LAS VEGAS — SWAID Las Vegas has received official 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, which allows donations to the group to be tax-deductible.
Performer and SWAID co-founder Codi Vore described the news as “a big milestone for us — it's exciting. We'll make sure donors get a written receipt of all donations, for tax purposes. All support we get means a lot. The goodwill of the adult industry keeps us going and gets more harm reduction supplies into the hands of vulnerable sex workers who need them."
Other SWAID co-founders include performers Summer Hart, Xander Corvus, Queen Ava, Tegan Trex and Div.
A rep explained that “the road to 501(c)(3) status involved a lot of paperwork for the women and men running SWAID, who cover all the organization's overhead and admin costs out of their own pockets. The process for sex workers seeking relief through SWAID, however, remains unchanged by the new tax status.”
According to Vore, “what makes SWAID so unique is that we are run entirely by sex workers with the simple goal of getting direct financial aid out as quickly and compassionately as possible.
"We are proud to cover all operating costs out of pocket so that we can redistribute 100% of contribution funds to sex workers who need them,” Vore added.
SWAID offers cash grants to sex workers to help with bills and groceries, and provides aid like contraceptives, including condoms, internal condoms and Plan B. The organization is also currently planning to help sex workers find affordable reproductive health care services.
"We are moving full speed ahead with a new merch shop," Vore noted. "We're looking into grant and community funding, and we want to work with all companies with an interest in keeping sex workers fed, safe and able to provide for themselves and their families."
SWAID also reported that Natasha Nice pledged to donate her $2,500 prize from a recent industry contest to SWAID.
"We're so grateful to Natasha for that truly generous donation," Vore said. "Natasha really stepped up to help sex workers, people who really need the assistance. She made a huge difference for them."
Individuals who want to donate to SWAID Las Vegas can do so here.
Companies interested in assisting the organization should email swaidvegas@protonmail.com.
For more general information, visit SWAIDVegas.org and follow them on Twitter.
