Twitch is seeking to close the gender gap across its platform by promoting a new fund that will support female gamers working to turn their hobby into a full-fledged career. This marks the first time creator grants are being offered to Twitch creators.
Roughly four total Twitch BroadcastHER Grants, ranging from $500 to $2,000, will be distributed in honor of Women’s History Month by the national non-profit 1,000 Dreams Fund (1DF), which provides micro-grants to young women. The grants aren’t intended to cover everyday expenses, but instead will go toward conference travel, equipment upgrades, and workshops. And in order to raise money for the BroadcastHER grants, Twitch will be hosting a month-long Streams For Dreams event, whereby 10 popular female broadcasters — including Friskk, GillyWeedTV, and TheLuckMusic — will encourage their viewers to donate to the cause.
In addition to the financial boost, Streams For Dreams will also serve as a means for raising awareness about the gender gap in the gaming and broadcasting space, Twitch says. “Many of the problems women face are because of lack of respect,” offers broadcaster Tina ‘ShadowFoxx086’ Degenhart. “The industry won’t understand how to treat women if we don’t show them how to treat women.”
Subscribe for daily Tubefilter Top Stories
“1DF’s vision for their Streams for Dreams initiative is inspiring since it aligns perfectly with Twitch’s mission to help creators make a living entertaining and educating their fans,” said Andrew Schroeder, Twitch’s director of charity partnerships. “The event will elevate the importance of greater gender equity during Women’s History Month and is a wonderful opportunity for members of the Twitch community to engage with this issue.”
Since its luanch in 2015, the 1,000 Dreams Fund has distributed $100,000 worth of micro-grants to help more than 100 high school and college students achieve their career and education goals. Prospective recipients of the BroadcastHER Grants must be enrolled in high school or college, and funds will be given out for the spring and fall semesters.
