Lyft, the fastest growing ride-share company in the U.S., recently announced that its passengers have raised more than $60,000 for Chicago Public Schools (CPS) to date, in support of Chance the Rap per’s CPS: New Chance Fund, which enhances arts and literature programs for Chicago Public Schools students. The fund is administered by Chance’s nonprofit foundation SocialWorks.
“Special thanks to Lyft for partnering with my nonprofit, SocialWorks, to raise funds for a great cause,” said Chance the Rapper. “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 activities, resources and educational enrichment programming geared to inspire Chicago’s youth.”
Lyft riders provided contributions through the company’s Round Up and Donate in-app feature. Launched in April 2017, it enables riders to round their fares up to the nearest dollar, and donate the difference to a nonprofit of their choice. In October, Lyft teamed up with Chance the Rapper and SocialWorks to enable riders to support the CPS: New Chance Fund on Round Up and Donate.
“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, general manager, Midwest, for Lyft. “Our riders’ generosity will make a positive impact on the lives of thousands of CPS students, faculty and families. This is a really positive first step and we look forward to continuing to work with Chance the Rapper on future initiatives to benefit CPS and the city of Chicago. We have exciting activities in store for later this year that we hope to share soon.”
“The arts are essential to students in every stage of their education, and this generous donation opens the door to programs that will spark our children’s imaginations and tap into their undiscovered talents,” said CPS CEO Dr. Janice K. Jackson. “CPS is grateful to Lyft and Chance the Rapper for their continued investment into the next generation of innovators and creative thinkers.”
Riders can activate the Round Up and Donate feature within the settings tab of the Lyft app. Once enabled, users select a cause to support and begin contributing on their next ride.
To date, Round Up and Donate has raised more than $3 million to benefit Lyft’s nonprofit partners.
ABOUT LYFT
Lyft was founded in June 2012 by Logan Green and John Zimmer to improve people’s lives with the world’s best transportation. Lyft is the fastest growing rideshare company in the U.S. and is available to 95 percent of the U.S. population as well as in Ontario, Canada. Lyft is preferred by drivers and passengers for its safe and friendly experience, and its commitment to effecting positive change for the future of our cities.
ABOUT CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Chicago Public Schools is the third largest school district in the United States with more than 600 schools and serves 371,000 children. Our vision is that every student in every neighborhood will be engaged in a rigorous, well-rounded instructional program and will graduate prepared for success in college, career and life.
