Hyderabad-based DONATEkart is revolutionizing the way NGOs operate with its innovative crowdfunding platform. By streamlining the donation process and connecting supporters directly with non-profits, DONATEkart is empowering NGOs to become more effective in their mission-driven work.
DONATEkart: Hyderabad-Based Platform Enhancing NGO Efficiency with Transparent Crowdfunding
Many people want to support NGOs but hesitate due to concerns about how their donations are used. To address this issue, two 21-year-old engineers launched DONATEkart, a platform designed to link donors and NGOs in a transparent and systematic way. Instead of requesting monetary donations, NGOs on DONATEkart list specific items they need, such as sweaters or stationery.
DONATEkart partners with vendors nationwide who provide these items through a reverse bidding process. Donors contribute funds to purchase the listed products, which are then bought and delivered directly to the NGO. To ensure transparency, NGOs post photos of the received goods to the donors.
The idea for DONATEkart was born during the Chennai floods in December 2015. Co-founder Anil Reddy, along with Sandeep Sharma, observed the disconnect between the needs of NGOs and the donations they received. “We saw a gap in meeting actual needs, which inspired the creation of DONATEkart,” says Reddy.
Since its inception, DONATEkart has successfully run 320 campaigns, with an average success rate of 60%. The platform has attracted 8,000 donors, including 35% from overseas. DONATEkart accepts donations in multiple currencies and collaborates with around 200 NGOs across various sectors, including education, health, and animal welfare.
With a monthly growth rate of 20% and a repeat donor rate of 17%, DONATEkart is expanding its reach. The platform recently crossed the 1.5 crore mark in products raised, thanks to contributions from over 6,000 donors worldwide.
DONATEkart has received recognition from notable figures and organizations, including Vijay Shekhar Sharma, founder of Paytm, and Shanti Mohan of LetsVenture. The startup has also been supported by HDFC Parivartan and Yes Foundation and won the NASSCOM Social Innovation Forum Award in 2018.
The platform continues to innovate, with plans to introduce new features and partnerships to enhance its impact. For those hesitant about cash donations, DONATEkart offers a transparent and effective alternative to support meaningful causes.