One thing before you begin.
Security is critical...
Before you submit your need, you'll set up a secure payment account through Stripe — the same trusted platform that powers payments for millions of businesses worldwide. This is how we make sure 100% of your funds arrive directly and safely into your hands the moment your need is cleared.
It takes just a few minutes. And it means the second your need is funded, the money moves to you immediately. No waiting. No processing delays. No middleman holding your money.
Your bank information is secured and encrypted by Stripe — United We Fund never sees or stores your financial details.
Here's what happens when you submit a need.
Set up your secure payment account
Quick, safe, and handled entirely by Stripe. This is how your funds reach you the moment your need clears. You only do this once.
Tell us what you need
A specific need, a real dollar amount, and a little of your story. Share only what you're comfortable sharing. If your request is over $1,000 we'll ask you to upload a bill or receipt showing that amount — not to judge you, but to protect the integrity of the community for everyone in line.
Your need goes to review
Every submission is personally reviewed before it goes live. This keeps the community safe and the queue trustworthy for everyone. You'll be notified when your need is approved and where it lands.
You enter the queue
United We Fund runs a live queue of 10 active needs and a waitlist of up to 25. If the queue and waitlist are full when you submit, you'll enter the backlog and move up automatically as spots open. No action needed from you — the system keeps the line moving.
The community moves the line
Donors give what they can. The pool fills. When it triggers, needs get cleared from the front of the live queue first. Your need moves forward every single cycle.
You get fully funded
When your need reaches the front and the pool clears — 100% of your requested amount goes directly to you through Stripe. No partial payments. No deductions. All of it. The moment it clears.
Real needs. Real life.
Rent & Housing
Utilities & Bills
Groceries & Food
Because everyone deserves a safe place to land. Whether you're facing an eviction notice, a security deposit you can't quite cover, or a month that got away from you — this is a real need and it belongs here.
Groceries & Food
Utilities & Bills
Groceries & Food
Food is not a luxury. If your refrigerator is emptier than it should be or you're stretching a budget that wasn't meant to stretch this far — submit your need. Your community will show up.
Utilities & Bills
Utilities & Bills
Utilities & Bills
The lights. The heat. The water. The things that keep life running that nobody talks about losing until they're gone. If you're facing a shutoff notice or a bill that arrived at the worst possible time — you're in the right place.
Childcare
Clothing & Essentials
Utilities & Bills
Because sometimes the only thing standing between you and an opportunity — a job, a training program, a chance to get ahead — is childcare you can't afford right now. That's a real barrier and this community can help move it.
Clothing & Essentials
Clothing & Essentials
Clothing & Essentials
Work clothes for a new job. School uniforms. Winter coats. The things that seem small from the outside and feel enormous when you don't have them. If you need it to move forward, it belongs here.
Medical Needs
Clothing & Essentials
Clothing & Essentials
A prescription. A copay. A medical supply that insurance won't cover. Your health is not negotiable and neither is your need. Submit it. Let your community help you take care of yourself.