2022 was a banner year for Beam. We're just getting started: Check out Beam's Impact Report!

resource hub

What we've overheard, what we've learned, and what you should know

Check out the latest news on cash assistance and public benefits administration, read stories from clients, get to know Beam employees, and more.

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Government

Our partnerships with government agencies ensure citizens receive the aid they need fast. Read stories from clients and check out the latest news about government aid programs.

Water4All: Supporting Baltimore Residents with Water Assistance

Within four months of Beam’s application opening, the Mayor’s Office of Children and Family Success has approved over $415K in Water4All subsidies for over 350 tenant households.

November 1, 2022

Supporting the Unbanked with Cash Assistance

According to a 2019 report by the Federal Reserve, 63 million Americans are either unbanked or underbanked. What does this mean for the future of accessible emergency aid and cash assistance?

"I am currently living in a domestic violence transitional home with my two children. My oldest is 1-year old and my youngest is 9 months. I have full-custody of both of my children due to the domestic violence. By receiving this emergency funding, not only will [it] help out my family and I but it will also allow me to buy the supplies I need to further my education."

Community organizations
& philanthropy

Non-profits not only rely upon Beam for quick distribution of funds, but to build repeatable programs across communities. Learn how non-profits have used Beam to support communities with targeted support.

Thriving Providers Project: Funding Child Care Providers

In collaboration with Home Grown, Beam will administer ~$4M to home-based childcare providers in 5-7 cities, with an expected average award of $500 per month, per provider, starting in Spring 2023.

DCPS Persists and Beam

Providing access to emergency funding and retention grants to over 700 DCPS graduates with support from DC Public Education Fund

September 23, 2022

Mental Wellness as a Critical Basic Needs Support

Mental wellness is fast becoming a priority focus, and institutions that prioritize it are seeing positive results.

"Going to college meant that I need to commute 2 hours each day, and having the grant assisted with the gas bill each week. It was a small encouragement that making the effort towards college was something worth it because someone believed in my abilities to succeed."

Education

Educational institutions from P-12 distrists to higher education institutions across the nation–and, perhaps more importantly, students in need–have benefited from Beam's services. Read their stories and how we're improving graduation rates and basic needs support for students.

4 Common Obstacles to Applying for and Receiving Emergency Aid

Emergency aid programs are an essential campus resource for college students facing basic needs insecurities. However, outdated systems cause many emergency aid programs to appear archaic and challenging for students to navigate.

August 17, 2022

Designing Emergency Aid Applications that Reduce Barriers to Entry

Research shows that, despite colleges having accessible funds, many students are unaware that they are eligible for emergency aid grants through their institution or believe the application process is too burdensome to apply.

Building an Inclusive Emergency Aid Approach

Edquity recently partnered with Compton College and Believe in Students to administer over $50,000 in emergency aid to Compton College’s dual-enrolled students, the first initiative of its kind.

San Diego Mesa Community College Distributes $7.4 Million

San Diego Mesa, which had previously partnered with Beam, formerly Edquity, to distribute emergency aid, knew that the platform offered the capabilities they needed to deliver millions of dollars in HEERF funding.

“I wanted to thank you for the emergency funds I received. I was able to get my dryer and shower fixed. I also paid my electric and water bill. I bought food and water. I thought it would be nice to thank all of you at Beam, formerly Edquity, for your hard work and compassion in these trying times.”

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