The United States’ federal government is likely to begin a program of fiscal stimulus, including direct payments to American citizens, in response to the COVID-19 crisis.

We have all been touched by this crisis already. It will continue for some time. Social distancing will help “flatten the curve” of COVID-19’s spread throughout the country, which will save thousands of lives and avoid stretching our healthcare system beyond capacity.

As Americans are staying inside and using fewer services, though, our neighbors who are in more precarious economic positions will bear the brunt of the economic slowdown. This has already led to layoffs and reduced hours, particularly for workers in the food service and hospitality industries, gig economy workers, and artists. Our neighbors are finding it hard to pay for rent, groceries, utilities, and high-quality childcare as more schools suspend the academic year. Additionally, with a sharp decrease in customers, small businesses - which rarely have the flexibility to weather a crisis of this scale - will face the challenge of staying open over the coming weeks and months.

The government’s upcoming program of fiscal stimulus will have two main goals: one, to provide relief to citizens in these challenging times. Two, to inject cash into the economy in order to keep it afloat during the upcoming economic slowdown.

For many of us, this extra cash won’t materially increase our safety, health and security during the upcoming crisis. We have the opportunity to donate our stimulus check, or any other resources we feel we can spare, to meet the goals of this fiscal stimulus: to provide relief to those in our community who need it, and to keep local economies afloat.

If you are financially able, consider giving your check to homecare workers, local nonprofits that are helping the most vulnerable, local businesses and more. Below is just a small sampling of some ideas. Please use #StimulusCheckPledge to share other ideas for donations - and as more people share their ideas, be sure to check that hashtag for great ideas to support your community:

1. Support In-Home Care Workers, Nannies, and House Cleaners during this crisis with Domestic Workers Alliance: https://domesticworkers.org/coronavirus-care-fund If you regularly pay house cleaners, homecare workers, nannies, or others - continuing to pay them throughout this crisis will be a big help.

2. Support local nonprofits - helping the most vulnerable families get food and medical help: Donate to the local nonprofits in your city working directly with the most vulnerable families, such as your local Mutual Aid Network, Black Lives Matter chapter and other groups. Some ideas of groups helping to get people food and medical help or Check out what San Francisco has created: Silicon Valley COVID-19 Regional Fund

3. Support efforts to feed children who normally receive school meals: Here is an example of one effort with No Kid Hungry- every $10 you give can provide up to 100 meals for a child who is facing hunger.

4. Buy gift cards from local restaurants and give them directly to the individuals in your community who are most impacted, e.g. sanitation workers, USPS workers, caregivers, and others. A list of restaurants open in major cities has been compiled here.

5. Sign up to help and be matched with someone who is experiencing hardship: Join c19 Help Squad.

6. Support Diaper banks: Many cities have diaper banks that provide diapers, formula, wipes and other baby supplies to families in need https://nationaldiaperbanknetwork.org/member-directory/

7. Give to the Emergent Fund - People’s Bailout - this will directly support grassroots organizing - https://secure.actblue.com/donate/emergent-peoples-bailout

8. Support Out Of Work Musicians: An example of one effort: Sofa King Fest

9. Tip your favorite bartenders: Find out their venmo or paypal accounts, and send them some tips. Check out an example of what DC created: DC Virtual Tip Jar

You know your community best - the above list is just a starting point. Share your idea, or ask your followers for their thoughts, with #StimulusCheckPledge. We’ll make it through this together!