Hi, my name is Honey Gold Jasmine, and I’m coming to you humbly in my time of need. As Trump has actively destroyed our economy, he has impacted an area that has a major influence on my livelihood and ability to provide for my family: grant funding. As he has continuously cut funding and DEI programs, this has had a direct, tangible, rapid impact on me as a grant writing professional for low-income folks and BIPOC communities. In the last few months, I have had multiple clients that have been forced to cancel our contract due to funding sources being canceled and postponed, leading to a loss for me in the $1000s.

For the last two years, I’ve had the honor of making a living from grant writing for Black and Brown low-income artists and organizations with small annual budgets. This work has resulted in about $500,000 in funding and opportunity for my clients. All the while, I keep my service fees at half the price of typical grant writers and even worked on a barter system for some people who needed my services but couldn’t pay outright. This has a price though; it results in me earning a low-income wage as well as I continue to build and find better ways to serve a need in my community.

I’m often one that is a strong pillar for others. As a mom, eldest daughter, grant writer for low-income artists/non-profits, and community activist, I know all too well the sacrifice and resources needed in order to be a supportive force for others.

But what happens when the helpers need help? They clam up and figure it out on their own. Well, that’s what I usually do, but this time I’m opening up and letting go of my fear of asking for help. Especially when you have racist people out here raising MILLIONS for abusing the system and antagonizing communities.

With your help, I can cover my bills that are steadily piling, continue to afford childcare, continue my business operations, and even offer some free grant writing for my clients that had to cancel. In the event that I exceed my goal, I would also like to jumpstart my own grant-making program and pay it forward. This is an ultimate goal for me, and it would be amazing if we could work together to make that happen.

With all that said, I want to thank everyone in advance who has the means to donate and keep me afloat as I serve my community!