FAQ
Keep it Caring, Keep it Oakland
COVID Recovery Fund
How is the fund structured?
The fund is fiscally sponsored by Social Good Fund, a 501(c)3, and administered by Oakland Indie Alliance and Working Solutions with support from key outreach partners including Oakland’s Black Cultural Zone, Mandela Partners, and Chinatown Improvement District. 100% of donations are tax deductible.
What’s the goal?
We invite you to join other community-minded institutions and individuals to raise $4 million for the first round of funding, which will begin to address the projected need of $10 million - $12 million. We are able to start distributing grants when we raise $250k.
How much should I give?
All contributions to this collaborative fund are tax deductible and challenge matches are encouraged. ANY amount is welcome! If you would like to make a large contribution, you can complete the form here.
What kinds of small businesses will I be supporting with my donation?
The fund targets small businesses from each of Oakland’s distinct neighborhoods, with an emphasis on crucial yet often overlooked areas such as Fruitvale, Chinatown, Dimond District, Golden Gate, and West Oakland. Grantees will:
Be independent small or micro-business (not franchises) in Oakland, with owner(s) residing in the Bay Area;
Have 1-100 employees ;
Have a business model that is non-extractive and adds positive value to community health;
I’m an Oakland small business owner. How will the application and selection process work?:
Welcome! The application will open to all small business owners as soon as the first $250k is donated to the fund. Stay up to date by following the OIA website or our instagram page,
We aim to deploy all grants rapidly, and will continue to raise for ongoing grant cycles to meet the immense need.
Weight will be given to businesses that:
Have legacy (10+ years operating in The Town);
Demonstrate positive social impact, including the creation of quality, living wage jobs;
Have not yet received assistance from the City of Oakland Fund, or over $10k total in PPP or EIDL loans;
Are run by and employ community members who are representative of Oakland’s racial and socioeconomic demographics, specifically people of color and immigrants.
Proof of citizenship, background checks, and financial statements from business owners will NOT be required as a part of the application process.
You do not need to be an official member of the Oakland Indie Alliance to be eligible for a grant.
Why invest in OIA?
We are a trusted network of small business owners and entrepreneurs who rely on one another for mutual support in the best of times. We have existing relationships with the small businesses who need support the most. We’re well equipped to reach the small businesses who typically are not at the table: business-owner to business-owner.
