Painless Support

PAINLESS SUPPORT : of ministries and other causes.

This is the information that I had submitted to Google's 10 to the 100 contest. They have finally selcted 16 semi-finalists which are actually compilations of numerous submissions.

10. What one sentence best describes your idea (up to 150 words)

My idea is to create a fundraising website where people could painlessly support their favorite causes or ministries by generating commissions off of banner ad sales which would all be donated to the “causes” or “ministries” of their choice; which will then lead to direct sales opportunities and eventually starting new businesses whose sole purpose is to raise funds to support causes and ministries and benefit the communities where customers live.

There are organizations that donate a portion of their proceeds, and at least two websites (iGive & Good Search) that use the same concept of donating internet advertising revenues. The problem is that they keep more 50% of what they earn which could easily amount to hundreds of millions of dollars. My idea is for an organization whose only purpose is to raise funds for others and to give back nearly everything that is earned.

11. Describe your idea in more depth (up to 300 words)

Stage 1) of my idea allows people to painlessly support causes by utilizing the commissions earned from banner ads on a dedicated fund-raising website. After making a purchase, “customer-supporters” would return to the site and fill out a form, designating where they want the commissions they earned to be donated. Any “undesignated” revenue would be distributed according to predetermined criteria. “Pay per click” revenue could be used to cover any costs allowing 100% of banner ad revenue to be donated and leftover “click” funds would be donated as well. Volunteers would be recruited to dramatically minimize all administrative costs.

Stage 2) would utilize the network of "supporters" that develops through this site to create new direct sales opportunities . . . to further increase the amount of revenues generated. These direct sales opportunities would generate much higher commissions and much greater revenues. All associated costs would be covered by Google Ad revenues from the site, allowing all commissions earned to be donated.

Stage 3) would involve opening sales and service businesses across the US that return all proceeds earned back to the communities where consumers live. People will be given the opportunity to purchase products and services knowing that all profits are being returned to benefit them and their communities. This lowers the costs of these businesses and increases the profits generated. Profits from sales of “unnecessary”(luxury) products and services could help cover the costs related to sales of “necessary” products and services (food, gas, basic shelter) which would further increase the profits generated from these sales of necessary items. Eventually, this would lead to a redistribution of wealth as the purchasing power of the poor is dramatically increased since the profits generated from their purchases go directly toward benefitting them and their communities rather than going to stockholders.

12. What problem or issue does your idea address (up to 150 words).

My idea provides a PAINLESS way for people to support causes and ministries. This will make it easier for proven organizations, which provide crucial services, to generate operating revenue, and eventually in stage 3 provide services will be provided to communities that prior to this were unaffordable. This in turn will help create new jobs since new funds are being generated to provide new services. Ultimately, there is solid potential for some level of redistribution of wealth as the purchasing power of all consumers is increased. Also of great importance is that many people, who did not previously make donations, will be able to painlessly support these organizations. My idea is unique in that it doesn’t capitalize on people’s desire to give in order to profit from their generosity, but rather strives to give back 100% of all funds raised.

13. If your idea were to become a reality, who would benefit the most and how(up to 150 words)?

The poor and needy would benefit the most because they are generally the recipients of programs sponsored by the organizations(causes and ministries)that would receive this PAINLESS support . . . and because ultimately, their purchasing power would increase substantially, as profits from their purchases come back to benefit them in their own communities as well. Organizations that help people with all types of needs would benefit by having to spend far less of their time on fundraising, and more on providing services.

Many companies try to capitalize on people’s desire to support causes as a way of increasing their own revenues. My organization would be overseen by volunteers and a board comprised of members of the some of the organizations being supported.

14. What are the initial steps required to get this idea off the ground (up to 150 words).

Utilizing the publicity and funds from winning this contest . . .

I would meet with:

heads of influential charitable organizations

representatives from large corporations who could promote the web site to the public. (I.E. McDonalds Corp.)

heads of philanthropic organizations

Oprah Winfrey

Next, a Board would be formed to oversee the new fundraising organization. The primary function of this board would be to ensure that the highest percentage possible of all funds raised would go back to the organizations represented on the website.

Individuals would be recruited to create and oversee the:

Web site.

Internet banner ad project.

Databases and forms necessary to track purchases and allocate commissions.

Research “best sales opportunities”.

Google Ad applications.

Volunteers would be recruited and engaged to help build and enhance the program.

Solicitations for ideas and stories would be started to further enhance the web site and increase visitor rates.

15. Describe the optimal outcome should your idea be implemented and how it would be measured(up to 150 words).

A significant increase in support revenues for charitable organizations should be seen as current supporters will be able to provide even more support . . . and many who were not donating at all would now be able to support these causes painlessly. This should substantially increase the amount of funds raised by charitable organizations, as well as decreasing the amount of time and dollars spent to raise an equal amount of funds.

Organizations will be able to spend less - to raise more - and draw support from a much larger pool, thus being able to provide more services to the poor and needy.

Again, the percentage donated to charitable organizations from this idea would be far higher than from those companies who utilize similar strategies for their own personal gain.

This organization will be controlled by supporters and the organizations they support.