In the past couple of weeks, we have been adjusting to this new and unprecedented reality. In these uncertain times, I have found hope and connectedness with a group I joined earlier this year, Crossroads Fund’s Giving Project. The Giving Project is a cohort committed to building across race, class, age, gender, and other identities to support movements for change, not charity, in Chicago. Together, we’ve launched a fundraising effort to raise $150,000. With these funds, we’ll meet with and provide grants to over 25 grassroots groups working on issues that define our city. These groups are building movements that reimagine systems and fighting for changes we know are possible. Their work hasn’t stopped because of the pandemic, rather it has heightened issues of inequity that they have been fighting for all along. My goal is to engage as many of my friends and family as possible. The Giving Project is my way of being connected to the issues impacting Chicago and being in solidarity with my neighbors working on the frontlines of justice. Will you support our fundraising goal? Your support is tremendously meaningful to me. No gift is too small. All of the Giving Project participants -- myself included -- made a meaningful contribution, and donations ranged from $150 - $20,000! Please consider donating any amount. Our fundraising deadline is Monday, May 25, 2020. [ LINK: https://crossroadsfund.org/giving-project ] If you'd like to learn more about the Giving Project or Crossroads Fund, please connect with me via Calendly. I would welcome scheduling time to share with you how I came to my meaningful contribution and some of the projects Crossroads has historically funded. I have learned a lot from this program and am eager to share it! Thank you again for your consideration. Be safe and well. Mike Strode Founder & Exchange Coordinator of Kola Nut Collaborative
