Received this in my pm:
Hey Rassa,
I came across Bitcoin100 just the other day, and it's perfectly aligned with something I'm looking to do.
I run
Coin Forest. We're like groupon, for bitcoiners only, and our mission is to grow the bitcoin economy.
I was talking to Adam from Let's Talk Bitcoin, about using our group buying platform as a crowd funding platform, to help prepay for something like conference recordings. Group buying and crowd funding are pretty similar to begin with in terms of their dynamics. That gave me an even better idea.
My proposal: find a prominent, forward thinking, internet savvy charity, and ask them to agree to accept bitcoin if we can raise a certain amount. Perhaps $10k. All the money goes to them regardless, but if we miss the goal, we agree to convert it into cash and write a cheque.
Someone like Kiva, or DonorsChoose.org would be PERFECT. It's a win for them in terms of publicity anyways.
Here's what I'm asking for:
1) If you have spoken with either of these charities, or another that fits the bill that you think might be interested, I'd love to know.
2) I'm happy to do most of the work, but I would really like to get testimonials from influential bitcoin figures to support this effort. If you're willing to help, that's a great start.
If you don't think this is the worst idea ever, message me back.
Cheers!
John Nildram
Not sure if I'm an influential Bitcoin figure or not, but I'm McLovin' it. I believe I, among others, have suggested something similar in the past, but that's neither here nor there, especially since you're willing to do some/most of the leg work. But don't worry, you'll (John Nildram) have support.
To make sure we're on the same page, I'll offer up an example to help visualize how such would/could play out.
Wikipedia (a second example below) is approached with this endeavor, for a blessing on their part is in order prior to proceeding. Considering their unique case, a half million dollar Bitcoin endowment is at stake, and if raised within X days, Wikipedia embeds a Bitcoin donation option on their site if the goal is reached. If not, then all monies collected is sent to them via their current acceptable means with no strings attached. But, if the goal is reached, they must keep the Bitcoin donation option on their website for one year, of which time another drive is automatically restarted unless they end the agreement.
As an added bonus, no fees will be collected for the first effort with this endeavor, but a 1% (no more) will be deducted for all other subsequent drives by the same entity.
Don't worry too much about the above if you're freaking out how so much potential effort can be afforded during the first year, for I've got something up my sleeve of which will be discussed later if this endeavor takes on legs.
Assuming Wikipedia accepts the challenge offered up by the person (more on the person submitted the drives later), then that person must fund the initial donation of which is no less than $100 USD, a seed amount that is indicative of ANY drive, whether large or small.
Fortunately, we already have a person in place for this example--Meni Rosenfeld:
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/getting-wikipedia-to-accept-bitcoin-donations-community-pledge-270255 And, there's already a wallet in use where ~$1,000 currently resides:
http://blockchain.info/address/19HHHDya8PNqdVpiCdZYuwKyuWFoU1TC9ATherefore, if Mani approached Wikipedia with this KIVA(?) idea and they accepted the $.5M(?) challenge, then it'll be up to Mani to use everything at his disposal to make sure the goal is reached. If it is, then Mani gets a feather in his hat (so to speak, but maybe literally), whereupon others may approach HIM to kickstart their drive. (thinkin' off the cuff here, not putting too much effort in on how this could pan out, but something to consider)
Another Example:The National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF), is a 501(c) organization (Federal Tax ID is 94-2780249). Headquartered in San Rafael, CA, NAAF supports research to find a cure or acceptable treatment for alopecia areata, supports those with the disease, and educates the public about alopecia areata. NAAF is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and a prestigious Scientific Advisory Council. Founded in 1981, NAAF is widely regarded as the largest, most influential and most representative foundation associated with alopecia areata.Basically, the same approach as with the Wikipedia example, but with a probably much less goal of say $20,000 USD in X days. Again, one person takes the incentive to approach NAAF with the proposal, and only after their blessing is given does the campaign begin.
On this KIVA(?) type site we're envisioning, a person, after registering with his real name, states on the site (a special page would be set up) that he's going to approach NPO X, and has 2 weeks to come back to the site, sharing a yea or nay.
Of course, nothing would stop any NPO to approach this endeavor on their own, and if they did, the fee would be 1/2(.5)% for the first and every drive.
That's enough brainstormin' for now. Hopefully enough to get other's creative juices a flowin'.
Thanks, John, for offering up the idea.
