Propel + GiveDirectly to deliver hurricane relief (November 2024)
- Why cash matters
- How to get help
- How funds are delivered
- Eligibility
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I sign up to be notified? How do I know if I’m eligible?
- How do I know this is legitimate?
- I saw something about this in the app, but it went away. What should I do?
- How many people will get cash?
- I haven't been selected for a cash transfer yet, and I need money now. What can I do?
- Do I have to pay the money back? What’s the catch?
- Who is Propel?
- Who is GiveDirectly?
Table of contents
- Why cash matters
- How to get help
- How funds are delivered
- Eligibility
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I sign up to be notified? How do I know if I’m eligible?
- How do I know this is legitimate?
- I saw something about this in the app, but it went away. What should I do?
- How many people will get cash?
- I haven't been selected for a cash transfer yet, and I need money now. What can I do?
- Do I have to pay the money back? What’s the catch?
- Who is Propel?
- Who is GiveDirectly?
Propel and GiveDirectly are teaming up again to provide no-strings-attached cash transfers to families affected by hurricanes and natural disasters.
We launch relief campaigns when funding becomes available for disaster-impacted areas. In October and November 2024, Propel and GiveDirectly delivered payments to low-income households in Florida and North Carolina who were affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Why cash matters
Direct cash assistance puts you in control during difficult times. You know what your family needs most after a disaster—whether that’s temporary housing, food, childcare, or other urgent expenses. Propel and GiveDirectly are committed to making disaster aid faster, more efficient, and accessible.
Through our app, cash transfers hit recipient accounts in just a few hours—much faster than traditional aid. In 2022, families impacted by hurricanes Ian and Fiona received their GiveDirectly funds within 24 hours of enrolling.
How to get help
Relief programs open in specific geographic areas after natural disasters, based on available donations. When funds are ready, eligible Propel users in impacted areas will see a notification in the app. The only way to apply is through the form in the Propel app—there's no external signup process. Unfortunately, we are unable to respond to individual requests for cash transfers.
How funds are delivered
Instructions will be available at the time of sign-up. In many cases, the money will be deposited directly into your account through your Propel debit card.
Eligibility
GiveDirectly uses storm damage imagery and poverty data to identify the hardest-hit communities. Propel notifies eligible households through our app where families are able to enroll and receive support.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I sign up to be notified? How do I know if I’m eligible?
Eligible households will be notified via the Propel app when funds are available.
There is no way to apply to this program outside of the app. We will not contact eligible families any other way. Please be aware of online, phone, and text scams claiming otherwise. Never share your information outside the Propel app. Ignore any social media posts claiming to distribute these funds.
How do I know this is legitimate?
GiveDirectly brings 10 years of experience delivering cash transfers totaling over $800 million to over 1.6 million people across 15 countries. We choose to partner with GiveDirectly to get help to families during this difficult time. Our partnership has been featured in:
- AP News: Helene and Milton $1,000 cash relief payments
- GiveDirectly’s fundraising page for Hurricanes Helene and Milton
- Propel + Give Directly Pandemic Response Project 100
- Marketplace: Startup helps feed bank accounts of food stamp recipients
- Forbes: Fintech Apps Offer Financial First Aid For Hardest-Hit Consumers
- FastCompany: GiveDirectly will start giving away $1,000 to people most affected by the coronavirus shutdown
I saw something about this in the app, but it went away. What should I do?
The only way to register for this program is by filling out the form in Propel. We only open the form for a short period of time while funds are available. We may reopen the program if more money is raised through GiveDirectly. If that happens, the form will pop up again inside our app.
How many people will get cash?
We support as many people as possible based on donations received. While we expect to help tens of thousands, we can’t reach everyone who uses Propel or receives food stamps in affected areas.
I haven't been selected for a cash transfer yet, and I need money now. What can I do?
We wish we could reach everyone who is in need. We are actively seeking more funding to support this work. If you are interested in donating, please contact us or GiveDirectly.
Do I have to pay the money back? What’s the catch?
No, recipients never have to pay the money back, and there are no strings attached. This is emergency assistance with no restrictions or tracking on spending.
Who is Propel?
Propel builds free technology—like the Propel app—to help people navigate safety net services like food stamps (SNAP). We’re based in Brooklyn, New York and earn revenue through in-app partner content like job postings and grocery coupons. Learn more at propel.app.
Who is GiveDirectly?
GiveDirectly is a nonprofit that lets donors send money directly to people who need it most around the world. Through extensive research, they have found that cash allows individuals to invest in what they need, rather than relying on aid organizations and donors to decide for them. Since 2017, GiveDirectly has delivered emergency cash assistance remotely and in-person to financially vulnerable families in the aftermath of climate emergencies, natural disasters, civil conflict, and COVID-19. Learn more at givedirectly.org.
