Can one dollar change the world? The project1buck experiment.
The idea for this experiment is pretty simple… use this website to raise money (one dollar at a time) for a new cause each month. This could be any cause worth raising money for:
• Single mother who needs a new refrigerator
• Books for a school in Africa
• New computer for an after school tutoring program
• You get the idea…
Nothing huge… just a group of people giving an extra dollar to a cause they believe in.
So, I think we’re going to try it out. I’ll be posting information about the first “one dollar drive” in the next couple of weeks. But, between now and then I’ll need some honest feedback and input. Please think about and comment on the following:
• What do you think about the idea?
• Is it worth moving forward with a test-run?
• What needs to be in place to make it all work?
• What questions would you need answered before donating your dollar to a worthy cause?
Please post your comments / thoughts / ideas below (if you’re still on the home page, click here). And, if you have a friend who might have some great ideas/feedback, please forward them this link. Thanks.
May 3rd 2007
Hey i checked out the site and it sounds like a sweet idea…not too complicated or anything, just a bunch of people wanting to change lives…I SAY LETS JUST GO FOR IT!!
May 3rd 2007
Thanks Josh. That’s the idea… keep it simple, and make an impact…
May 4th 2007
The site looks great & the concept could help change lives! If an organization is looking to raise money for a project, this site would be a great resource for them to use!!! and a great way to start drawing people to the site so they are comfortable with it!
Keep it going!!! it’s for a great cause!
May 7th 2007
I totally agree with josh Scott, everything looks awesome and i say lets do it to it bro!!!
May 7th 2007
Thanks everyone for the positive feedback. I really appreciate it.
Couple of quick add-on questions:
- Are there any questions that you would need answered prior to donating a dollar on-line?
- How do you feel about using PayPal?
May 10th 2007
PayPal is a nice and secure way of payment. Is this being registered as a Non-for-Profit organization, or is it more informal than that?
May 10th 2007
I LOVE IT! What a great idea! Who could say no to donating one dollar? I love the idea of being able to track your dollar to see where it goes. It would be so inspiring and powerful to see the stories. I think it would give people a sense of community with the others who have donated too. “Hey, me and these 500 other people actually solved a huge problem in this families life.”
I think this will become an addiction for people who crave seeing God’s love happen right in front of them.
Way to go!
May 11th 2007
First of all let me commend the website which you are creating…i love the ideas….my thoughts are as follows:
1) I am not sure that there is a way, but how would you be able to guarantee people that there
money was going when they gave….i know it is only $1, but i have a feeling people will want to know.
2) Would there just be a group of people who would decide what each project would be and who would manage the project.
3) I think it would be neat if there could be a place to blog or comment so that you or the other site managers could keep individuals up to date as to the projects and the happenings with regards to each project.
May 13th 2007
Jordan / Jessie / Steve - Thanks for the feedback. It is extremely helpful and encouraging. I’ll answer your questions below.
Jordan asked: “Is this being registered as a Non-for-Profit organization, or is it more informal than that?”
Answer: Informal for now. If this thing takes off I will consider moving towards non-profit status.
Steve’s Question 1: “…how would you be able to guarantee people that there money was going when they gave….i know it is only $1, but i have a feeling people will want to know?”
Answer: Great question. One that I’ve been asking myself for a while. I’m thinking about handling it this way… when possible we will ask the cause to set up its own paypal account. Then the on-line giving can be deposited directly into the person/orginazation’s paypal account. Project1Buck would simply direct visitors to the appropriate account. It’s not a perfect solution… but, I think it might work for now. Please share your thoughts.
Steve’s Question 2: “Would there just be a group of people who would decide what each project would be and who would manage the project.”
Answer: Right now the “group of people” is me. However, in the near future I’d like to start accepting project ideas from visitors on-line. I’m also considering assembling an advisory board that would decide which projects to work on and when. Please let me know if anyone is interested in being considered for the advisory board… or if you’d simply like to help out.
Steve’s Question 3: “I think it would be neat if there could be a place to blog or comment so that you or the other site managers could keep individuals up to date as to the projects and the happenings with regards to each project.”
Answer: I think that’s a great idea! I’ll be sure to post updates on the project as much as possible… right here on this site.
May 21st 2007
I think this is an awesome idea. I’m doing something similar over at actionforeveryone.com. I’d love to interview you guys for a feature and help spread the good word. Could you contact me and we’ll discuss?
May 23rd 2007
Great idea, if it’s any help, we just started an internet err startup and to get members we pay one $ per new member. A lot of poeple are doing it to raise money for charity too. Hope it might be of help to you. http://onemillion.gottabet.com
May 25th 2007
Brad - Thanks for the positive feedback. Love your site.
I look forward to working with you to get the word out. Thanks for your support.
May 30th 2007
Great site and great idea. Paypal is a good start, but it is limited to people with paypal accounts. Also would there be any opportunity to contribute more than a dollar at a time; or does that defeat the premise?
May 31st 2007
Thanks Chad. I agree that PayPal is just a start. PayPal now allows non-account member to give… so it should work for us for now. However, I’m sure there is a better/less costly system that we can migrate to in the near future.
As it relates to giving amounts… I think we’ll leave it open. The idea behind project1buck is that a small effort (such as giving 1 dollar) can lead to a big impact. So, the question then becomes what is that small effort for you personally? It might be giving a dollar or two… or, it might be forwarding an email to help spread the word, or encouraging a friend at school or at work to check out the site. I think if we all work together we can make a big impact for good.
Jun 3rd 2007
This may seem like it has an obvious answer, but just in case I’m not the only person wondering this; are we limited to giving only $1 at a time?
Jun 3rd 2007
Audrey - Thanks for the question. You are more than welcome to give more than a dollar at a time.
Jun 3rd 2007
Is there a need network already in place? I know you’re thinking of working towards one need a month, but if this thing takes off like i think will, we’ll need plenty on deck.
Jun 4th 2007
I say take it to the next level and run a test … I believe it will takeoff.. blackie
Jun 4th 2007
Chad - Great question. There is currently not a way to submit needs/project ideas on this site… however, we are working towards it, and hope to have it up in running towards the end of the week.
Chris - Thanks for the feedback. We are currently working on implementing some of the suggestions that we’ve received. And, once a few of these features are in place we will be launching our first project. Our current targeted launch date is June 18. I’ll keep you posted on the progress.
Jun 7th 2007
I think that this is a wonderful idea to truly be the hands and feet of the kingdom! GO FOR IT!!! Can you PLEASE consider using 2fysh as one of your initial projects? If Project1Buck supports an effort such as a company, etc., could there be a way to promote each “buck-giver” on your site? Also, I feel as though the giver will want to somehow be personally connected to the end-cause that they are contributing towards. It seems as though follow-up on the issue of where the dollar is going may be a necessity. Could there be a portion of your website that is allocated to previous success stories, enabling individuals to read about what they had contributed towards?
Jul 17th 2007
WHOO HOO!!! The goal was SURPASSED! That is SO awesome! This is really exciting and it is amazing that you heard from God a need and used your skills and ideas to meet that need! awesome.
Aug 8th 2007
Nice to see a little can do a lot! I’m anxious to see what the next project is!