Online Fundraising Includes Life Saving Technologies with Kopernik

In the past I have written about several online fundraising platforms, each unique in their own way but all sharing in the purpose of advancing a noble cause or purpose. Platform such as CovergeUS, Razoo, Give2gether, Kickstarter, Kiva City, Givmo, Broadcause, Startsomegood, Donorschoose, FirstGiving and ClickYourSupport all help to raise valuable dollars (and awareness) through the use of social technology. Kopernik can fit into this category but in a very different, and interesting, way.

Kopernik is an online store that manages to merge the traditional concept of giving with purchasing of innovative, life-saving technologies designed specifically for the developing world.

Aptly named after Nicolaus Copernicus, a Polish born mathematician and astronomer amongst other occupations, was known for changing the way people viewed the world around them.  As a public charity based out of the U.S., Kopernik is striving to do the same as its namesake and so far has helped over 51,000 people in 10 countries through 35 life changing and saving projects.

Benefiting countries include: China, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kenya, Nigeria, Timor-Leste, Uganda and Vietnam. For third world beneficiaries to receive the support, organizations in developing third world countries submit proposals for the needs that will solve a local problem or challenge.  Proposals are then vetted, confirmed and posted by Kopernik.  Supporters can browse the online listing of projects and then contribute to the project through Kopernik.

image courtesy of kopernik.info

Once the required amount for the project has been raised, the solution is purchased and shipped directly to the local organization.  The project budget includes: the cost for the product, shipping, transaction fees, local duty and Kopernik’s 10% fee, which is used to help Kopernik vet the projects and improve the platform.  The local organization then distributes and implements the technologies and follows up with the supporters with online posted updates, pictures and feedback on the technology they received.

Some of the innovative technology that is made available for projects in developing countries includes:

• Large rollable water containers – this helps transport 50 litres of water easily in one trip
• Solar lanterns/lighting – helps kids study after work, reduce the affects of kerosene on the families lungs
• Solar safe-water systems – solar power purifies drinking water
• Water filtration
• Drip irrigation
• Green computers
• Obstetric kit for midwives
• Household solar system
• Solar charged hearing-aids
• Biomass cooking stoves

Kopernik, highlights a project each month and this month is helping women in remote parts of Kenya to transport water using a Q-Drum,  which allows them to easily transport 50 litres of water in one trip.  With a project budget of approximately $8,800, almost 40% has already been funded.   This project will directly improve the quality of life for 90 families, a total of 500 Kenyan’s.

One additional feature that many online fundraising platforms have been incorporating is making gift vouchers (certificates/cards) available that can be purchased and gifted.  The recipient then uses the voucher to support and contribute to the project that most interests them.  In denominations ranging from $25 to $5,000, gifts in any amount can help a woman, a child or a family improve their quality of life.

A unique online giving platform that helps those in need, Kopernik is certainly staying true to its name and changing how people view the world of online fundraising.
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Miratel Solutions is a Toronto call centre, eBusiness, and letter shop mail house specializing in professional fundraising services including telephone fundraising, online fundraising, lottery services, donation caging, donation processing and other donor management services. We are committed to our CSR business values in all contact centre services and mail house operations and advancing the missions of the nonprofits we proudly serve.