Giva: digital donations platform in SA
South African agencies have come together to launch Giva, the first one-to-one digital donations platform of its kind in SA.
The platform aims to be a true one-to-one donation channel, whereby donors are able to give directly to individuals with specific needs through online and mobile platforms.
The individuals featured on the platform are from accredited non-profit organisations (NPOs), which are vetted by NPO and donations management organsation, Community Chest.
“Handouts on the street might be an easy option, but seldom have long-term positive impact; and companies often channel CSI funds via annual donations, with limited ability to track and measure long-term impact,” Giva said.
“There hasn’t been an efficient mechanism that provides true transparency to both individual and corporate giving on a one-to-one basis. Giva bridges the divide between responsible givers and those in need by enabling individualised connection, real feedback and systematic transparency.”
The platform differentiates itself by being a true one-to-one platform – where specific needs are met, as opposed to simply donating funds into an untraceable pool with little to no feedback.
How it works
Giva needs can vary from small amounts to help individuals on specifics (ie clothing for school children, and paying for education programmes for a disabled child), to bigger donations to help set up small businesses.
Giva website
Giving to needs is not a direct cash transactions – all transactions are handled through the platform’s currency, GIVAbucks, which are “purchased” (R1 = 1GBX) through the MyGate payment portal on the site.
Donors, or “Givas” are able to donate the full amount, or in part, and will be refunded if specific needs do not meet their full target.
NPOs which logged an individual need must fulfil that exact need and submit proof of payment in order to be reimbursed.
“Participating NPOs are also required to provide updates (and, where possible, photos) to the Givas who contributed,” the group said.
All NPOs are free to apply for GIVA accreditation. The vetting process is managed via Community Chest to ensure that the NPO fulfills specific requirements and complies with key regulations.
The Giva platform is a result of a combined group effort, with marketing agency, Y&R, and innovation hub, Safety Lab, driving the concept, and Community Chest building and running the site and mobile apps.
“Giva is a responsible alternative to handouts on the street, and a personally rewarding way to do good,” the group said.
The site is preparing for a full public launch campaign, but is currently fully operational, and will continue to be developed in order to make the giving process as easy as possible.
To date, 200 Givas have already given over R30,000 to 225 individuals in need through the platform.
You can find out more about the initiative on the Giva website.
More on donations
Who donated the most money in 2013?
Almost no poor countries by 2035: Bill Gates
Loading ...