Title
Voicebox
Problem/Opportunity
1
Our first experience with Venture Philanthropy arose with Magna Int'l's constitution declaring that 2% of profit go to charitable causes. Few people would imagine that one day the percentage would represent a total donation of $20M annually. With such large amounts of money comes great responsibility to disperse it to the highest common good. We have donation-matched with community stakeholders to double the gift size, but the bigger question is where is the greatest need, and where can it be the most useful? Bill Gates notes, "The history of philanthropy is littered with well-intentioned inventions that never deliver on their promise."
Our first experience with Venture Philanthropy arose with Magna Int'l's constitution declaring that 2% of profit go to charitable causes. Few people would imagine that one day the percentage would represent a total donation of $20M annually. With such large amounts of money comes great responsibility to disperse it to the highest common good. We have donation-matched with community stakeholders to double the gift size, but the bigger question is where is the greatest need, and where can it be the most useful? Bill Gates notes, "The history of philanthropy is littered with well-intentioned inventions that never deliver on their promise."
2
It is hard to know the real problems from half a globe away from the community we are trying to help. This online forum would give us a firsthand review of the situation. It would also help us put our focus on the most pressing problems first, as we would have a larger global overview. We are trying to reduce wasted time trying to help people due to misguided actions. The site is accessed by anyone with a smartphone.
It is hard to know the real problems from half a globe away from the community we are trying to help. This online forum would give us a firsthand review of the situation. It would also help us put our focus on the most pressing problems first, as we would have a larger global overview. We are trying to reduce wasted time trying to help people due to misguided actions. The site is accessed by anyone with a smartphone.
3
This project is especially for urban slums, where more people have access to smartphones than life's necessities to survive.
This project is especially for urban slums, where more people have access to smartphones than life's necessities to survive.
Value Proposition
Provide a site for problems and solutions in a "Quora" like online forum, so the biggest problems and best solutions can be read by all.
Underlying Magic
The people in the community with the problems will benefit with both verbal answers to their issues/queries and built solutions (such as water filter systems, building materials or medical supplies) which will be supported by an associated "kickstarter"-like funding program. It will be implemented worldwide.
Business Model
This non-profit will use a "kickstarter" -like donation vehicle to fund itself.
Go To Market Plan
Create webpage, market to distressed communities.
Competitive Analysis
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WatsiWatsi, based in San Francisco, connects medical patients who cannot afford the medical procedures they need with donors via the web.The funds it collects goes entirely to the patients as the organization's own costs are covered separately. The donor, who gives as little as 5 dollars, gets an update after the patient receives healthcare.
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Management Team
Coder, UX Designer, Sales marketer
Financial Projections and Key Metrics
tbd
Current Status, Accomplishments to Date, Timeline and Use of Funds
tbd
Facts
OpenIDEO notes that in urban slum communities, more people have access to phones than to toilets.
