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There must be a minimum of three people in a group. We have found that 7-12 members is an optimal size. This helps ensure a healthy group fund, a steady stream of requests and keeps good levels of engagement amongst members.

Fund your group fund

You can easily contribute to your group fund via credit or debit card, check or savings account, PayPal or by mailing a physical check. To contribute to your group fund, go to My Account/Finances.

Consider setting up a recurring contribution to your group fund. This way the fund keeps growing at a regular pace and you won’t forget to contribute. Also, funds will get to where they’re needed quicker if you don’t have to wait for people to donate when there is a need.

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Share a need

This is where it all pays off, when you and your group get to do something unexpectedly benevolent for someone you know.

 Title
Start your request with a short description (less than 140 characters) that will be used as the Title. Make sure not to identify first or last names in this section. This is how NOT to title a request: My friend Joe needs help.

 Recipient Information

Provide the name of the individual you are advocating this request for. This information is only shared with your group. If you or your friend are concerned about privacy, like in the case of domestic violence, you may provide John/Jane Doe information and contact Common Change to provide corresponding information that will be held for internal use only. Common Change verifies recipients against the known terrorist list.

 Type of Request

Letting your group know how you are thinking about this opportunity can help members respond more appropriately. Common Change has four types of requests.

1. Crisis/emergency - typically primary physical gifts such as Food, Clothing, Water, Shelter, Healthcare
2. Basic living & preventative - typically supportive or sustainable gifts such as Housework, School Supplies, Education, Jobs, Childcare, Counselling, Transportation
3. Gift of kindness - typically mental or emotional health gifts such as Retreats, Babysitting, Visits, Care Packages
4. Little Luxuries - gifts that are not necessarily needed for survival or basic living, but might be needed in certain circumstances to provide a stronger foundation for life 

Category
Select a category that best describes the gift you are seeking to give through this request. Requests might fall into multiple categories, but choose the one that is primary.