Shift Fund

The Shift Fund is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that seeks to connect individuals with needs left otherwise unaddressed with the means to make it happen. By applying small sums to break down constraining barriers, the Shift Fund seeks to generate high impact at an individual level. By partnering with community organizations, the Shift Fund learns of individuals with needs left otherwise unaddressed with the means to make it happen. Through organizations like the national Juvenile Law Center, Youth Sentencing & Reentry Project, Civil Rights Corps and the Flint Youth Build, the Shift Fund identifies small dollar sum, high impact opportunities where the application of funds in the $0–500 range can remove barriers preventing a person from moving ahead in life. For instance, state-issued identification and birth certificates are $49.50 and necessary to apply for social services and continuing education. Other commonly funded barriers include court fines and fees, diversion program entrance fees, payment of driving/parking tickets, usually associated with license suspension, transportation related barriers such as a monthly bus pass, and medical copays.