Uber, the popular driving service, launched a community giving program in New York State, where all contributions are directed by drivers who partner with the tech company. The program, called Project Jumpstart, donates quarterly and is a way of supporting drivers who partner with Uber while they’re off the road and to “empower them to spark change in their communities.”
“Project Jumpstart will support local causes that are most important to drivers that partner with Uber,” said Alix Anfang, an Uber spokesperson. “We encourage drivers with a cause they care about to submit nominations for a chance to receive funding for local community initiatives across New York State.”
Every three months, driver-partners in New York State can submit an application for sponsorship of a cause that is important to them, from cleaning up a local park to funding an after-school program, and Uber will award up to $30,000 in funding each business quarter.
Uber launched Project Jumpstart in New York City last year and recent grants include:
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Support for FIRST Robotics, which teaches kids robotics and fundamentals of building a business using robotics and funding for a robotics event in Utica;
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Funds to support a renovation project at the Tibetan Community of New York and New Jersey located in Queens;
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Support for a night school program at the East Side House Settlement in the Bronx where 17-21 year olds can participate in enrichment activities while fulfilling high school curriculum requirements; and
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Funding to deliver home-cooked meals to the needy on Thanksgiving Day
There are currently three categories of initiatives eligible for funding each month:
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Education and arts
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Community development
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Health and public safety
The number of winners each month may vary based on size and scope of projects submitted, according to the company. Uber drivers should go here to submit a Project Jumpstart application.