San Francisco, CA — Mayor London N. Breed today announced a major contribution of $15 million from Jack Dorsey’s #StartSmall to the Give2SF COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund. The funding will assist undocumented, mixed-status, and low-income households in San Francisco. The $15 million will be allocated evenly across the Give2SF priority areas, with $5 million going to food security, $5 million to housing access, and $5 million to supporting workers and small businesses.

As of today, $11.3 million has been raised for Give2SF in donations and pledges to the City and through the San Francisco Foundation. This donation of $15 million more than doubles the total contributions to Give2SF to date, and brings the total funding for Give2SF to $26.3 million.

“I am incredibly grateful for Jack Dorsey’s generous contribution to Give2SF and our efforts to support our most vulnerable residents during this public health crisis,” said Mayor Breed. “This donation will make a critical difference in the lives of thousands of undocumented, mixed-status, and low-income San Franciscans who are struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the $15 million from #StartSmall, we’ll help people get food on the table, remain in their homes, and receive the financial assistance they need to make it through this emergency.”

“COVID-19 affects us all, but disproportionately affects those who were already in need,” said Jack Dorsey. “It’s important to acknowledge this fact and provide more support to those who are struggling. Food and shelter to weather this crisis is critical, and I want to thank the Mayor and City of San Francisco for ensuring these funds will help people directly and immediately.”

The $15 million in funding from #StartSmall will:

• Support 5,000 households over three months with grocery gift cards, home-delivered and takeaway meals, and other related food supports;
• Provide at least 1,250 households with up to $3,000 for assistance meeting housing costs, including rent and utilities; and
• Provide financial relief for immigrant workers and provide 0% interest loans to small businesses through the San Francisco Hardship Emergency Loan Program.

In March, Mayor Breed announced three priority areas for the Give2SF Fund: food security,

access to housing, and support for workers and small businesses, with a focus on assisting undocumented people who otherwise may not have access to social safety net programs, seniors and people with disabilities, and small businesses. The Fund’s priority areas were selected based on analysis of the most pressing needs and the swiftest available methods to deliver impactful support, with an equity lens to address disparities faced by certain communities.

Many African American, Latino, immigrant, and low-income communities in San Francisco have been especially hard-hit by the coronavirus. Many are further disadvantaged by the fact that they do not qualify for the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act or loan programs because of immigration status. Prior to the global outbreak of COVID-19, rates of chronic illness, poor housing conditions, and low wages were already concentrated in these groups and the virus has disproportionately impacted these groups as well. For example, Latino people make up 40% of reported cases of COVID-19 even though they make up just 15% of San Francisco’s population.

“San Franciscans have been incredibly generous and Jack Dorsey’s significant gift will help us meet the needs of so many residents that need additional help during this challenging time,” said City Administrator Naomi M. Kelly. “From enhancing food security to helping small businesses, Give2SF is making a difference in responding to this challenge.”

“Support from partners like #StartSmall is critical during times of crisis,” said Matthew Goudeau, temporarily assigned as a Disaster Service Worker as Director of Philanthropy for the Give2SF Fund. “Every gift is important because, as we all know, the needs of our community will grow and evolve over the months to come. I hope that Mr. Dorsey’s incredible generosity inspires others to keep stepping forward so we can continue to help our neighbors in need through Give2SF’s impactful programs.”

“At this moment, our community is coming together to address the challenge of our lifetime. The powerful response highlights the value of leadership, and the San Francisco Foundation is proud to partner with the Mayor to support the City’s Give2SF Fund,” said Fred Blackwell, CEO of the San Francisco Foundation. “We also recognize the essential role that philanthropy is playing to move quickly, fill the gaps, and ensure that our most vulnerable neighbors are protected. We are deeply grateful for this extraordinary gift.”

“The Give2SF fund allows the City to support our must vulnerable populations and minimize barriers to access much needed resources,” said Sheryl Davis, Executive Director, Human Rights Commission. “The fund allows us to be innovative and flexible, to meet the most pressing needs. Our low-income, immigrant, undocumented and communities of color are being disproportionately impacted by this pandemic. The funding coupled with the commitment of the City to address issues of inequity, has the ability to make a difference beyond this crisis and begin to dismantle the systems that contribute to these disparate outcomes.”

“La Raza Community Resource Center is happy to partner with the City and the Give2SF Fund,” said Melba Maldonado, Executive Director, La Raza Community Resource Center. “Our goal is to help Latino families meet their basic needs of staying sheltered, pay their bills and feed their families. Through this Fund, we aim to serve Latino, Native American and undocumented families, which are among the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. This Fund will provide hope for stability, and our work will engender solidarity and strength among community, agencies and the City.”

Contribute to Give2SF

Anyone interested in making a monetary contribution to the City and County of San Francisco’s Give2SF Fund can do so at www.Give2SF.org. Money can be donated via check or wire to the Office of the Controller or through the Give2SF website via credit card. It is preferable that large donations be made by check or wire so no credit card merchant fees are incurred.

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