New data highlights the rising need for emergency financial assistance in the workplace, and the critical role of third-party relief funds
New York, NY, March 13, 2025 – Canary, a leading provider of emergency relief solutions, today announced the release of its first annual Strengthening the Safety Net: Emergency Relief Report, offering a first-of-its-kind analysis of financial hardship and the critical role of employer-sponsored relief programs in today’s economy.
Drawing on data from Canary’s Grant Circle program, the report examines the broader economic and social factors driving financial hardship and how financial shocks and economic uncertainty are increasing demand for immediate, flexible relief — a demand that employer relief funds are well-positioned to serve. Among its key findings:
- Emergency relief requests have surged year-over-year since 2022, with housing, food, and car repairs emerging as the top areas where workers need financial assistance.
- The growing gap between wages and increased cost of living is amplifying financial stress, and creating a surge in grant requests related to evictions and forced moves.
- Women account for 70% of Canary grantees, indicating a disproportionate reliance on relief funds, which may reflect broader economic instability among women in the workforce.
- Women account for 70% of Canary grantees, bearing the brunt of economic instability.
- Financial stress affects more workers than we think, with nearly 10% of Canary grantees coming from households earning more than $100,000 USD.
“As financial stress continues to weigh on workers worldwide, the need for immediate and accessible relief has never been greater,” said Rachel Schneider, Founder and CEO at Canary. “This report confirms what we’ve long known — financial stress isn’t just a personal burden; it’s a workplace challenge that affects retention, productivity, and overall well-being. Employers who invest in charitable emergency relief funds aren’t just helping their people; they’re strengthening their businesses and communities.”
Beyond employer-sponsored programs, the report highlights Canary’s expanding partnerships with philanthropic organizations, community foundations, and private equity firms, demonstrating how emergency relief solutions can provide stability beyond the workplace.
The full Strengthening the Safety Net: The Emergency Relief Report is now available for download.
For more information about Canary and its emergency relief solutions, visit www.workwithcanary.com.
About Canary
Canary’s technology and services enable our clients (including employers, nonprofits, and others) to give individuals money at pivotal moments in their lives, with dignity and efficiency. We connect the latest technology and payments innovations to the innate and enduring human desire to help each other. We believe that the right money at the right time matters: it gives people the peace of mind and confidence to recover from emergencies and to invest in their futures. You can learn more at www.workwithcanary.com or follow Canary on LinkedIn.
Media Contact
Catherine Scagnelli
catherine@workwithcanary.com
