Having just launched this past July in public Beta, Uruut, a non-profit crowdfunding platform, has announced it has completed the largest opening raise of any donation-based crowdfunding platform. This achievement comes with the announcement of new high-profile board member, Doug Shipman, CEO of National Center for Civil and Human Rights, and being named one of Atlanta’s top 10 startups by tech media outlet, The Next Web.
Uruut’s first project, the Ashford Park Education Foundation’s (APSEF) campaign to build a new outdoor classroom, launched on July 10 with 90 days to reach its goal of $100,000. With a platinum sponsorship of $35,000 from Ed Voyles Automotive Group, an additional 40 business and foundation sponsors and hundreds of individual donations, the school reached its goal on October 3 with five days left in the campaign.
Uruut’s platform is built specifically for nonprofits that supports contributions from individuals, businesses and foundations. As a result, close to 60 percent of APSEF’s donations came from businesses and foundations – making this crowdfunding project an industry first, and setting Uruut apart.
“We are thrilled with the success we’ve seen as Uruut’s first project owner and excited to turn our dream for an outdoor classroom into a reality,” said Shawn Keefe, president of APSEF and parent of first and fourth graders. “Uruut enabled us to execute a campaign of this size by providing the platform and tools necessary to run an effective campaign. As a result, we are on our way to delivering a major project that will be core to Ashford Park School’s curriculum, our students and the vitality of our community.”
Uruut’s CEO and co-founder commented on Shipman joining the board,
“We are thrilled to have Doug join our list of very talented board members,” said Mark Feinberg, Uruut’s co-founder and CEO. “His experience in a range of industries, as well as knowledge of both the nonprofit and private sectors, brings rich connections and expertise in corporate social responsibility.”
Shipman recognized the unique qualities of the Atlanta based crowdfunding platform,
“I am excited to be a part of Uruut’s mission to strengthen communities,” said Shipman. “There are countless local projects that simply do not receive the funding necessary to reach their goals. The recent rise of crowdfunding has proven very successful in helping with underfunded projects, but until now we haven’t seen a platform built specifically for nonprofits with the capability to accept donations from all three funding sources. For this reason, I truly believe Uruut will transform the traditional fundraising model and empower communities across America.”
