Rapid Response Fund
Sheng-Yen Lu Foundation recognizes that non-profits may encounter an emergency need for funding due to unforeseen circumstances. In order to help our community partners address such emergencies, we established a Rapid Response Fund that is open to current Foundation grantees only. Most grants are between $1,000 and $3,000 and are distributed within seven to ten days of the request. It is our expectation that funds will not be used to cover ordinary operating expenses or the planned purchase of office equipment. If current grantees wish to know more, please contact Rachel Allen at programs@sylfoundation.org.
Support For Non-Profit Staff
Sheng-Yen Lu Foundation recognizes that the staff of non-profit organizations play a critical and often under-appreciated role in building a just and inclusive civil society. Their work is often exhausting and stressful. In an effort to support the staff of our community partners, SYL Foundation is committed to providing support wherever possible. In 2022, the Foundation hosted two virtual workshops – one on conducting nonprofit advocacy and one on recognizing and recovering from vicarious trauma. SYL Foundation also funded three sabbaticals for nonprofit leaders through the BIPOC ED Coalition. We will continue to provide such support in the future.
In addition, based on feedback from our grantee partners and our recognition that wage inequality, rooted in historic systems of racism and sexism, is harmful to nonprofit staff, SYLF made grants to provide cash stipends to the employees of our smallest grantee organizations. We are continuing our efforts to strengthen the nonprofit ecosystem by advocating for a living wage for nonprofit staff through our participation in the Seattle Human Services Coalition’s Wage Equity Campaign.
