Tech Workers Fund

Geographic Scope: Tech sector workplaces nationwide (corporate, retail, warehouse, and app-based work)

Focus Areas: Supporting worker activists organizing across the tech labor supply chain, including corporate, retail, warehouse and app-based work.

Eligible Uses

Worker activists and organizers use stipends to cover:

• Organizing costs (laptops, phones, banners)
• Critical needs (housing, food, healthcare)
• Legal fees for filing unfair labor practice charges
• Travel expenses for strategic actions, training, meetings
• Communications materials for workplace activism
• Facilitating workplace organizing events
• Other costs supporting workplace activism

Additional Support

Beyond cash stipends, recipients receive:

• Strategy and leadership coaching
• Organizing training
• Resources for workplace activism

Defining "Tech Sector"

The Tech Worker Committee determines tech sector participation by examining:

• How media generally refers to the company
• Company's influence in culture
• How company presents itself in IPO filings or public records
• Influence of company leaders in tech industry

Note: The Tech Worker Fund Committee will prioritize funds for tech sector workers but may disburse funds in solidarity with workers building collective power in other industries.

How to Apply

1. Submit online application - Takes approximately 10-20 minutes
   • Can be completed on computer, tablet, or smartphone
   • Can save and return later to finish
   • Do NOT use your work email
2. Application Content - Four questions with 50-word limit each:
   • What is the issue or demand you are addressing?
   • Describe the kinds of activities you've engaged in (or want to engage in) to make your job or workplace better
   • Why are these activities important to you?
   • (Fourth question not fully specified in materials)
3. Supporting Materials
   • Optional: Upload files verifying activism (screenshots, documents, videos, social media posts, etc.)
4. Demographics Section
   • Optional
   • Does not affect application outcome
   • Data used internally and in aggregate only
5. Application Review - Within two weeks of submission, receive decision notice via email
6. Interview - If selected, schedule 15-30 minute phone call to discuss application
7. Final Decision - Within 2 weeks of interview
8. Payment Terms - If accepted, have 2 weeks to accept terms and provide payment information
9. Receive Payment - Typically within 4-6 weeks of initial submission

Eligibility Requirements

• Be employed (or formerly employed) by a tech sector company, either directly or indirectly, regardless of job function
• Be a worker who, with coworkers, builds collective power or pressures those in positions of power to make lasting change to improve working conditions in tech
• At least 18 years old
• Have Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
• Have US bank account
• Have not previously received a stipend from this Fund (at this time, only one stipend per person)
• Individual applicants only (not organizations)

After Receiving Funds

• No reporting required
• Money can be used as you see fit to support organizing needs
• Will receive optional survey 2-3 months after payment
• Cannot apply for additional stipends at this time
• Stipend is taxable income; will receive 1099 for tax filing

Important Notes

• Do not use work email to protect yourself from employer surveillance
• Funding is for individuals only, but recipients have redistributed funds to other workers or organizations
• Contact Fund staff for guidance on how to start a petition or stage a workplace walkout