Our Mission
At OpenGiving, our mission is simple:
We make donations more accessible by creating a dual-channel fundraising ecosystem that goes beyond cash. We empower campaigns to receive support through in-kind donations and marketplace sales, ensuring every transaction is transparent, verified by our AI-powered checkmark system, and impactful for the community.
Why We Started OpenGiving
OpenGiving was born from a simple belief: communities achieve extraordinary things when they work together. But traditional crowdfunding, a system that only asks for cash, leaves many willing helpers on the sidelines.
The need to do better hit home when a close friend was diagnosed with a life-changing medical condition that demanded continuous funding. Watching them juggle treatment, bills, and the exhausting task of asking for donations opened our eyes to how difficult and overwhelming fundraising can be. That experience sparked the idea for OpenGiving: a platform that lets people support by giving beyond cash.
By blending crowdfunding with a peer-to-peer marketplace, OpenGiving removes the cash-only barrier. Anyone can give, sell, or shop—turning goods, services, and dollars into direct, transparent support for any cause. In short, we exist so that no one has to face big challenges alone, and every act of generosity finds its way to someone who needs it.
Our Values
| Value | What It Means to Us |
|---|---|
| Compassion | People first. Empathy and kindness guide every decision. |
| Community | Support is a collective effort; we rise by lifting others. |
| Transparency | Clear fees, direct transfers, full traceability—every dollar and item counts. |
| Integrity | Rigorous verification to protect donors and ensure every campaign is legitimate. |
Our Team
Meet the People Building OpenGiving
We're a passionate team dedicated to transforming charitable giving
James Fang
CEO
Business at Babson College
MSc in Entrepreneurship at Brown University
Enricco Gemha
CTO
Computer Engineering at Insper
Ryan Li
Head of Product
Business at Boston University
Will Winarno
Head of Growth
Economics and Computer Science at Boston University
The OpenGiving Advantage
Flexible Donations:
Contribute goods, services, or cash—whichever fits your lifestyle. Our model directs every contribution to where it's needed most, turning everyday items into life-changing support.
Verified Impact:
Our AI-powered checkmark verifies campaigns for transparency and accountability—so you can track how your contributions are used.
Track Your Goodwill:
Each user has a verified GivingProfile that logs all your donations. Earn badges, celebrate donation streaks, and proudly showcase your impact.
Conscious Consumerism:
Shop in our ethical marketplace, where every purchase directly supports a cause, uniting donors and buyers for real social change.
The Future of Giving
What's Next
We're building the world's most engaging platform for charitable giving. Here's what's coming soon:
Charitable Auctions
Imagine bidding on rare items, or exclusive deals where 100% of proceeds support verified causes. From concert tickets to autographed items, every auction creates excitement while driving meaningful impact.
Gamified Social Hub
Turn giving into an engaging social experience! Earn XP for donations, unlock achievements, join giving circles with friends, and participate in community challenges. Level up your impact while connecting with like-minded changemakers.
Enhanced Giving Profiles
Showcase your philanthropic journey with detailed impact stories, cause preferences, giving streaks, and verified badges. Share your profile to inspire others and build your reputation as a changemaker in your community.
Our Vision
We're creating a world where giving is as social, engaging, and rewarding as any other part of your digital life. Where your impact is celebrated, your generosity is gamified, and your giving journey connects you to a global community of changemakers. This is the future of philanthropy.
