The power of the Internet – The power to do good, in an innovative way
OK.. last night when I was doing some research for my evil plan, I stumble across these two sites loaded with innovation and saintly goodness.
KickStarter
KickStarter – A new way to fund and follow creativity
In a nutshell, KickStarter allows entrepreneurs, creatives, artists and any inspiring inventors a way to fund their projects. Projects are posted, with information, videos, graphics, etc. People can then decide to pledge some $$ to the project. There are rewards offered for good amount of pledge or just appreciative thanks for smaller amount. If projects are not 100% funded by the pledge, no money will be given.
Very good idea. Very lucrative business idea for the inventor of KickStarter as well. It cost nothing to post a project but KickStarter will take 5% of the pledged money if the project is 100% funded. Currently you can only post projects based in America. However, donations/pledged are accepted from all over the world.
A couple of years back, I also saw a site similar to KickStarter, but it was funding recording artists. I can’t recall what it’s called, though. But it’s there. It didn’t strike a chord with me (no pun intended) because I have no music talent whatsoever. However KickStarter provides way to fund innovative projects in an.. ahem innovative way. Since I am currently scheming my evil plan, I can’t help but notice how innovative KickStarter is.
Kiva
Kiva – Empower people around the world with a $25 loan
Kiva is a charity organisation that allow us to donate to entrepreneur of less developing countries. Again, an excellent idea to fund the entrepreneurial spirits. Kiva harnesses the power of the Internet to provide lending to alleviate proverty. People, institutions and the like can lend as little as $25 to aspiring business person less fortunate than us in developed countries.
Kiva makes sure that 100% of the loan are being lent. They also claim that they don’t charge interest to the lending field partner. However, the interest rates are charged by their lending partner (no figure given) for the purpose of covering their administrative charges.
So how does Kiva make money? They don’t, a true, non-profit, charity organisation – Kiva gets their operating cost from optional donation.
Once the money you loaned is repaid, you can re-lend them, donate to Kiva or withdraw them.
The power of the Internet – to change the world.
I like the above two sites because they give us the opportunity to make a difference. KickStarter provides way for us to contribute to projects that can change the world. Kiva provides way for us to contribute to change people’s world.
Visit their respective sites (KickStarter and Kiva) to learn more about them, and contribute!
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