Crowdfunding platform created to aid nonprofits

BOULDER – A new crowdfunding platform for nonprofit endeavors launched earlier this month, with the ultimate goal of becoming a global service.

Onefund.org, created by a group of Boulder residents, aims to provide a mechanism that will help nonprofit organizations and initiatives raise money they need, according to Kai Abelkis, one of the leaders behind Onefund.
    
The website’s first project is the School Food Project, a public-private partnership striving to put healthier meals in schools throughout the Boulder Valley School District. Led by Ann Cooper, director of food services for the school district, the program’s goal is to match a 2014 U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm to School Grant.

School Food Project is using Onefund to raise $100,000 before July. According to the website, 10 backers have pledged $250 so far.

The project is not new, according to the website, and has succeeded in eliminating hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup, and artificial additives from the district’s lunch menu. Emphasis has also been placed on nutrition education for the students.

While crowdfunding is not a new phenomenon, with website such as Kickstarter.com raising funds for creative projects for years, Onefund is the first to cater specifically to nonprofits, according to Abelkis.

Ultimately, Abelkis said, Onefund will add campaigns and build on itself until it reaches a global audience.

For more information or to donate to the School Food Project, visit www.onefundcampaigns.org/.

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