Dating app Hinge is set to invest $1 million into causes that foster IRL social connections. In an effort to reduce loneliness and social isolation, social groups in Atlanta, Los Angeles, and New York City can apply for funding of up to $25,000.
Teaming up with the Foundation for Social Connection and youth activists DoSomething.org, dating app Hinge launched the initiative ‘One More Hour’. This campaign looks to support social clubs and groups that are fostering genuine connections in the real world.
From January 8th 2024 to January 30th 2024, social clubs are invited to apply for a grant as part of the One More Hour initiative. Hinge outlines some criteria for the type of organisations they’re looking to support:
- “You help Gen Z bond IRL. Your community is developing deeper connections via leisure and play”
- “You create recurring opportunities for connection. You bring people together for regular in-person social meetings/activities/gatherings”
- “You build inclusive and accessible spaces. You bring diverse groups of people together at no or low cost and you’ve got room for a few more”
- “You have an ambition you’re trying to make a reality. You’ve been building an idea for expanding or better serving your people.”
The dating app explained the motivation behind this new campaign, citing the U.S. Surgeon General’s warnings about the loneliness epidemic. It highlights a University of Rochester study which found that Gen Z gets 1,000 fewer hours of IRL socialising per year, when compared to previous generations.
“Adding more time to connect in person with others is one of those things that’s easy to say, but is actually a little challenging to do,” said Josh Penny, Hinge’s Director of Social Impact.
“Social clubs and groups offer young adults the chance to plug into recurring moments of connection and to find community along the way. With One More Hour’s new fund, we simply want to make these important resources more accessible”, Penny continued.
Beyond this campaign, Hinge highlighted that it is committed to reducing loneliness, for example with its recent membership with the Coalition to End Social Isolation & Loneliness. The dating app also assisted Crisis Text Line to expand its resources dedicated to loneliness.
Find out more about Hinge’s One More Hour initiative here.
Photo courtesy of Hinge.
