Kenya - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Increasing philanthropy in Kenya and growing local funding for non-profits are challenging. Current processes are cumbersome and inefficient. My project addresses these issues, streamlining funding efforts and enhancing community impact.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

The Zawadi Project is a subscription-based software solution currently in its mid-development stages, specifically designed to manage and optimize corporate matching gift programs in Kenya. This innovative tool addresses the challenges of increasing philanthropy and growing local funding for non-profits by streamlining the entire process of securing corporate matching gifts. Key features of the software include donor management, automated matching gift identification, and seamless integration with various CRM systems. These features will cater to the unique needs of Kenyan non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and corporate entities involved in philanthropy. By simplifying donor management, identifying matching gift opportunities automatically, and integrating with existing systems, our solution enhances fundraising capabilities and maximizes the impact of corporate giving.This approach ensures efficiency, reduces administrative errors, and ultimately boosts local funding

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

The main problem our tool addresses is the inefficiency and complexity of current processes. By streamlining donor management, automating matching gift identification, and integrating seamlessly with CRM systems, our solution enhances fundraising, maximizes corporate giving impact, and reduces reliance on foreign donations, fostering local philanthropic efforts.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your project intends to provide (at least 3).

The Zawadi Project offers several major benefits for managing corporate matching gift programs for non-profits and educational institutions in Kenya: Streamlined Donor Management: Simplifies managing donor information, ensuring accurate records. Enhances donor engagement, reduces errors, and frees up valuable time and resources. Automated Matching Gift Identification: Automatically identifies matching gift opportunities based on donor data and corporate policies. Increases efficiency and effectiveness of fundraising efforts, helping organizations secure additional funds with minimal effort. Seamless CRM Integration: Integrates smoothly with various CRM systems, eliminating data silos and discrepancies. Allows effective donation tracking, improved donor relationship management, and accurate reporting, enabling better fundraising strategies and maximizing the impact of corporate giving.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your project is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

The Zawadi Project aims to serve the over 40,000 Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) and more than 11,000 Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Kenya. These organizations face challenges in managing corporate matching gift programs due to inefficient processes. Our tool streamlines donor management, automates matching gift identification, and integrates seamlessly with CRM systems, enhancing fundraising efforts. By targeting these CBOs and NGOs, we help them secure additional funds efficiently, reduce reliance on foreign donations, and grow local philanthropic efforts. Statistics from the NGO Coordination Board of Kenya highlight the vital role these organizations play in driving social change.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2023-10-19

01.06 How many other partners are associated with your business venture?

2

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

1

01.08 Please describe the profile of each of the other partners (skills, experience, etc.)

Faith Biketi, a seasoned software engineer, leads the technical aspects of the Zawadi project. With a solid background in computer science and a track record of successful software development projects, Faith oversees the design, development, and implementation of Zawadi's platform. Her expertise ensures the platform's functionality, efficiency, and user-friendliness. Faith's leadership skills and collaborative approach empower the team to innovate and excel. Elvis Sawka, an accomplished computer scientist, directs the design and functionality of the Zawadi project. With a deep understanding of computer systems and programming languages, Elvis translates complex technical concepts into practical solutions. His vision for Zawadi emphasizes accessibility and usability, ensuring the platform meets diverse user needs. Elvis's strategic guidance drives innovation and excellence in Zawadi's design and development.

01.09 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link here:

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

h) IT (digital services, equipment and software)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

Zawadi's optimization of corporate fundraising efforts fosters economic empowerment within communities, contributing to poverty reduction by providing resources for sustainable development initiatives. Additionally, by focusing on locally-driven initiatives, Zawadi promotes self-reliance and resilience, further supporting poverty alleviation efforts.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

5

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

While not directly related to food security, Zawadi indirectly supports SDG 2 by enabling non-profits to access funding for projects that promote agricultural sustainability and improve food security.

02.03.01 My project contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

5

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

By facilitating fundraising for healthcare projects and initiatives, Zawadi contributes to improving access to healthcare services and promoting overall well-being within communities.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

5

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

Zawadi's support for educational projects helps improve access to quality education, providing opportunities for lifelong learning and skill development, thus contributing to SDG 4.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

5

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

Zawadi's emphasis on inclusivity and community empowerment promotes gender equality by ensuring equal access to resources and opportunities for all individuals regardless of gender.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

5

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

While not directly related to water and sanitation, Zawadi indirectly supports SDG 6 by enabling fundraising for projects that address water scarcity and promote access to clean water and sanitation facilities.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

5

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

Zawadi's focus on sustainability and community development indirectly contributes to SDG 7 by supporting fundraising for renewable energy projects and initiatives aimed at promoting access to affordable and clean energy sources.

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

5

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

5

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

Zawadi's innovative approach to fundraising optimization and technology integration supports SDG 9 by promoting innovation and building resilient infrastructure for sustainable development.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

5

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

Zawadi's emphasis on local philanthropy and community empowerment addresses social disparities and promotes inclusivity, thus contributing to SDG 10 by reducing inequalities within communities.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

5

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

While not directly related to urban development, Zawadi indirectly supports SDG 11 by enabling fundraising for projects that promote sustainable development and resilience within communities.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

5

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

Zawadi's emphasis on sustainability and transparency in fundraising aligns with SDG 12 by promoting responsible consumption and production practices within organizations and communities.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

5

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

While not directly related to climate action, Zawadi indirectly supports SDG 13 by enabling fundraising for projects that address climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

5

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

While not directly related to marine conservation, Zawadi indirectly supports SDG 14 by enabling fundraising for projects that promote conservation and sustainable use of marine resources.

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

5

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

While not directly related to terrestrial ecosystems, Zawadi indirectly supports SDG 15 by enabling fundraising for projects that promote conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.

02.16.01 My project contributes to the Peace justice and strong institutions goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

Zawadi's alignment with SDG 16 is evident through its emphasis on fostering collaboration and accountability within communities. By providing a platform for partnerships between diverse stakeholders, including non-profits, educational institutions, corporations, and local communities, Zawadi promotes collective action towards building peaceful and inclusive societies. Through its innovative approach to fundraising optimization and emphasis on local philanthropy, Zawadi contributes to the promotion of social cohesion and harmony within communities. Furthermore, Zawadi's role in facilitating knowledge sharing and capacity building fosters transparency, accountability, and inclusivity within institutions at all levels. By strengthening implementation efforts and promoting collaboration, Zawadi plays a crucial role in advancing progress towards SDG 16 and building a more just, equitable, and inclusive society for all.

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

Zawadi's alignment with SDG 17 is clear through its focus on fostering collaboration and partnership among stakeholders. Serving as a platform for non-profits, educational institutions, corporations, and local communities, Zawadi promotes collective action towards sustainable development goals. By automating fundraising processes and integrating with CRM systems, Zawadi strengthens implementation efforts, allowing organizations to allocate resources efficiently. Moreover, Zawadi's emphasis on local philanthropy reduces reliance on foreign donations, fostering self-reliance and resilience within communities. Facilitating partnerships and knowledge sharing, Zawadi amplifies the impact of sustainable development initiatives, contributing to broader development objectives. In essence, Zawadi plays a vital role in revitalizing the global partnership for sustainable development, advancing progress towards the SDGs.

05.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

1 - Strongly Disagree

05.02 The product/service we envision creating represents an entirely new type of product/service.

6

05.03 The product/service we envision creating could be described as a new technology.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.04 The product/service we envision creating is an improvement on an existing product or service.

2

05.05 The product/service we envision creating could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.06 The product/service we envision creating responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.07 The product/service we envision creating is a new version of an old product/service.

2

05.08 Justification

Zawadi Toolkit introduces a pioneering approach to streamlining fundraising efforts in Kenya. By automating the identification of fundraising opportunities through AI algorithms, Zawadi significantly reduces the administrative burden on non-profits and educational institutions, offering a more efficient way to secure additional funding. Moreover, its seamless integration with various Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems ensures compatibility and ease of use, enhancing the overall user experience. Tailored specifically for the Kenyan market, Zawadi takes into account the local context, regulatory framework, and philanthropic landscape, ensuring it meets the unique needs of organizations in Kenya. By empowering local philanthropy and reducing reliance on foreign donations, Zawadi fosters a culture of giving within the Kenyan business community, contributing to sustainable development and self-reliance.

05.09 Who are your main potential competitors and what makes you stand out from them?

Zawadi introduces a groundbreaking fundraising concept in Kenya. By automating matching gift identification and streamlining donor management, it revolutionizes philanthropy. This innovative approach empowers non-profits and educational institutions to maximize fundraising efforts efficiently. With Zawadi, organizations unlock untapped funding opportunities, reduce administrative burdens, and amplify their impact on local communities.

10.06 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?

Yes, i work for an NGO that is mainly female led from the director all the way to the board