WhyDonate - Using localization for global crowdfunding

WhyDonate is a Netherlands-based crowdfunding platform. However, their mission is to unite people across the globe by providing a space to share worthy causes.

Niels Corver, the co-founder and managing director of WhyDonate, shared with us his perspective on the future of crowdfunding, the value of good ideas, and why even small non-profits need to start thinking global.

1. WhyDonate is a fundraising platform. As a co-founder, what was your inspiration to create such a space?

As a student, I have been working with several non-profit organizations.

We spend a lot of resources on finding new recurring donors by going door to door, doing telemarketing, and sending out letters. Of course, this is very expensive and is not always appreciated by the people being contacted.

With WhyDonate we want to resolve these issues and create the best fundraising experience. We do this by creating an efficient and relevant online fundraising platform that connects donors with charities.

2. What has been the biggest challenge in setting up the WhyDonate platform? How did you overcome it?

We have to spend a lot of time and effort to offer a reliable and secure platform. We need to innovate and release new features as much as possible, and at the same time guarantee an uptime of 99,9%.

3. WhyDonate was founded in 2013. In your opinion, how has the online culture of crowdfunding changed since then?

Crowdfunding has become a common way to raise funds, and I think that’s a good thing.

People are not relying anymore on banks and foundations; they can now ask for money from every person. This is a big opportunity for many people.

Crowdfunding is not only about raising money, but also getting recognition for your idea from a big group of people. Consequently, if the “crowd” doesn’t like your idea, you will not have a successful crowdfunding campaign.

• Niels Corver, Co-founder and managing director of WhyDonate

4. Up until now, WhyDonate has cooperated with more than 100,000 donors and has more than 4000 fundraisers. What impact do you believe your campaigns have made?

Together with our donors, we have helped people fulfill their dreams, overcome financial crises, recover from illness, and do many great things to help each other!

5. How do you see the future of WhyDonate? Why is global expansion important for your work?

To achieve efficient matching between donors and charities, we need a large dataset.

If we have more options to match, we will be more relevant and have an even higher success rate.

6. WhyDonate is a cross-continent platform. Would you say it’s relevant for non-profit organizations to go international, and why?

Supporting foreign countries and populations in need isn’t new. However, at the moment, these donations pass through many organizations before reaching the actual project.

By making WhyDonate a cross-continent platform, we enable donors to give directly to the project.

7. Why did you decide to start using LingoHub localization services? How does LingoHub help you achieve your mission?

Operating in Europe can be a big hassle because every country has its own language. This means you have to spend a lot of time adding and editing translations.

At first, we were doing this manually. However, this was a very time-consuming and rather boring task for our developers and translators.

Because we are now using LingoHub, our translators can add the translations themselves, and our developers don’t have to spend time on this anymore. This is a very convenient solution for the whole company! 

Images courtesy of WhyDonate

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