Community Funding Meets Individual Purpose
Donation protected
What this is:
A community pot distributed quarterly to individuals in need of funds to move in purpose.
What this is inspired by:
A sou-sou (also spelled susu or su-su) is an informal savings circle where a group of people contribute a fixed amount of money at regular intervals—weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. Each time, the total collected goes to one member, and everyone takes turns receiving the lump sum.
Sou-sous have been used for generations in African, Caribbean, and immigrant communities to help people save for big goals—like starting a business, paying off debt, making a large purchase, or funding education.
Learn more here andhere.
Why this matters:
1) We will not see a truly free world if living out our purpose is dependent on us proving our worth to institutions and sticking our hands out for funds that come with strings attached.
2) I experienced the power of collective support when I started a GoFundMe in 2023 for the establishment of a ceramic studio. I bet on myself with just enough money to put first, last, and security on a studio and then my community bet on me. I raised a little over 2k in two weeks, something I would have struggled (or taken a reallyyyy long time) to do on my own. Together, folks made it possible for me to fly.
3)All contributions to the pool are tax-exempt. These are the logistics.
Without saying too much, the more you contribute to a qualified non-profit, the less you will have to pay the government in taxes.
How this works:
You DO NOT need to submit a proposal to make a contribution. Your support in helping make someone’s vision a reality means a lot! However, in order to be considered for funding, you must make a contribution to that pertaining season’s Susu. Example: For the Fall Equinox Susu you must contribute before the deadline for Fall proposals passes.
You will be asked to answer 4 simple questions:
What do you love?
What are you good at?
Why does the world need this?
How will you make money?
This is derived from Ikigai, a Japanese concept that refers to having a reason for being, a sense of purpose, or a feeling of joy and fulfillment in life. It's about discovering what truly matters to you and finding activities and experiences that bring you joy and meaning. While often associated with finding a fulfilling career, ikigai can encompass anything that motivates you to get out of bed each morning and live a meaningful life.
A revolution of every day life is what I’m after.
Shortly after the deadline has passed, all eligible proposals will be shared with the public to gauge popular opinion and inform the Distribution Committee’s decision on how funds will be allocated. The first transfer of funds are expected to occur during the Fall Equinox.
If deemed successful, another pot will be established and distributed on the Winter Solstice, and so on.
xoxo
Organizer
Margery Cedano
Organizer
Philadelphia, PA