Community Justice Grant Challenge FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

+ Can I still apply to the grant challenge?

The application period ended on May 15, 2021. We are no longer taking new applications. We don't have plans to run another challenege grant. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.

+ Can I still vote in the grant challenge?

The public voting period ended on July 26, 2021. We received over 10,000 votes from the public and will be announcing the ten finalists in August. In the meantime, all 62 semi-finalists will receive $5,000 in funding. Check back soon for more updates! If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.

+ Why did Expensify.org create this challenge?

The events of the past year have laid bare an array of long-standing and deep-rooted injustices including inequitable access to healthcare, brazen voter suppression, families not knowing where their next meal will come from, and a spike in homelessness, across the U.S. But amid the trauma and tumult, we’ve also seen the power of community and people coming together to create solutions that have the ability to drive real change. At Expensify.org, we’re inspired by this work and want to contribute. Through the Community Justice Grant Challenge, we’ll provide the funding necessary to help grow these actions into a movement that can change the world.

+ How is this challenge funded?

Expensify.org is a charity founded by the preaccounting platform Expensify. Funding for the Community Justice Grant Challenge comes from a few sources: Expensify’s Karma Points program: every time customers swipe their credit card at a restaurant, Expensify pays it forward by helping someone who is hungry, or every time a customer books a hotel room, Expensify pays it forward by helping those who lack a stable home. Additionally, Expensify allocates 25 cents for every $1 paid to white, male employees and puts those funds toward fueling the fight against injustice, as a means of offsetting the gender pay gap. And, lastly, anyone can be a monthly donor to Expensify.org.

+ If I’m not from one of the 12 target cities can I still apply?

We welcome applicants from across the U.S. and all over the world! As long as you have a U.S. bank account, your location doesn’t affect eligibility.

+ What do all of the categories mean? Can you explain them?

Of course! We selected these categories as specific injustices that we’d like to find locally sourced solutions to and help those working on the solutions increase their impact. Below we’ve outlined some examples of what solutions to these injustices could look like. These are outlines to inspire, not box you in; if your solution isn’t listed below, we want to hear from you. We’re looking for ideas we’d never think of! If you still have questions – we’re here to talk. Just reach out to us here.

• Climate Justice: Climate change impacts all of us, but not equally and in many different ways. Marginalized communities are disproportionately impacted by things like land exploitation and pollution. We’re looking for solutions that address these inequities head-on to create a more sustainable society. Whether it's tackling high rates of asthma in hyper-polluted communities, rebuilding a neighborhood after natural disaster strikes, fighting for a flood wall in a region hard-hit by rain and rising waters, or creating public art installations made of reused materials – we want to help you protect our planet and all living on it.
• Food Security: Hunger is not a new injustice, but the pandemic caused unemployment rates to soar, forcing 42 million people to struggle to put food on the table for themselves and their loved ones. Food insecurity could also manifest as food deserts – regions where people have limited access to nutritious, affordable food. Solutions to food insecurity could begin by establishing a community vegetable garden, food distribution program, restaurant discount days, or more.
• Housing Equity: Housing inequity can be anything from homelessness to hazardous homes to housing discrimination – which means solutions to these problems could involve ways to help people find safe, affordable housing; repair homes that need it; make homes safer for those most in need; or ensure that people in shelter have the support they need.
• Reentry Services: Individuals who have been involved in the criminal justice system must navigate a myriad of hurdles upon release, ranging from finding stable housing, securing meaningful employment and having the tools necessary to navigate our modern society. Campaigns that support reentry might look like a transportation program that helps returning citizens get to work or job interviews, clothing drives, or support groups.
• Youth Advocacy: Our children are our future, but one of the greatest injustices of our time is that they don’t have an equal opportunity to reach their full potential. Their level of expectancy, well-being and economic mobility is often dictated by their race and background. Solutions to leveling the playing field can include after-school and community center programming to nurture and protect our kids or youth sports teams to give our kids creative and healthy outlets. Any idea that aims to let kids be kids, we want to support it. For eligibility in this category, kids are 18 years or younger.

+ I have a campaign idea – but I haven’t started it yet and I’m not sure exactly what expenses would go into running it. Am I still eligible?

You bet! Everyone has to start somewhere, and we’re happy to help you on your way to changing your community. Here’s what we recommend: do your best to explain your idea on the application. The application is only a first step – we’ll reach out after you submit to make sure your idea is eligible and the best that it can be so that it stands out among all of our applicants. We’re committed to collaboration, so if you need our help, tell us. But a good idea is a good idea, and that’s what we’re here to support.

+ We are a nonprofit organization, can we apply?

Yes, you can apply! However, our funding model is not a typical one where a grant is given to a nonprofit organization. Instead, we’re looking to help amplify the work of individuals and grassroots organizations who are directly absorbing the costs. So proposals would need to either fit a pay-per-task (volunteers are directly reimbursed for completing a task) or 50% match model (volunteers are directly reimbursed for purchasing goods/equipment to support the solution).

+ What if my proposal covers more than one fund category?

That's awesome, just submit it once to whichever category fits best. We'll work with you and see if it can apply under multiple funds.

+ Can I submit more than one idea and even in the same category?

The more the merrier, but only one idea can win.

+ What does it mean for an idea to be scalable?

We’re looking for ideas that have the potential to either grow in your community (with the help of our reimbursement/funding model) or be replicated by other people and organizations in their own communities. When we say scalable, we really mean: could your campaign help more people or make even greater impact with our funding?

+ Why 50% reimbursement?

There are so many people who show up for their community every single day to fight injustice and create change. Our goal is to recognize those who are the changemakers at the forefront of this work today and scale their efforts. Our hope is that by reimbursing 50% of costs already incurred, these changemakers are able to do even more to fight injustice in their community, while also allowing us to support even more incredible changemakers vs less.

+ How long after I make the purchase will I be reimbursed?

Snap a receipt for your purchase and submit it for approval using the Expensify app. It will then be reviewed to ensure it is an eligible campaign purchase (these will vary from campaign to campaign). Once approved, you'll be reimbursed 50% of the total amount!

+ How do I know that I am guaranteed this reimbursement?

We’ll work with you on a list of expenses that are eligible for reimbursements to share with all volunteers and on our website. For anything not on that list, please reach out to your campaign manager for further information.

+ When will winners be announced and how will they be announced?

Winners will be announced after our voting round. We’ll reach out to the winners by email and announce them publicly on our social media channels, at expensify.org, and in a press release.

+ Help! I still have questions.

Have no fear! We’re always available to chat – just reach out to us here and we’ll answer any and all questions you have.