Boost the community with innovative new crowdfunding website

Jboost.org to launch in May

The internet and social media have redefined our lives in many ways over the past few years. One of the great innovations to arise from these technologies is the process of crowdfunding. Crowdfunding websites, like the popular Kickstarter.com and Indiegogo.com, feature individual projects looking to raise enough money to meet a predefined goal. Crowdfunding thrives on transparency and engagement by explaining to the funder how and why the listed project exists without requiring any minimum donation or giving to the organization. Instead, every funder–large and small–has the opportunity to support a specific cause and can learn about the team they’re supporting to produce their project.

In response to the Living on the Edge study, which explored the pervasiveness of economic vulnerability in our community, the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island began developing a community crowdfunding platform called Jboost (Jboost.org). Crowdfunding was recommended as an opportunity to involve others in the fight against economic insecurity and a way to bring the community together in contributing to a cause. Jboost will become a community platform that enables and supports a network of agencies and organizations as they develop ways to assist the economically vulnerable in our community. These projects will align with one of the three central tenets of our Living on the Edge initiative – providing a safety net, promoting self-sufficiency or increasing access to Jewish life.

Leading nonprofits throughout the community have begun to develop potential project ideas that support Jboost’s mission. Jewish Seniors Agency has already begun planning a project to deliver Shabbat dinners to families in need. It’s a new approach to providing food for the hungry and increasing access to Jewish life that builds on the strengths and experience already at the agency. While the Jboost team will assist with support services for our partners, each organization will lead the planning and implementation of its own project. Community members and social entrepreneurs are encouraged to seek out their synagogue or an appropriate organization for sponsorship of an idea they would like to arrange. Crowdfunding presents an exciting new way for these groups to showcase the supportive services they provide while increasing their impact within the community.

How can you get involved? First, we encourage everyone to visit Jboost.org when it launches. Take a look at all of the different projects that support our community and help those in need; then donate anything you can – any amount makes an impact. Find a project that resonates with you, and share it with your social media network – this will boost the project’s visibility and its chances of reaching its fundraising goal. Social media have played a huge role in transforming crowdfunding into the very successful model for fundraising that it is today. When a project becomes viral, it doesn’t just help the project organizers reach their goals – it also raises awareness and engagement throughout the community. When showing support via your computer or mobile device isn’t enough, learn other ways to champion the cause. Perhaps you can provide material assistance as a community sponsor or contact the project organizers about volunteering your time. Regardless of how you use Jboost, you will enjoy the opportunity to see the creative and diverse work in which the leaders of our community are engaged to address the needs of our most vulnerable and distressed.

ALEX GAINES is the Community Development Manager for the Living on the Edge Initiative.