Binisha's Giving Project Fundraiser

My mother greatly believed in Karma and giving. Her lessons came through quiet actions and a heart that never ran out of kindness. Whether it was sharing our last bowl of rice with a neighbor or offering a warm smile to someone in sorrow, she showed me that giving doesn’t require riches—only compassion. I’ve watched her give even when we had little, and somehow, life always gave back in unexpected ways. 

As an art and culture advocate, I joined the  Giving Project by Chinook Fund  because I believe that real change begins at the grassroots—where communities come together, share power, and invest in each other’s growth. 

Coming from Nepal as a deaf immigrant and a mother of two, I’ve experienced firsthand what it means to navigate systems that weren’t built with people like me in mind. That’s why I’m deeply passionate about equity, representation, and storytelling. The Giving Project gave me a space to not only learn about racial and economic justice, but to actively participate in redistributing resources to grassroots groups doing transformational work in Colorado. 

The Chinook Fund is an incredible CO-based org that supports & funds this exact work across Colorado, prioritizing grassroots level social justice organizations across Colorado. 

As part of the Chinook Fund’s Giving Project, I’m working alongside a diverse group of people from all income levels who are passionate about social change and mobilizing resources to make it happen. Through this 6-month program, we’ve been diving into policy, philanthropy, & how historical injustice impacts our reality today, and unpacking our own racial & class experiences. We are now fundraising to then collectively distribute funds through a democratized grant-making process. I think this quick 5 minute video is super interesting & does a great job explaining how traditional philanthropy works & how/why this model is different. That’s where you come in! The more we can fundraise, the more grassroots organizations we can fund. I'd be honored if you'd consider your income, your own circumstances, and what amount feels meaningful but you wouldn't really notice it gone from your bank account. 

For transparency, I'll share that I'm donating $300 and I hope you'll consider what a meaningful gift may look like for you. 

No matter the amount that feels good for you right now, I would truly be so, so appreciative to receive any size of donation towards this work. 

While I’ve often felt a lot of frustration & hopelessness in regards to social change, especially when progress feels so slow or when injustice keeps repeating itself. You care. You want a better world. But when systems seem stuck, or when it feels like your voice isn’t heard, it’s easy to feel powerless.

The grant applications we’re reviewing are SO COOL and represent such powerful & creative advocacy, programming, and systems change work, and it is really energizing when so much feels depressing in the news.

 You can check out a list of past grantees here and/or hit me up to chat about the specific community orgs that will be getting your money!! (or any of this, really).

On the topic of continuing these conversations and this work long past this program... there have been many times that I’ve wanted to donate more to causes I care about, and just get more involved with community orgs outside of work, but finding a starting place I feel good about has felt overwhelming. If you’d ever like to chat about any of these things, share what guides you around finances & giving, I’d be so honored to hear your thoughts & brainstorm together. 

And for all of my friends, if I sent you this, it's because I know we align on values & I really do highly recommend this program. 

Thanks so much for your time! <3