What is the Stopgap Mutual Aid Fund?
The Stopgap Mutual Aid Fund is an informal, yet organized fund distribution structure meant to help those who have been impacted by the 2025 foreign aid funding cuts. Donations are collected from the international affairs community and redistributed to individuals who apply for funds to help with rent, groceries, utilities, or any other basic needs.
How are donations collected?
Donations are being collected through a GoFundMe here: https://gofund.me/5af9b58e
How do I receive funds from the Mutual Aid Fund?
You can submit a request for funds at the form here: https://forms.gle/ZBHJ7zib5PaBVMGp7
The fund manager (“Acting Chair”) is monitoring the form responses and will be in touch with you as soon as possible, pending the receipt of donations.
Who runs the Fund?
The Fund is run by a volunteer committee, who chooses one person to serve as the chair, who will manage and disburse the received and requested funds. As of today, the committee includes Annika Erickson-Pearson, Becca Farnum, and Gabi Buser. The chair is Peter Wetherbee.
How do I learn more about the structure of the Fund?
You can learn more about how the Fund is set up, what the duties of the committee and chair are, and how funds are managed by reading the document here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QqUYV-6Mgc0RCxO2OSJhTwVGW15me9p9HBfy473m9mU/edit?usp=sharing