$500k+

The DAWA Fund opens periodically once we have received enough support through donations and grants to fund a full round of awards. For this reason, we do not accept rolling applications.

When the fund opens, the application will be posted on our website and announced through our newsletter and social media.

Applications are first come, first served, so we encourage you to apply as soon as the fund becomes available.

Disbursements typically take place twice a year, in August and December.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)

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.

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.

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.