Educators for Fair Consideration (E4FC) backs undocumented immigrant so much that it plans to invest $250,000 in them. This week, E4FC launched FUSE – the Fund for Undocumented Social Entrepreneurs – an initiative providing financial support to young undocumented entrepreneurs who want to “create positive social change.” Over the course of a year, the San Francisco-based nonprofit will pump $250,000 – through $5,000 to $50,000 grants – and help a batch of entrepreneurs reach the American Dream. “By identifying creative and highly motivated undocumented young people – and supporting the entrepreneurial projects they design and lead – we will affirm the case that all of us benefit from welcoming and fully integrating undocumented young people into the fabric of American life,” said E4FC’s Executive Director Katharine Gin in a press release.
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Though E4FC typically works to help undocumented immigrants overcome school, career, and citizenship obstacles in the United States, FUSE flourished after conversations between Gin and Jorge Ramos. The journalist wanted to further support the nonprofit organization, and Gin sought a way provide more financial support for undocumented immigrants around the US, and together they arrived at FUSE. And just like Gin, Ramos recognizes the importance of highlighting the contributions of undocumented immigrants.
Using his entire presidential campaign as a platform to villainize immigrant communities, presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump has stoked xenophobic sentiments. “In this political climate nothing is more important than telling the truth about the enormous contributions of undocumented immigrants to our country,” Ramos said. “FUSE will serve as a tool for them to show their creativity and their commitment to this nation. I’m sure we will be pleasantly surprised with their projects for social change.” James Gutierrez, The Grove Foundation, Jeff Hawkins, and Elisha Wiesel have also thrown their weight behind this measure.
Though there’s no set number on how many projects FUSE will fund, E4FC revealed it’s interested in both non-profit or for-profit businesses. Mostly, it aims to financially support entrepreneurs who work to improve the lives of diverse populations, address several needs, or who want to build communities. The first application is due August 5, 2016. But before filling it out here, drop by the FAQ page to see if you qualify.
[H/T America’s Voice]