About the Basic Needs Fund
The Basic Needs Fund was established in April 2020 to help ensure that all Greater New Haven area residents have the basic material needs of daily life. As an endowment, the Basic Needs Fund is addressing the needs of today and providing permanent resources for future generations.
Governance
The fund is governed by an advisory committee (“The Committee”) composed of representatives from three constituent groups: givers to the fund; cooperating funders; and organizations that provide basic material needs.
Guiding Principles
We believe in the inherent dignity of all people and that the most basic material human needs of food and water, safety and shelter, and access to essential services should be available with compassion to everyone. Our collective power is realized when it is built on trust and respect, mutual support, empathy, solidarity, and participatory and inclusive practices. We are committed to realizing the greatest possible good with all the financial and non-financial assets we have available.
Basic Needs Definition
The Committee has defined basic needs as material needs that include but are not limited to shelter, food, clothing, hygiene items, non-prescription drugs and other essential health care not covered by insurance, home utilities, physical safety, transportation and communication tools.
Purpose
The purpose of the fund is to help ensure that all New Haven area residents have the basic material needs of daily life, such as but not limited to: food, shelter, hygiene items, safety and communication tools -- and to promote the dignity of people who need financial assistance. The Basic Needs Fund will work towards this purpose by making grants in active coordination with other major funders; and through public advocacy and education on the state of basic needs in Greater New Haven.
