The RAPID RESPONSE SURVIVAL FUND
Launched in December 2020 as a strategy to better and more sustainably meet the needs of both requesters and list members in the face of overwhelming financial need, the Rapid Response Survival Fund (RRSF) brought in and redistributed $104,914 in 2022.
What is the RRSF?
The Rapid Response Survival Fund (RRSF) is a pool of money distributed as needed to help top up requests for survival support (rent, food, basic needs) that aren’t being fulfilled through the list.
Please note: The majority of requests are now fulfilled solely through the fund, rather than individual donors, which helps provide certainty to those urgently needing funds and helps RRL fund more of the requests at 100%.
The RRSF is the result of consultations with the wider RM community and, importantly, our Social Justice Movement Advisory Committee (SJMAC). It was made clear to us, from our advisors in particular, that we are being called upon to:
Lean into the challenge of higher need, rather than limiting who the list supports
Reject the false distinction between folks doing social justice movement work and folks ‘merely’ seeking survival funds; they are often indistinguishable and supporting one means supporting the other
Continue education work with list members and supporting folks in getting to a place where their redistribution and giving provokes discomfort, but not instability. In other words, doing the work of getting more people to give away more money!
How will the RRSF raise money?
The RRSF is funded by RRL list members and the broader Resource Movement community. We also plan to 'top up the tank' with a fundraising drive twice a year so we can keep supporting those that need us in their time of crisis.
Regular giving is core to any sustainable redistribution plan - we are fortunate to have many folks who give scheduled monthly donations to the fund and help us provide more predictable support for those in need.
Who manages the RRSF?
Any money raised by the RRSF goes into an account managed by Resource Movement, and funds are distributed by the Rapid Response Team to requests from our community partners. RM and RRL compare incoming/outgoing funds at the end of every month and balance the books. The governance of the Rapid Response Survival Fund is done by the Rapid Response Team. We are all involved in any decisions taken on behalf of the fund.
How can we make sure this is happening in a transparent way?
Through this website! First, by joining the RRL email list and second, through the Request Tracker. Note that any detail provided is limited to information that recipients consent to sharing. Our monthly email summary outlines where funds have been redistributed, including a short description of the request, dollar amounts, and through which community partner, if applicable.
In addition to the Resource Movement bank account oversight mentioned above, the Rapid Response Team also gives regular updates to RM during the Open Co-ordinating Calls.
How can I support the Rapid Response Survival Fund?
In the interest of balancing flexibility and sustainability, we’ve developed myriad ways for you to redistribute wealth and support folks who come to this list, including:
Donate to the fund as part of our initial fundraising drive
Set aside an amount to donate to our biannual fundraising efforts
Become a monthly donor to the fund!
You can choose any approach to giving, or — best of all — a hybrid!
Giving is about more than just money! How else can I help?
Yes! We know that there are some awesome folk out there with the capacity for "in-kind" donations (items such as clothing, food, electronics, toys, etc.). Get in touch with us and we can help get your help to those in need!
One crucial way that this hybrid list-model will be successful is through the expansion of the list. If you know others who are class or wealth-privileged, open up space for a conversation about wealth redistribution! If you feel it is appropriate, you can encourage them to join the list (or pursue other methods of giving).
If you want to become part of the Rapid Response Team, and help do some incredibly rewarding work growing a grassroots redistribution mechanism, just get in touch, we would love to have you on board.