COVID-19 RESOURCES AND INFORMATION
Seeking Direct Assistance?
To apply for RWCF’s direct financial assistance for short-term needs, please visit our financial assistance partner, Southern Smoke.
If you would like to suggest a nonprofit organization for us to partner with that helps restaurant workers in crisis or small business get up and running, please use our Google survey.
RWCF COVID-19 Use of Funds
Funds raised via our COVID-19 Fundraising Page
are to be allocated in the following ways:
50% FOR DIRECT RELIEF TO INDIVIDUAL RESTAURANT WORKERS
25% FOR NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS SERVING RESTAURANT WORKERS IN CRISIS
25% FOR ZERO-INTEREST LOANS FOR RESTAURANTS TO GET BACK UP AND RUNNING
See our frequently updated FAQ with information on dollars raised to date and funds distributed to nonprofit partners.
We are a nationwide community dedicated to making the restaurant industry more hospitable to everyone.
By addressing quality-of-life issues that disproportionately affect restaurant workers – 40% of whom live on poverty-level wages – we hope to strengthen the workforce and increase opportunities for advancement in the industry to more people. The restaurant industry is notorious for low wages, poor job mobility, high turnover, and burnout. Structural and cultural issues within the industry decrease quality-of-life and make long term work in the industry unsustainable for many. But it doesn’t have to be that way. That’s why we’re focused on:
Wage Fairness and Career Ladders
Gender Equity and Sexual Violence
Racial Justice and Support for the Immigrant Community
Mental Health and Substance Abuse
Why RWCF?
Advocacy
We are advocates for doing things differently. Our public education seeks to change policy and workplace culture. One third of the funds we raise goes to our efforts to speak out for our community.
Grantmaking
We are supporting other nonprofits that provide career training, conduct research on restaurant industry practices, and advocate for fair wage policies and worker rights. One third of our budget is dedicated to grantmaking.
Impact Investing
We are using our dollars to affect the industry in two ways – supporting restaurant businesses that operate ethically and, eventually, using investment strategies to engage in shareholder advocacy. One third of our funds go to impact investing.
How You Can Help
Donate
Support the community of restaurant workers across the country
Stay Informed
Stay connected to our community and be the first to know about our events and volunteer opportunities
Share
Tell your friends and co-workers about @RWCFNYC on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
Help us connect to major leaders in the restaurant industry who might want to support our work either by lending their name or financial resources.