Charity-tech brands GeekCause, Generous, Givful and Kindful have jointly announced a range of new initiatives to support the important work of American nonprofits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether by offering free products and services, or hosting campaigns that have already raised hundreds of thousands of dollars, the four startups want to play their part in assisting response efforts.
"Tennessee is 'The Volunteer State,' so it's not surprising that Nashville has become a hub for charity-tech companies," said Brian Moyer, president and CEO of Greater Nashville Technology Council, the leading advocate for Middle Tennessee's $8-billion tech sector. "I'm proud of how these member organizations are offering their technology and their time to assist nonprofits, whose work is now more important than ever."
Generous – a platform that makes it easier for individuals to give to charities they care about – is responding to COVID-19 by raising funds for local, national and global interventions. Locally, it has partnered with NewsChannel 5 on an emergency response fund that's already raised $15,000 for six Middle Tennessee nonprofits, assisting seniors, people who need medical care, and those who've lost work during this crisis. In Colorado, Generous has teamed up with iHeartRadio and Coors to so far raise $113,000 for a restaurant response program that employs displaced restaurant workers to prepare and deliver meals for residents experiencing food insecurity. Generous has also partnered with Fund the Helpers, a group of friends who've contributed $450,000 to COVID-19 response efforts, and who've now expanded their campaign to benefit an additional 27 organizations working in the U.S. and overseas.
"We're excited to see so many people come together to support these causes during the pandemic," said Generous CEO Ross Buntrock. "We hope others in the community will join us to help them if you are able to do so."
Givful – a solution that simplifies workplace giving and volunteering – is offering to businesses and individuals the free use of its platform for the remainder of 2020. With Givful in the workplace, employers can automate manual giving and volunteering processes, saving time and money. At the same time, Employees can contribute directly from their paychecks to more than two million nonprofits nationwide.
"I am deeply concerned about what the future holds for American nonprofits," said Givful CEO Patricia Shea. "Many are on the front lines of this pandemic and are already experiencing financial challenges. Givful's free-use initiative may reduce our company's revenue for this year, but we hope it will boost nonprofits' revenues."
Kindful – a fundraising and donor management platform that helps nonprofits better understand their donors – is offering its product pay-as-you-go, with no minimum contracts and free access to enhanced features. This will enable nonprofits to use Kindful's powerful platform on an as-needed basis without having to make a long-term commitment. Kindful will also continue hosting free online COVID-19 webinars, which have already delivered much-needed expert advice and tactics to more than 6,000 nonprofit professionals.
"Kindful is fortunate to work with over 2,400 nonprofit organizations, and we are constantly inspired by the amazing work they are doing to continue their missions during this crisis," said Kindful CEO Jeremy L. Bolls.
While Generous, Givful and Kindful's initiatives are nationwide, Hands On Nashville's GeekCause – a platform that connects Nashville nonprofits with skilled tech volunteers – is focused on assisting nonprofits in Music City. GeekCause has partnered with the Frist Foundation and the Center for Nonprofit Management to implement the Remote Working program, supporting Nashville organizations as they navigate the challenges of shifting major facets of their work online.
"The vast majority of GeekCause's client work is done remotely, so social distancing isn't a problem," said GeekCause Skilled Volunteerism Program Manager Jason Shelton. "Our pool of generous, talented geeks are eager to serve, and we'd be happy to hear from Nashville-area nonprofits about their tech needs."
