What is HEART’s Survivor Care Fund?
HEART’s Survivor Care Fund–formally known as our Zakat Fund–is a pool of funding that is solely reserved to directly support survivors of violence. With the donations made to HEART’s Survivor Care Fund, we distribute funds directly to survivors of violence to support them in accessing critical services and support in times of crisis to ensure their safety and wellbeing.
In 2021, we redistributed Zakat funds to over 40 survivors to help them access critical services and resources like rent and housing assistance, legal aid, and household necessities like groceries.
What kind of support for survivors does the fund provide?
Some examples of the categories HEART will prioritize for Survivor Care funds include:
- Counseling sessions for survivors of abuse and trauma
- Legal assistance for survivors of abuse or individuals looking to leave abusive situations
- Financial assistance for reproductive health service
- Emergency housing, transportation, and safety planning for survivors of abuse
- Case management for survivors including providing referrals, information, and support.
For an exhaustive list, please review our Zakat policy.
Are donations Zakat eligible?
Yes. Donations made to this fund are Zakat eligible. If you’d like to make a Zakat donation, please select “Survivor Care Fund – Zakat” for the MY DONATION IS FOR field on the donation form. To learn more about how Zakat is distributed, please review our Zakat policy.
Why give to the Survivor Care Fund?
Many survivors of violence are also victims of financial abuse. According to FreeFrom’s Survivor’s Know Best report, “the number one reason survivors stay in or return to abuse is because they cannot afford to get or stay safe.” Survivors reported their most urgent need to get and stay safe during the pandemic is cash, followed by support paying utility bills, paying down credit cards and debt, and safe employment.
Making a large donation?
Our processor takes a percentage of the donations made online as a fee. When you make a large donation, the fee is larger. Consider making a gift by writing a check* or making a Zelle payment to ensure 100% of your gift goes to HEART. Please email mehlam@heartwomenandgirls.org for more information.
* checks payable to HEART Women & Girls, 818 E. 63rd St, #211, Chicago, IL 60637
