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Since 2019, the DAWA Fund has provided low-barrier direct financial support to Austin’s BIPOC community frontliners. Nearly $350,000 has been distributed as part of our ‘giving to the givers’ mantra.

DAWA HQ Opening
WHY DAWA FUND?

 

A 2022 study on cost of living ranked Austin, Texas as having some of the highest cost of living increases in America.​ This reality disproportionally affects creatives and communities of color, pushing them outside Austin proper. After rent, commutes, and living expenses, DAWA believes BIPOC community frontliners should not have to abandon their passion to serve simply because financial resources are not made available. DAWA's mission is to proactively and creatively be a part of bridging that gap.

DAWA Testimony

DAWA Testimony

$350K+

distributed to community frontliners since 2019

COMMUNITY FRONTLINERS

WHO ARE THEY?

 

The BIPOC teachers, service industry workers, creative, healthcare providers, and social workers. These are the givers who are making tremendous impact daily, playing a pivotal role in our well-being as a community, but are most often undervalued and overlooked.

  • When can I apply for the DAWA Fund?
    The DAWA Fund opens periodically, based on when we receive enough funding through donations and grants to support a full round of disbursements. We do not accept ongoing or rolling applications. When the fund opens, we will post the application on our website and announce it via our newsletter and social media channels. Applications are first come, first serve, so we encourage you to apply as soon as you see it open.
  • Who Can Apply to the DAWAFund?
    The DAWA Fund is intended for Community Frontliners: Individuals who give to their communities through creative, caring, or service-based work. This includes people who often support others but may not receive the same support themselves. You may qualify if you are: An artist, such as a visual artist, writer, dancer, filmmaker, designer, or craftsperson A musician, vocalist, DJ, composer, sound engineer, or music producer An educator, including teachers, teaching assistants, tutors, or early childhood educators A healthcare worker, including nurses, medical assistants, doulas, or caregivers A healer, such as a therapist, counselor, yoga instructor, spiritual worker, or herbalist A social worker, case manager, or someone supporting others through nonprofit work A service worker, such as a barista, server, janitor, cook, delivery driver, or retail worker A caretaker, including unpaid caregivers for elders, children, or disabled family members A community organizer or mutual aid worker supporting neighborhoods or vulnerable groups A support worker in housing, advocacy, harm reduction, or community wellness Or someone doing grassroots or creative labor that helps others, often informally If you're not sure if your work qualifies, you're welcome to apply—we honor many kinds of giving.
  • What kind of ID do I need to submit?
    You must upload a valid photo ID showing your name and picture. Accepted forms include: Government-issued IDs (U.S. or international) State ID or driver's license Passport School-issued ID with a photo Work-issued ID with a photo and name If you're having trouble providing ID, contact us at dawafund@dawaheals.org so we can help you complete your application.
  • How do I show what I do for work or community service?
    We ask you to upload a simple document, screenshot, or image that shows your work. Examples include: A flyer, program, or social media post featuring your name and role A work ID badge, business card, or pay stub A website or page that shows your art, classes, or service A letter or email from someone confirming your community role If you're not sure if your work qualifies, you're welcome to apply—we honor many kinds of giving.
  • Do I need to live in Austin to apply?
    This program supports people who live in or actively serve the Austin, TX community—including those experiencing housing instability. You can submit any of the following to confirm your connection to the Austin area: A utility bill, lease, or piece of mail with your name and Austin address A letter from a shelter, case manager, or service provider confirming your stay or work in Austin A screenshot or flyer showing your role in a local Austin event or organization Any other reasonable proof that shows you live in, work in, or serve Austin residents You do not need a permanent address to qualify. We welcome applications from those who are unhoused or staying temporarily in the area, as long as your work or life is rooted in the Austin community.
  • Why do you ask about finances? Will this affect my application?
    We ask questions about your financial situation so we can: Prioritize those in greatest need Advocate for more funding from supporters and institutions Better understand what types of support are most needed Though we may not be able to provide the full amount of support requested, your responses help us make the strongest case possible when we speak to funders and policymakers. You’ll be asked about: The type of support you need (housing, utilities, food, childcare, etc.) The estimated dollar amount that would help you right now Your total household income and how many people it supports Your general financial situation (Okay, Bad, Very Bad, Crisis)
  • How will I get the money if I'm approved?
    You’ll be able to choose how you receive your funds: Direct deposit to a bank account (1–2 business days) Direct deposit to a debit card (typically instant) Digital Mastercard gift card (emailed; usable online or added to a digital wallet) If none of these options work for you, we’ll contact you directly to arrange another method.
  • What should I expect after submitting my application?
    You should expect the following: You’ll receive an email confirming we got your application. (Due to high volume, it generally takes 48 - 72 hours for applications to be processed.) If selected, you’ll receive (2) emails: an approval email from DAWA and a reward email from Tango with instructions on how to claim your funds. We award funds on a first come, first serve basis so any applications left after we reach our funding limit will be asked to reapply during our next round. You may also be invited to share feedback in a short (optional) interview. Your voice helps shape the future of the DAWA Fund. Have other questions? Email us at dawafund@dawaheals.org.
  • What should I do if I need to update the information on my application or send updated documentation?
    Please do not submit a second application. Instead, email your updated documents or corrections to dawafund@dawaheals.org. Include your full name and the email you used in your application so we can find your original submission and update it.

DEMOGRAPHICS

RACE

DAWA Race Demographics

GENDER

DAWA Gender Demographics

OCCUPATION

DAWA Occupation Demographics

STAND WITH DAWA

©2024 by DAWA 

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