In this time of crisis, we call on the richest people on the planet to give back to our communities by donating to those most in need, not through your own foundations or those of their friends, or the usual large and top-heavy organizations. Instead we ask that you share this reasonable fraction of your wealth through direct cash donations to public school districts, food pantries, homeless shelters and advocates, cities, and other community-based organizations working directly with the most vulnerable among us.

Help needs to go directly to those in need: homeless people, who already live in unsafe conditions, need access to food, shelter, and hygiene; school districts need to be able to provide free internet access, laptops, and meals; food pantries, domestic violence shelters, elderly, and youth organizations need assistance of various kinds; housing advocates need funds to ensure that more people do not become homeless.

People around the world are already giving what we can, but billionaires have the unique capacity to inject the massive amounts of funding desperately needed by these organizations. This is the time for replacing calculated philanthropy with genuine solidarity!

Attention signatories: feel free to suggest the best local organizations in your comments of support.