“Speed-dating” funding platform launches to link small nonprofits with local businesses
Posted on: October 19, 2021
Online fundraising platform ActionFunder has launched today, with the aim of making it easier and quicker for firms to get funds to community grassroots activity.
ActionFunder is a virtual funding agent for community groups and small charities enabling them to pitch, just once, for consideration by many companies.
A four-month pilot phase has seen £500,000 committed by funders, with around 650 projects seeking support. So far, £200,000 has been distributed with an average grant size of around £2,500.
Key features of the platform include the ability for applicant organisations to pitch for funding by either recording a short video, or going through a quick online process. Grantees are also supported to deliver real-time project updates and an end of project impact report to funders through the platform.
ActionFunder’s matching functionality helps businesses find relevant projects that meet their giving preferences, with attributes including geography and cause areas mapped according to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. A shortlisted project can choose whether or not to accept the funds and, if more than one funder selects them, which one to accept them from.
The cross-industry group of businesses includes Sir Robert McAlpine, South West Water, Argent Related (the firm behind Brent Cross Town, King’s Cross and Birmingham’s Brindleyplace developments), and law firm RW Blears, as well as SMEs.
ActionFunder will draw upon an existing register of charitable organisations put together by Semble, the B Corp that is behind the platform, and is seeking to attract both more charities and community organisations around the country, and more businesses.
Semble has provided support to more than 3,500 community projects since it was founded in 2008, and is led by CEO Amanda Horton Mastin, a former director of Comic Relief.
Law firm RW Blears has committed £20,000 to projects supporting education and young people through ActionFunder.
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