Canary nonprofit helps employers fund financial care for employees

Despite a growing economy, uncertainty and volatility are big themes in many Americans’ financial lives. In its annual Report on the Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households, the Federal Reserve reported in 2025 that a third of American adults would not be able to cover a $400 emergency expense using cash or an equivalent.

The nonprofit Canary, founded by Rachel Schneider in 2021, helps employers distribute lump sum grants to their employees when they’re experiencing a financial crisis. And with high housing costs and climate-related natural disasters causing more financial emergencies, Canary has its work cut out in terms of providing “financial palliative care” to workers.

“Canary provides emergency relief funds to people in a moment of crisis, and those moments are life-changing for people,” Schneider said. “‘Palliative care’ sounds like a Band-Aid, but that Band-Aid is what tides somebody over while they figure out the next big step.”

“Marketplace” host Kai Ryssdal talked to Schneider about what Canary does, and how writing her 2017 book “The Financial Diaries” inspired its creation.

To listen to their conversation, use the audio player above.