Tuesday 8 December 2015

The best free crowdfunding tools for the majority world

I was in Nepal for 2 months earlier this year (following the first devastating earthquake, I was there for the second) to support the Global Ecovillage Network response in Nepal. During this time, I worked with Nexus Culture Nepal to develop a range of funding streams. As part of that, I researched crowdfunding tools and found that some of the best are actually free.

All crowdfunding websites can receive donations via credit card from anywhere in the world. However, thare will be some restrictions on what countries they can pay to, due to different laws in every country.

Chuffed
Australian based Charity - although you do not need to be in Australia. Crowdfunding platform for social causes - funds can go to individuals or organisations or companies. Chuffed does not charge any fees. However, credit card fees are charged by the credit card processor (30c + 2%-2.9% per transaction). Funds will be transferred to your bank account in Australia, USA, UK or Europe. For other regions you need a paypal account.

Betterplace
Charitable project of a German software company. Charge no fees and pay all the credit card processing fees themselves. They even have a network of philanthropists who may provide additional financial support to your project. Will send money anywhere in the world, however, if you are not a registered charity in Germany you can only receive up to 2,500Euros per quarter in donations.

Youcaring
USA based crowdfunding site. No fees except the credit card fee charged by the payment processing gateway.

Generosity
Free USA based crowdfunding platform by Indiegogo, one of the biggest crowdfunding companies. For individual and social cuases. No fees except the credit card fee charged by the payment processing gateway. According to the website, in most cases, a donation to a personal fundraiser is considered a gift and not taxable income to the campaign owner (but best to check with an accountant).

Crowdzilla
UK based charity Provides financial support, through on­line crowdfunded donations, to local businesses in the developing world with the aim to promote growth, education, and training to local communities and generate employment and new services.

Long walks / pilgrimages of the world

I have discovered that walking is one of the most powerful ways for me to truly experience a country and its people - the longer the better. I will gradually expand this list as I discover more long walks in different countries...

Australia
See John Chapma's list of long distance walking tracks in Australia. Most famous is the Overland Track in Tasmania. Generally, all tracks require you to be self sufficient, with food and a tent. Many tracks are in remote country.

Canada
Bruce Trail 850km from Niagara to Tobermory, with side trails extending out to 250km.

Israel
Israel National Trail 990kms.

Japan
Shikoku Pilgrimage 1,400km Accommodation in small, family-owned inns for 4,000-8,000 yen per night (depending on if you’d like food with your stay).

South Korea
Jeju Olle Trail New, 22 courses covering a total of 347km.

Spain
Camino de Santiago de Compostella Pilgrimage 800 kms from France to Santiago de Compostella in Spain. Many alternative routes and possible starting points much further afield. Lots of road walking through towns and villages. Lots of relatively cheap pilgrim accommodation available and meals.

United Kingdom
Cotswold Way from Chipping Campden in the north to the city of Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage site. 162-km

USA
John Muir Trail 358km in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, from the Yosemite National Park to Mount Whitney. Best time to visit is from July to September, though snow may still linger on the higher passes. Free camping. Carry own tent and food.
Pacific Crest Trail 4,286 km bordering the Sierra Nevada mountain range, west side of USA. USA/Mexico border to Canada, passing through 25 national forests and 7 national parks. There is also a corresponding bike trail that runs parallel to the Pacific Crest Trail for 4,000 km.
Appalachian Trail 3,500kms in Eastern United States, from Georgia to Main National park Free camping Walk between March and October