Average Foundation

Average. Did I just call you average? Why yes I did. Oh my, the audacity! But let me explain while you grab a drink and get comfy.

We all grew up on stories of princes, princesses, and superheroes, that only the chosen one can do good and save the world. This narrative persists into our adulthood with terms like geniuses, unicorns, and visionaries. These chosen ones display extraordinary qualities of bravery, intelligence, power, and wealth. Only they can make the world a better place.

But most of us are not the chosen one. Most of us will not win a Nobel prize, cure COVID-19, or have millions in the bank.

Most of us are just... average.

So what does this leave us? Must we strive to first become heroes before we can do some good, or simply throw our hands up in despair?

Answer: No, the “hero saves the world” narrative is overrated. We can do good no matter who we are. But yes, put your hands up and wave them in the air. 🙌

You don’t need money to be kind, but the lack of funds shouldn’t stop you either. That’s why Average Foundation provides you the funding to remove financial barriers so you can start small acts of kindness in your community.

At this point of the page, you may be wondering who I am. I’m Elisha (Hi! 👋), I believe life is made meaningful when you contribute and help others. My job in big tech means I’m financially able to pay forward the kindness I’ve received and Average Foundation is my average attempt to do so. You canread the longer version of my professional bio here.

PS: Yea, I am an Asian woman with a Black man's name.

Questions?

• What happens after my project is selected?
• Once your project is selected, you’ll need to create a detailed execution timeline and list the resources you’ll need. I’m happy to help with brainstorming and feedback.We will then agree on the payment cadence and requirements.
• What's the catch to receiving funds from the Average Foundation?
• In exchange for funding from Average Foundation, you must be featured on AF's social media and tag AF on your social media posts. This is so that more people can be inspired by your story and know where to get a grant for their community projects.
• How will the information and photos I provide be used?
• These materials help me understand your project and stay in touch with you. Project details and photos may be published at Average Foundation’s social media channels at my discretion.
  
  However, I’m against exploiting the disadvantaged for klout. So unless proof of consent is provided, project beneficiaries will always have their identities anonymized in publication. You and your volunteers may choose to be anonymized too.
• Is there an age limit for applicants?
• Not quite. However, applicants below the age of 16 should apply with a guardian above the age of 21.
• Is there a budget limit for projects?
• There’s no strict limit, but most small, one-off projects fall under $3,000.
• Why have I not heard back from you?
• There are a couple of possible reasons: It might not be the end of the month yet, meaning I haven’t reviewed your application, or your project was not selected.
• Why is my project not selected?
• Projects that are not selected usually fall into these few categories: the application lacks sufficient details, the requested funding amount is too large ($5K isn’t small!), or that the project does not have a clearly defined group of beneficiaries.
• Hi Elisha, why are you doing this?
• Hello! Thanks for asking... even though we both know that I put this question here.
  
  I’ve made significant contributions to my communities both professionally and personally over the last decade. While I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished, I’ve realized the limit on what I can do. More can be done if I empower others to give back to their communities. That’s why I started the Average Foundation.
• Who’s funding the Average Foundation?
• Just me (for now at least)! I might eventually take on outside funding to scale this but we’ll get there when we get there.
• Are you rich?
• Not yet, I’m on my way there. But for now I have a stable career, no kids, and not-too-old parents, which means I have some to share.
• You’re giving money away, are you stupid?
• Well, I hope not.
• I’m going to scam you!
• Please don’t. 🥺 I know an emoji isn’t enough, so here’s a photo of a cat to remind you that you’re a good person.

  
• Things didn’t go well for my project, I want to speak to your manager.
• Hello, it's me. I’m my manager. You are responsible for your project, its outcomes, and any liabilities or loss incurred, please don’t sue me.
• The quality of questions is going downhill. Where can I ask better questions?
• Email me at elisha.tan@gmail.com! I’m excited to see what you come up with! Let’s make small acts of kindness happen. ✨✨✨✨