Major humanitarian organisation International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has launched a new crowdfunding platform, aiming to raise an initial $98,000 to address specific community needs.
The world today faces a growing number of protracted conflicts. Besides the direct humanitarian consequences of these crises, the failure of public services imposes significant burdens on local communities. The newly launched Global Crowdfunding Platform by the ICRC aims to connect donors and affected populations through small yet concrete projects developed and monitored by the ICRC.
The first crowdfunding project aims to raise $98,000 to fund clubfoot treatment for 400 children in Pakistan. Over the initial three to six months, 400 children will be enrolled at two clinics supported by the ICRC. The children will receive ongoing support and be fitted with a brace to prevent recurring issues. Most of the beneficiaries will come from families residing in remote areas of Pakistan, who otherwise cannot afford or easily access healthcare. Two additional projects are slated to follow by the end of the year in Cambodia and Lebanon.
“For the ICRC, crowdfunding represents a pioneering way to diversify its funding sources and allows us to connect emotionally with new audiences,” stated Crowdfunding Manager Coline Rapneau. This initiative is seen as an innovative vector, conveying important messages on international humanitarian law, transparency, sustainability, and aid localisation while also raising funds for underfunded regions.
All the projects on the Global Crowdfunding Platform possess a sense of urgency, with specific goals to achieve. They all promote a singular cause – improving the lives of people affected by armed conflict or other violent situations. Ultimately, these projects aim to assist individuals with particular vulnerabilities, such as children, people with disabilities, or the elderly.
The ICRC’s launch of the Global Crowdfunding Platform marks a significant step in leveraging modern fundraising methods to support vulnerable communities. By addressing specific needs through targeted projects, the platform seeks to provide tangible benefits to those most affected by conflict and violence.
