Over $8M Raised to Transform Government Aid Distribution through Technology

Brittany Christenson, CEO of AidKit, shared how AidKit is transforming the delivery of government aid through cutting-edge technology and a deep commitment to equity and dignity. In the interview, Brittany discussed AidKit’s origins during the pandemic, its growth to support over 200 agencies and distribute more than $300 million in aid to 90,000+ recipients, and its approach to balancing fraud prevention with accessibility. She also highlighted AidKit’s use of ethical AI to streamline benefits enrollment and its rejection of outdated consulting models in favor of scalable, mission-driven solutions. As a B Corp and Public Benefit corporation, AidKit is defining a new category of civic tech—one that centers human experience and drives measurable impact.

Podcast Show Notes

(0:00 – 1:56) Intro & Personal Background

• Host introduction
• Brittany’s journey: math degree, rural lifestyle, transition from farming to tech and social impact

(1:56 – 2:55) AidKit Origin Story

• Built to solve emergency aid distribution during the pandemic
• Transitioned from nonprofit to Public Benefit Corporation
• Early organic adoption by neighboring states

(2:55 – 5:02) Navigating Political Upheaval

• Impact of federal cuts to USAID, SNAP, Medicaid, FEMA
• AidKit stepping in to help state/local governments and nonprofits

(5:02 – 6:00) Opportunity in Crisis

• Disruption creates space for innovation
• Potential to rebuild better, more dignified infrastructure

(6:00 – 7:40) Brand Building & Storytelling Approach

• Recipients and partners at the center
• Community advisory councils shape platform development
• Emphasis on telling real stories of impact

(7:40 – 10:00) Broken Incentives in GovTech

• Critique of billable-hours consulting model
• Misaligned incentives stall innovation
• Personal story illustrating administrative inefficiencies

(10:00 – 11:37) Procurement Reform & System-Level Change

• Push to modernize procurement processes
• Challenge outdated systems and redefine “deservedness” in aid access

(11:37 – 13:36) Fraud Prevention vs. Accessibility

• Argues there’s no longer a trade-off due to AI and big data
• AidKit enables fraud detection and seamless access simultaneously

(13:36 – 14:22) Key Metrics and Alignment

• North star: people served and dollars distributed
• Financial growth directly tied to social impact