TikTok launches $1 million social impact program

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Amid a looming ban in the U.S., TikTok has just announced a new program for creators who make positive social change. Titled the TikTok Change Makers Program, the initiative is TikTok’s “first-ever global social impact creator elevation program” dedicated to spotlighting creators dedicated to education, activism, and advocacy.

Ten creators will take part in the program, with each getting support from TikTok over the course of six months to help their individual missions. It’s not entirely clear how the program will work but TikTok’s head of creators Kim Farrell said in a statement that TikTok will help “social impact creators and non-profit organizations reach more communities, unlock real-world opportunities, and bring about lasting, meaningful change.”

The creators taking part in the program vary in cause, with environmental activists, educators, motivational speakers, and more. Creators include medical student Joel Bervell (@joelbervell), photographer Kara Lewis (@karaxlewis), special education teacher Jason Linton (@dadlifejason), and environmental storyteller Eli Virkina (@elivirkina).

The company will also provide a $25,000 donation to each creator’s respective nonprofit of choice on their behalf. TikTok says it will delivering over $1 million to 30 global and local organizations.

Alongside the program, TikTok revealed its inaugural global Change Makers list, comprising of 50 creators from across the world. This list includes creators from Kenya, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the U.K., Philippines, Spain, Nigeria, and Canada. TikTok is leaning into social impact in other significant ways, with a dedicated hashtag (#TikTokforGood) and an account acting as a “social impact hub”.

Tiktok has announced the program just weeks after President Biden signed a bill that would effectively ban the app; the latter is retaliating with a lawsuit of its own.