May 2009 Winner
EPIC CHANGE: Fund a Tech Lab for Kids in Arusha, Tanzania
We help grassroots leaders share their epic true stories in ways that generate the income they need to create change in their communities.
Our current partner is a primary school in Arusha, Tanzania. With these funds, we plan to implement a tech lab so they can share their own stories online.
Simply put, tags are keywords used to identify an idea. Just click on one of the tags below to find like-minded ideas.
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Q1: We'd like to democratize our donor base, and focus on developing small gifts from many people. What are some ideas you have for reaching a broad network of potential donors and volunteers? In particular, how do you engage donors and volunteers who have little direct experience with your cause?
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by julie131906.01.09 | 11:14 AMI've been a direct response fundraiser for many years, and this is the best and lowest-cost way I know to build a list of direct response donors. Direct response is the most democratic way to raise funds, because it involves individuals who contribute small amounts (my organization had an average individual gift of $40).
Start by building a list of electronic donors, starting with your current supporters.
Write a fundraising letter, that uses a story to illustrate what you do and to connect readers emotionally to your cause. How has epicchange positively affected someone's life? What was the person's life like, what happened via epicchange, and what is the person's life like now?
And you have to ask directly for money. Quantify what a gift will do, e.g. $20 will fund X, $50 will pay for Y, $100 will allow Z, $250 will enable A.
Then ask your supporters to send that e-mail to as many of their friends as they can, with the introduction of "When I heard about the impact epicchange was having on the lives of young kids in Tanzan…moreia, I knew I had to be part of it." Then tell the story, a little bit about how epicchange does what it does, and then a direct ask. "Because you care about social change, I had to tell you about epicchange and give you a chance to be part of this amazing group. Your financial donation will allow epicchange to continue working with the kids of Arusha. And the more people who support epicchange, the more schools we can help." Stuff like that.
Expect perhaps 1 or 2 of 100 to make a contribution. Thank them, and give them a way to 1) give another gift and 2) forward an ask to their friends ("now that I'm part of this amazing group, I had to tell you about it.")
Send your donors periodic electronic updates (once every two or three months) that have ways to click through to make a gift. Gradually, your list will grow.
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by CAPTCHA05.29.09 | 09:11 AMhelp to build orphans kindergarten school building,schoolfee,schooluniforms,schoolstationaries,and food.
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by CAPTCHA05.29.09 | 09:09 AMhelp to build building of orphans kindergarten school,school fee,school uniforms,school stationaries,and food
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by CAPTCHA05.29.09 | 09:08 AMhelp school buildind of orphans kindergarten school,school fee,school uniform,school stationaries and food
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by CAPTCHA05.29.09 | 09:07 AMto build building of orphans kindergarten school because we dont have this time we use chusch building to teach them,help school fee to the orphans,school uniforms,school stationaries and food.
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by dreampod05.23.09 | 03:14 AMHow would you structure the company? As a non-profit or lending institution? If both, you'll go through a lot of government oversight if you choose to seek 501(c) 3 non-profit status. That doesn't mean you work for free. Just that all your net profits get reinvested in the business after all FT staff is paid.
Last time I checked, the median income for non-profit execs is six figures. But if you really enjoy it, I think the intangibles are worth it!
Good luck
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05.22.09 | 02:07 AM
I would like to vote for Epic change, how can |I do it right now? It looks so fantastic!!!
GG
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by dano105.08.09 | 05:18 AMthrough networking or mobile phone or post
through networking
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03.14.08 | 10:32 AMThere is a wonderful company called LoveInc here in Melbourne that matches the resource skills of Christians in the area with people who have a need. There are a lot of professionals involved in this group, maybe you could find a pro-bono accounting resource through them. Number is 1-800-777-5277.
Also, the local schools are always looking for interesting penpals to help the kids practice their writing and general letter-writing skills. Maybe you could do something with that...
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Q2: Do you have any creative ideas for products that can be designed and/or manufactured by primary school students, parents and teachers in Tanzania, that share their stories in some way, and that may have mass market appeal? What ideas do you have for marketing such products?
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by Umapatel05.31.09 | 02:47 AMor even headbands or anklets, the fabric could be from the Tengeru markets and the ink would have to be contrasting, I think the appeal would be in the simplicity. a small belt buckle or button could be used to keep the ends together. Sorry about the broken-ness of the post, the idea just came to me then.
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by Umapatel05.31.09 | 02:43 AMYou could (to borrow and adapt an idea from make poverty history) make fabric wristbands or lanyards and get the students to write or paint their favourite phrases or ideas that would be unique to tanzania on them.
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What advice do you have to help me grow my idea?
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03.22.08 | 12:17 PMHow about fabric dolls? They would be relatively easy to make and could be created in traditional Tanzanian patterns or styles. The dolls could also come with small books with stories about the doll and/or life in Tanzania. You could try a "collect then all" strategy by creating a variety of dolls individually named with different stories.
You could create a learning module for elementary school students that teachers could use to introduce their students to geography, Africa, different cultures, etc. This could be combined with universe_rules' idea of a letter exchange. If the module came with some small inexpensive items that were created by the Tanzanian school children it would be a powerful learning tool. You may also be able to get funding from a foundation or company to provide the modules and items free of charge to schools.
Regarding marketing, there are many sites on the Internet that focus on selling fair trade and native made products. You could also look at stores like Ten Thousand Villages which sell such products through re…moretail locations. In addition, there are hundreds of catalogs for which your products might be appropriate additions. Try contacting the direct marketing association as many of those catalog companies are probably members.
Idea Description
Epic Change has developed a unique approach to changing the world: we help people in need share their "epic" true stories in innovative, creative & profitable ways to help them acquire the financial resources they need to create positive "change" in their communities.
Currently, we are partnered with a locally-led primary school that serves over 300 children in Arusha, Tanzania. To date, we've loaned over $65K, where the funds have enabled "Mama Lucy", the school's local founder, to build an educational facility whose students recently scored #1 out of 117 schools in their district on national exams.
For more, go to www.EpicChange.org
What will you do if you win $10,000 for this idea?
We plan to build a technology lab at the school so that children, teachers and parents in the community can learn new skills, access a whole new world of information and enter global conversations by using social media to share their own stories online. Already 15 laptops have been donated and solar power installed.
Our partners in Tanzania are very excited about the opportunity to bring web access to their school. Despite the many challenges of voting online in their country, they're lining up at a local internet cafe to vote. Click here to read what the parents have to say.
You like it. You’re confused by it. You want to know more. Ask questions and post comments here.
Post a commentgood lucky my dear. God will bless you all for helping those kids. I will vote for you as much as I can but I was late to read your invitation. Let us try next month. I am one of those orphans who has suffed much, I do pray for all people who what to save orphans and otherkids life. I am in my way to open my organisation in Bukoba Tanzania. I want to register as soon as possble. good lucky
It’s a good thing that there are still people today that are willing to help those people that are financially handicapped. Tickets for Charity are a program where performance artists, sports teams, and so on, that donate part of the proceeds to charity of their choice. It could be worth paycheck loans, as the list of artists is diverse, and there are some serious heavyweights on the bill. James Taylor, the Elton John and Billy Joel tour, Dane Cook, Brad Paisley, the Boston Red Sox, and the one show guaranteed to not make any money – Creed. Still, it's a noble thing these artists are doing, and it's admirable they are giving cash advances to causes with <a href="http://personalmoneystore.com/moneyblog/2009/05/28/tickets-charity-brings-concerts/">Tickets for Charity&l…moret;/a>.
It’s a good thing that there are still people today that are willing to help those people that are financially handicapped. Tickets for Charity are a program where performance artists, sports teams, and so on, that donate part of the proceeds to charity of their choice. It could be worth paycheck loans, as the list of artists is diverse, and there are some serious heavyweights on the bill. James Taylor, the Elton John and Billy Joel tour, Dane Cook, Brad Paisley, the Boston Red Sox, and the one show guaranteed to not make any money – Creed. Still, it's a noble thing these artists are doing, and it's admirable they are giving cash advances to causes with <a href="http://personalmoneystore.com/moneyblog/2009/05/28/tickets-charity-brings-concerts/">Tickets for Charity&l…moret;/a>.
About 10 years ago my father and I started a computer school in Papua New Guinea - I helped create course material and teach people who'd never even seen a computer, get valuable skills to help them get a better job working in an office. These sorts of ventures help change lives - from personal experience I can tell you, this sort of Tech Lab will make a huge difference today and a MASSIVE difference tomorrow
Thanks so much! I agree - having these skills is critical for a kids' education and can open up so many more opportunities. I hope you'll stay in touch and follow our progress! Thanks for the vote and the support! Sanjay
Well done! If I can do more please contact me at www.mariemejamme.com Best Wishes!
Thanks so much! We'll definitely be in touch with you.
I really hope you win! What you want to accomplish is truly extraordinary.
Good Luck Stacey, you are so very very deserving of this award!!! See ya at Henegar!!
wow! hey stacey- congrats on the leap of votes! I think your project is fantastic and love the premise of sharing stories (i am obsessed with documentation). when this is all over, I'd love it if you could share your methods of mobilization! I am in awe. You must be a stellar mobilizer and social media user- I am inspired by your efforts. I'm always trying to learn more about grassroots initiatives and action as that is part of what my project is about in working with local inner-city communities- starting here in Providence, RI. Great work! All my best! Sami
I cannot recommend Epic Change more highly for this monetary award. This organization is the epitome of using social media to effect powerful social change. As a past coworker of Stacey Monk's, I can personally attest to her wildly creative, compelling, energetic and heartfelt spirit. The leap of faith she took in leaving a safe, guaranteed paycheck job to follow her passion has paid off by creating a ripple effect of change literally around of the globe as others, inspired by what she has accomplished with Mama Lucy, have started to listen to listen to and nurture – instead of quash – that small voice inside of themselves, the one that says that maybe they too can do something that can make a difference. I count myself among one of those many people who find Stacey’s work with Epic …moreChange a call to action. Stacey, even if you do not win this cash award, I thank you for the work that you do. Thank you for your kindness and integrity. Thank you for pushing the boundaries of my imagination. Thank you for giving me hope in a world when things can seem so bleak sometimes. You are, in the true sense of the word, awesome.
Epic Change is doing wonderful job in our community. Very much appriciated! Keep it up!!!
Epic Change is doing wonderful job in our community. Very much appriciated! Keep it up!!!
Epic Change is doing wonderful job in our community. Very much appriciated! Keep it up!!!
Epic Change is doing wonderful job in our community. Very much appriciated! Keep it up!!!
My vote is for the tanzanian kids. They are the future leaders in the coming generations.
love to see organizations that understand community development comes from the ground up. Thanks for everything you do!
God bless you Stacey and Sanjay. Your work is amazing. Let us all join hands and vote for Epic Change and make the dreams of this kids come true.
OK nice thats my vote to tanzania kids.help them to improve on education.
This program is right up my alley. As an undergrad student of construction management, I planned a semester abroad, in Zimbabwe, to facilitate construction activities at a primary school. Unfortunately, funding was tight and the needed funds for materials were not secured and my trip was cancelled. Fast forward 10 years, now an MBA student, studying sustainability for use in construction and any other industry, work with schools is still near to my heart. I wish I could personally pledge financial support, but for now I will offer my expertise, my vote and viral spreading of the word. Good Luck!!
your vote & viral spreading the word are the very best i could possibly ask for...i really appreciate it - as do over 300 kids who are now at the school ;) Please let me know at stacey@epicchange.org if you'd like to get more deeply involved!
Stacey:- As a true social entrepreneur, you have the capacity to garner trust and response by blending real-world results with heart-felt passion. You wrote once, "there are moments of knowing" ... I hope with that statement you do know that you're making the kind of difference that can change the world. ~Lee PS - People often celebrate the most remarkable achievements with a smile ... which in of itself is silent... but oh so very powerful. Think of the number of people who have smiled as a result of your work with EPIC CHANGE...
It sounds like a good idea so far. Though I think using multiple streams of income to facilitate pay back on loans would be helpful, like say in text advertising so that the ones who don't donate may still create income by clicking ads. Also, what do you do about taxes?
I connected with you during tweetsgiving and just voted for you!!! I would love to connect further to donate some of my books to your schools!! Smiles - Stacey Stacey Kannenberg www.cedarvalleypublishing.com Let's Get Ready For Kindergarten! & Let's Get Ready For First Grade!
Go S & S, go!
I'm a fan. I've just dived into my own work in my family's home country, Nigeria, but am still working witht the University of Pennsylvania's Graduate School of Education on my project. Worked with lot's of master and doctoral Ed students over the last couple of months who would gladly donate a kidney to do good work in Africa. If you are looking for human capital for your Tanzania project, I'd be happy to connect you to my contacts at Penn. There may even be interest at Wharton because of the business meets social responsibility aspect.
I feel like I'm not cool. I don't know you guys. Can we hang out?
One more time: http://www.lovetotheworld.org See you soon!
Hey! Met you two amazing people at the Craig's List Non-Profit Bootcamp! I am so proud of how far you have come since summer! This is amazing! "Let love Lead" is having a blast in South Africa using "Love To The World" as our platform for transformation (http://lovetotheworld.org). Our work overlaps so we should collaborate! CONGRATULATIONS! Fabulous work!
We heart u Epic Change!! XO Lauren
This is truly an amazing story. I have been to Moivaro village in Tanzania where you have built the school and I know first hand the impact this type of work has on the community. I applaud your hard work and fortitude in this effort and will work to help you raise money and awareness for this important "epic change".
Thanks sevenworld - please send me an email at stacey@epicchange.org so we can keep in touch after the competition wraps up. We'll be looking forward to building a library at our school in Tanzania soon as well, so perhaps you could help out there too. I love the Sneetches!
It is refreshing seeing ideas that change the world...this is one that can have a powerful impact on the world. Please keep in touch, I'll be happy to lend my support to your cause, I've done a lot of fund raising so I can share some ideas that might work for you.
Please help the children of Tanzania , they are our future !!!!
I hope you all will consider supporting this excellent cause! Go to http://www.epicchange.org to see pictures, videos and a ton of other information. Also, be sure to check out the blog at http://www.epicchange.org/blog to get a unique, firsthand account of the incredible stories surrounding Epic Change's first project in Tanzania.
Please help us win $10,000! 170 kids in Tanzania are counting on us!