Delivering for Michigan Moms: Our Work with Rx Kids
We’re at scale in Michigan and beyond
We are not a typical charity; we’ve built our reputation by cutting out the middleman and delivering cash directly to people in need with exceptional efficiency and transparency. In the U.S., we’ve delivered cash in all 50 states and administered some of the largest cash programs in the country’s history. Many were government-funded — like the $42M Cook County Promise Pilot and the $31.5M Chicago Resilient Communities Pilot — while others were rapid response, such as a cash relief program that distributed $11.7M to 238,000 families when SNAP benefits were paused in 2025. In Michigan, we have committed over $68M to 53,670 families since 2020. We know how to deliver quickly at scale and with program integrity.
A model of efficiency: More money reaches families
In 2025, GiveDirectly delivered more than 86 cents of every dollar donated directly to an Rx Kids family. Crucially, our efficiency continues to improve as the program scales, with 90 cents of every state tax payer dollar going directly to a mom and baby. The remaining few cents support costs to implement the program, like staffing, technology, transfer fees, and customer service.
By comparison, SEC filings show that large government contractors often target profit margins of 10-20% on state contracts, and states routinely spend tens of millions building and modifying program systems, paying contractors hundreds of dollars per hour — costs that don’t include ongoing personnel to run the program day-to-day. No matter the Michigan agency, state or local, there is a significant chance that a for profit, out of state vendor is receiving local taxpayer dollars to deliver services, just like in most states. Rx Kids is a break from this status quo with a focus on families over profit.
Ensuring program integrity & safeguarding recipients
At every step of the way, our systems are designed to prevent and detect fraud. Once we receive an application, we use a secure, multi‑layered system involving a combination of digital tools and human review to ensure support reaches the correct recipients while minimizing applicant burden. Any application flagged as unusual by either the programmatic or technical team is immediately investigated. This approach helps protect program integrity while ensuring eligible families receive the support they need.
Rx Kids program design emphasizes protecting all recipients, staff, partners, and communities, through transparent communication, informed consent, and proactive risk mitigation. We couple empowering recipients with a clear knowledge of their rights with a commitment to ensuring that all partners understand how to report concerns and how those concerns will be addressed.
Rather than treating safeguarding as a one time check box on a list, we treat it as a muscle — something that must be continuously exercised and cultivated to ensure that it remains a primary focus of our work.
Deeply rooted in Michigan
GiveDirectly’s U.S. Program team has more staff based in Michigan than in any other state. Our team members live and work in Flint, Detroit, Dearborn, Kalamazoo, and Marquette. Our staff members work closely with a broad coalition of organizations to ensure we are effectively tailoring our approach to each community that we serve. Rx Kids was built in Michigan for Michigan families.
Trusted by Michigan’s leaders and the communities we serve
Our work would not be possible without Community Champions – our trusted local partners and leaders. These critical organizations lead outreach, engagement, and sustained support for families. Here’s what they have to say about working with us:
Rx Kids is also rapidly expanding with more Michigan communities launching every month. As the program continues to gain momentum, it has received significant bipartisan support:
