Fund for Unity, a civic crowdfunding platform that facilitates public funding and participation in community development projects, has been launched by the government of Gujarat on October 31st as a step towards the envisaged icon based development of the Narmada district in Gujarat. The website was made available following a Google hangouts session with an international audience, comprising majorly of technology professionals.
Dubbed as India’s first civic crowdfunding platform, Fund for Unity is a digital initiative under the umbrella of the Statue of Unity project and seeks individual public and private philanthropic funds that enhance the social and physical infrastructure, and consequentially the HDI, in backward regions of Gujarat. The website is a fully functional online asset which can host fundraising campaigns for multiple projects.
The platform also provides a secure, socially connected, end-to-end user experience where a potential contributor can browse through listed projects, understand their respective value propositions, and contribute funds in Indian currency to the projects of their choice.
All projects listed on Fund for Unity are initiated and managed by entities validated by the Government of Gujarat. Through this platform, people from all walks of life can contribute funds to projects they see merit in, and work with the government to enhance the quality of life of communities they live in and care for.
Contributions made on this platform are eligible for exemption at 50% under section 80(G) of the Income Tax Act of India.
