Research Report Direct Cash Transfer as a Vehicle for Speed, Inclusivity, and Equity
Mary Bogle, Sonia Torres Rodríguez
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During the COVID-19 pandemic, philanthropic entities across the US embraced giving directly—transferring cash to people—as an effective and efficient means of providing relief to those hit hard by the sudden economic and health emergency. Since the onset of the pandemic and in partnership with donors, nonprofit organizations, and local government agencies, the Greater Washington Community Foundation has facilitated the administration of approximately $26 million in funds, distributed in increments of $50 to $2,500 to approximately 60,000 residents across the Greater Washington, DC, region. This report describes the goals, strategies, and short-term achievements of the foundation and its partners in developing and implementing cash transfer strategies at the height of the pandemic. Closer examination of the foundation’s role provides insight for private donors, government agencies, and nonprofits into how partnership with local philanthropy can help them deliver a speedy and equitable response to populations hit hardest by a crisis.

Research and Evidence Housing and Communities Work, Education, and Labor Family and Financial Well-Being Tax and Income Supports Race and Equity
Expertise Thriving Cities and Neighborhoods Social Safety Net Wealth and Financial Well-Being Labor Markets Families Early Childhood
Tags Families with low incomes Poverty Racial and ethnic disparities Wages and nonwage compensation Foundations and philanthropy Economic well-being Immigrants and the economy Wealth inequality Unemployment and unemployment insurance Children and youth Greater DC
Cities Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV