one-time, unrestricted cash grants to people who need it.
We give away both money and decision-making power. We encourage many types of support across broad categories: material aid, art & joy, community support, and dream & rest funds.
Sound interesting? Join us.
People join the club by pledging a monthly amount to give. Each month, money is collected and distributed based on the recommendation of a "granter," which is a one-time role filled by someone outside of the club.
Want to join the experiment? Join the club.
We offer the following categories as a way to think about options, not as an exhaustive list of possibilities. (This is likely as close to the idea of a "diversified portfolio" as Redistribution Club will get.)
Are these the types of things you'd like to see in the world? Sign up and help us spread support and joy.
Existing philanthropic structures have major problems. They consolidate even more power and influence among the rich, are used to avoid paying taxes that should be funding democratically allocated services, and often involve perverse incentives regarding fundraising and operating costs.
On the other end of the spectrum, crowd fundraising tools can be very effective, but their success is largely driven by the social media presence and influence of the organizers or supporters. They're also frequently used as a last resort. What if that person could have been helped earlier on, without needing to make an I-hope-it-goes-viral plea?
There's no shortage of people who could really use money to help a friend or family member in need, whether that's to get a new creative idea off the ground, to pay for child care or medical needs, or even just everyday survival like food and rent. And, because of how our economic and social systems "work," the people who don't have access to high salaries, generational wealth, or organizational connections and influence are the people who are most likely to know people who could benefit the most from direct, unrestricted support.
How much money do you hope to redistribute?
Our goal is to give between $2,000 and $10,000 to each recipient. If our funding pool significantly exceeds that, we'll run multiple rounds in parallel.
Are my contributions tax deductible?
No. These funds are directly given to individuals, and there are no 501(c)3 or other nonprofit restrictions regarding use of the money.
Do you really think this will work without more structure and safeguards?
There's only one way to find out. We think it's worth trusting in people even if it means getting burned sometimes. And nothing will change without trying something different.
How much money have you redistributed?
None yet, we're just getting started. You can help make it possible!
I'm not in a position to contribute currently, but I want to hear how it goes. How can I get updates?
You can sign up for our mailing list and put $0 as your monthly contribution.
Why are you doing this?
We believe that we can choose to help each other in difficult times, that those of us with resources have an obligation to support others, that there are enough people who want to enable a more equitable kind of support, and that we don't need to wait for permission from anyone to make it happen.
Who started this thing, anyway?
The original concept came from discussions between Jesse Kriss, Brady Kriss, Mara Zepeda, and Jennifer Brandel. Jesse is currently the primary administrator/organizer.
This is inspired by conversations with friends and family and the actions of many. The structure draws in part from The Awesome Foundation, Model View Culture's Fund Club, and Silent Partners.