Ride-sharing giant Lyft has raised $60,000 for Chicago Public Schools in an initiative it operates with Chance the Rapper’s education fund, the company announced Thursday.
The partnership, which launched in October, enables Lyft riders to contribute to the New Chance Fund by rounding up their fares to the nearest dollar and donating the difference. The fund, managed by Chance’s nonprofit foundation SocialWorks, aims to enhance arts and literature programs in CPS.
“Special thanks to Lyft for partnering with my nonprofit, SocialWorks, to raise funds for a great cause,” said Chance the Rapper in a statement. “Though there is still a tremendous amount of work that needs to be done in our city, with the help from selfless companies such as Lyft and their generous riders, SocialWorks is able to continue providing activations, resources and educational enrichment programming geared to inspire Chicago’s youth.”
Back in April during Chance’s birthday weekend, Lyft took the partnership a step further and matched rider donations from fares collected.
Chance isn’t a stranger to spearheading philanthropic initiatives, especially as it pertains to tech. He teamed up with Google in December to donate $1.5 million to CPS and education engagement in Chicago. And in March, he won the Innovator Award at iHeartRadio’s Music Awards, where he was praised for his charity work.
The New Chance Fund isn’t the only organization Lyft riders can donate to, though. Through the company’s Round Up and Donate feature, which launched in April 2017, riders can select a cause to support and donate to during every ride they take. Lyft says the program has now raised more than $3 million.
“Our company’s goal is to improve the communities where we operate by offering great transportation, providing flexible and rewarding earnings opportunities and by improving the quality of the neighborhoods where we live and work,” said David Katcher, Lyft’s Midwest general manager, in a statement.
