Now more than ever, the only future we truly believe in is one that centers community care. A future where we show up for ourselves and each other with empathy, tenacity and consistency. A future where Black & Brown people everywhere get to be free.

Since we launched New Room, we’ve been thinking about how we could actively make community care part of our business and growth model. It initially seemed complicated, until we realized that the simplest and most effective way to have an impact under the current systems we live in is to directly put money (or resources) back into the pockets of the people who are most deserving of it.

So, this February we decided to put our money where our mouths are by launching what we hope to be the first of many $1500 New Room mutual aid micro-grants, intended to serve members of Black Communities in need of funds, rest - or even just celebration for their work towards collective liberation.

***UPDATE:

The response we’ve received in just one week from this initiative has surpassed all of our expectations. On one hand, we're so touched by the influx of beautiful nominations pouring in from across the continent. On the other, we can't believe the number of people in need of rest or relief right now, and cannot possibly choose just one person to support. From Queer Community Healers, to Death Doulas, to Dance & Street Activists, to folks navigating difficult periods of transition and loss - we're at nearly 1000 nominations and want to be able to redistribute funds to as many of those as we possibly can.

All this to say: This initiative has suddenly become way bigger than us, and we need your help. We need the help of allies, leaders, friends, and partners who have the financial capacity to make a real impact this Black History Month. The funds raised in this campaign will help us reach our goal of offering another 10, deeply deserving people some relief.

Every dollar donated will be redistributed, and a transparency update on fund recipients will be shared.

Again, we are reminded of the power that community can have - if & when we choose to lean on it.

Thank you for showing us what collective liberation can look like through your contribution!

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Find out more about the You Deserve to Rest Micro-Grant and our nomination process at www.newroom.group/bhm2023

Grant winners will be randomly selected on February 28th and announced on our Instagram