IndivisiGather: Community Building Event Reimbursement Program Overview

In just a few years, Indivisible groups have built so much power in their communities. You’ve become important centers for civic engagement, for shared learning, and for creating community. We know that's hard work, and we want to tell you that we - Indivisible staff - are so grateful!

That's why we're launching our largest ever reimbursement program, IndivisiGather, to provide funds directly to you for what you're already doing: organizing your group, building community, leaning into organizing basics and having fun together. You and your Indivisible group can access a reimbursement of up to $1000 to cover costs for a community building, social gathering with your Indivisible group members (virtual or in-person).

Note: This is an initiative of Indivisible Civics a 501(c)(3). That means all events must have a primary purpose of civic education and cannot include lobbying or partisan political activity. We will not be able to process reimbursements for events that included lobbying or partisan activity.

Want to get reimbursed for your Indivisible community building event? Just follow these 3 steps:

Plan your community building event! Barbecues, ice-cream socials, coffee chats, beach gatherings, hikes, virtual get togethers, etc -- whatever members of your group like to do, find some time to do it together! We strongly encourage following all CDC guidelines and taking into account the local rate of transmission and vaccination rate when planning in-person events. Where possible, when planning in-person events we encourage you to do so outdoors.

Keep your receipts! The main thing you’ll need to submit for reimbursement is your receipts, so make sure to take a picture and/or put them in a safe place and submit them all at one time.

Submit the reimbursement form! Fill out this form to request your reimbursement. You can be reimbursed directly (mail/direct deposit) or through your group’s Distributed Fundraising account. The form will be open until November 30th and we expect reimbursements to take 3-4 weeks from submission to process.

Share your success! Ok, there’s technically a fourth step that we’d really love. Let us know how your event went. Tweet pictures at @indivisibleteamm send us your stories at supportteam@indivisible.org and tell your Indivisible Organizer about your highlights.

The reimbursement form will be open until November 30th, 2021.

Got everything you need already? Submit your reimbursement request here.

Have some more questions? Keep on reading…

FAQ

What types of things can I use this reimbursement for?

You can use this reimbursement for supplies for any community building event with your Indivisible group. Specific supplies may include food, snacks, renting space, other standard event supplies. If you’re doing a virtual event, you can consider dropping off treats, snacks, paying for lunch, speaker honorarium, etc

I’m finding some barriers to participate, can you help me?

We want to support as many groups as possible with this initiative, so if you are finding any barriers to participate (concerns about the reimbursement timeline, the reimbursement cap, filling out the form, etc) please reach out to us at supportteam@indivisible.org or to your Indivisible Organizer so we can brainstorm solutions.

Can you share a longer list of allowed and not allowed expenses that can be reimbursed?

Sure!

Allowed:

• Food/snacks for event attendees

• Non-alcoholic drinks for attendees

• Catering and vendors

• PPE

• Napkins/plates/cutlery

• Fees for a venue

• Swag with your group’s name or logo on it

• Small goodies/give-aways *under $200 for an event*

• Decorations

• AV supplies

• Non-political speakers

Not Allowed:

• Drugs or alcohol

• Any spending related to partisan political activity or lobbying, such as promoting legislation or candidates

• Donations to other organizations/campaigns/political parties

• Direct charitable giving (ie* donating school supplies or food)

• Personal enrichment

• Events that don’t have the goal of community building within your Indivisible group

What if I really could use support with a project, but it doesn’t fall within the scope of this reimbursement program?

Check out our GROW Grants program! You can apply for a grant for your group for any project that supports your capacity building or collaboration with other Indivisibles. If you think your gathering would be best used for grassroots advocacy/political activity, please consider applying for a GROW Grant to pay for your event.

If I’m working with another Indivisible group are we still limited to $1,000 in reimbursement?

The reimbursement is per Indivisible group, so if two groups are hosting an event together each group can request reimbursement separately.

IndivisiGather Event Planning Toolkit

Check out our event toolkit here. This goes into general community building best practices, example event agenda and a personal story worksheet.