Traditional fundraising platforms operate on a simple model: ask for money, collect money, distribute money.
While effective for some, this cash-only approach creates significant barriers. Not everyone has spare cash to give, but they might have items to sell, time to contribute, or purchasing power they'd happily redirect toward causes they care about.
The Missing Relationship
The one-time transaction model also misses something fundamental about how people want to engage with causes.
A single donation, no matter how generous, creates no ongoing relationship:
- No history
- No progression
- No sense of being part of something larger
Contributors become anonymous line items in a spreadsheet rather than active participants in a movement.
The Untapped Potential
This passive model limits both reach and impact:
For campaigns:
- Struggle to maintain momentum between donation drives
- Limited to those with disposable cash
- No ongoing community engagement
For contributors:
- Feel disconnected from outcomes
- No recognition for sustained support
- Participation requires financial sacrifice
For the broader economy:
- The vast potential of marketplace economics remains untapped
- Billions spent daily on goods and services could create social impact
- Everyday transactions have no connection to causes
A Different Approach
What if contribution didn't require having spare cash?
What if selling an old guitar, shopping for birthday gifts, or clearing out your closet could all generate verified impact for causes you care about?
That's the question OpenGiving answers.
