A new local nonprofit is bringing together graphic designers, artists, and student activists to raise money for communities and groups affected by Covid-19.
Project for All is part of a growing phenomenon of social entrepreneurship enterprises. According to Social Enterprise Alliance, a national organization, these groups give "a portion of their profits to nonprofits that address basic unmet needs."
This particular social enterprise was founded by Lily Kot, a graduate of Pierson High School and a rising senior at the University of California/Santa Barbara, Mali Gruber, a rising junior at Haverford College, and Max Micallef, the community liaison and public policy coordinator with the New York State chapter of GLSEN, an educational advocacy group that supports L.G.B.T.Q. students.
"I was actually having a phone call with my close friend Max Micallef, and he came up with the idea very nonchalantly," Ms. Kot said. "The idea stemmed from us both being activists and wanting to do something to help others during the coronavirus pandemic. We wanted to do something that was unique and supported many causes."
Project for All benefits from the work of graphic designers and artists, who donate original designs that are incorporated into products to be sold to customers. Designs fall under three categories: social justice, health care, and the environment. When an item is purchased, 90 percent of the proceeds go to a nonprofit that fits under the topic related to the design.
"Social enterprise initiatives enable a company to integrate social impact into business operations and prioritize social goals alongside financial returns," the national alliance says. Many mainstream companies have begun such initiatives, including Warby Parker, which makes a contribution to VisionSpring with every pair of glasses sold, enabling those in developing countries to have access to prescription eyewear.
Now, Project for All, whose slogan is "shopping is donating," benefits 30 other nonprofits.
On the project's Redbubble web page, where transactions take place, a variety of designs can be found. From a "Healthcare Is a Human Right" tote bag to a "Love Is Love" travel mug, the nonprofit is covering all bases of current issues. It also uses its social media platforms to inspire positive change in its users. Ms. Gruber, the project's social media manager, hosts "community learning" segments, posts that describe the organizations Project for All supports and the challenges they face.
The project, which was started a little over a month ago, has already donated hundreds of dollars.
"We recently donated a total of $295.50 to HealthWell foundation, Immigration Equality, and Global Links, $98.50 each," Ms. Kot said. "We have received nothing but positive responses so far from friends, family, and even the nonprofits we are supporting."
New designs are uploaded every two weeks. A link can be found at projectforall.org/shop.