The platform aims to create a space in which communities can raise money for social activism – connecting people through technology to fund projects at grassroots levels. Such projects range from special needs car seats, to new football kits, to mentoring programmes.
Yimby was part-funded by a £50,000 grant from the government, and has wasted no time in making an impact. The site has already raised £20,546 from 1,182 pledges in order to save the 141 year old Kettering Town FC from bankruptcy. The campaign attracted donations from football fans around the world within hours of its creation.
JustGiving Co-Founder, Zarine Kharas, hopes Yimby will aid the spread of philanthropy. “JustGiving used the internet to revolutionize charitable giving. Our mission is to grow the world of giving and, with Yimby, we’re taking this one step further, opening philanthropy to any individual wanting to start a community project using the power of the crowd.”
Yimby is already being described by some as an ideal test site for potential charities – which will likely be music to Kharas’ ears.
Projects using Yimby only receive funding if they hit their fundraising target, and they have 30 days to do so. If reached, the money will be paid into the user’s bank account, minus Yimby’s 5% fee and card charges (1.3% or 16p per pledge, depending on the card type).
