Hactivism Intent-AnnieH
I want to create a website that allows nonprofits and small businesses to connect and find ways to benefit each other. Many nonprofits need a space to hold fundraisers, and this site would allow local business and churches to volunteer to open their doors to these organizations. It would be connected through social media as a way to advertise for events.
There are many ways businesses could partner with nonprofits that would benefit them both: for example, a local reseraunt could partner with a soup kitchen or homeless shelter and agree to bring any leftover food to them at the end of the day. In turn the business would get positive attention in the community, brining in more business.
While this is already a relatively common scenario, having a social network specifically for this purpose is new. There are is a site that helps nonprofits find corporate partners, but it is not a social networking site and it does not benefit small businesses, only large corporations. Organizations and businesses could create profiles on the site and put out ads for whatever they need, and businesses could respond to those ads. This is a good way for small businesses to get free advertising as well. The goal of this site is to enable the growth of small communities rather than relying on corporations.
Another component of this website could be online fundraising, similar to Kickstarter. It would be more legitimate than Kickstarter, however, because the fundraisers would be collected by an official nonprofit organization. Those funds could go towards community outreach, projects, or individuals in need. Local schools could create accounts, specifically high schools. Most high school students are expected to complete at least 50 hours worth of community service before they graduate. This site would allow the schools to see volunteer opportunities which they could advertise to their students.
It would basically be a form of social networking, a community forum that allows people to express their needs and connect with others who can help them. Businesses could support other businesses by sharing ideas and tips on how to gain customers.
I created a basic home page as well as the page for business accounts. There would also be one for nonprofits and one for individuals, as well as a page to search by location.
Budget:
This project would have multiple expenses; the first being building the website. There is a social media feature on WordPress that is offered to premium members, which is about $40 to sign up for. I have experience in web design, but if I wanted something more advanced I would need to hire someone to build it, which could cost upwards of $300. I would also need to maintain it, which I would be able to do on my own. I think there is potential to make money off the project over time, if any of the business want to get paid advertisements on the site. I would put this money towards hiring someone to maintain the site for me, as well as market through social media.
One thought on “Hactivism Intent-AnnieH”
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Concept
First of all i LOVE this idea! Bringing social networking and advertising to the small business community for free is huge! You concept addresses the need for small businesses to advertise but also allows them to do so cost effectively.
Design
Your design is well thought out along with your idea for the project. I can see a lot of work being put into the mock up of the website shown in your images.
Technical
I can’t see this website costing too much to build, the maintenance cost would be the most.
Audience
The audience is any small business looking for business partners or a cost effective place to advertise.
Creativity
Such an original and creative idea!!!