To support India in its efforts to financially assist those impacted by the disruption caused by the outbreak of the coronavirus, Facebook today announced the launch of ‘Facebook Fundraisers’, a platform that will allow people to start a fundraiser on Facebook for a cause and charity that matters most to them. It also announced a Social-For-Good Live-a-thon initiative with creators, celebrities and publishers, to encourage people to donate to selected charities.
With Facebook Fundraisers, anyone can set up a dedicated page for a cause, and rally others around a fundraising goal. Since 2015, people around the globe have raised over $3 billion dollars on Facebook to support causes they care about. In India, as people, charities and businesses look to express solidarity and care through financial contributions, they will have an option to donate to 70+ charities on Facebook, such as Goonj, The Akshayapatra Foundation and Helpage India. Facebook has partnered with GiveIndia, a trusted charitable giving platform, for the verification of these charities. Donations to registered charities in India will be facilitated by Razorpay, and as always, 100% of what is raised in donations through Facebook will go to charities.
Ajit Mohan, Vice President and Managing Director, Facebook India, said, “Our efforts till date have been focussed towards providing access to accurate information, reducing misinformation, and supporting communities. At a time when the country is in the middle of an unprecedented effort to fight the outbreak of the virus, we are deeply aware of the economic impact of the disruption in normal life. Communities around the country need help. Today, with the launch of Facebook Fundraisers, we are making a particular push towards ensuring everyone can contribute to relief efforts.”
‘Social For Good’ Live-a-thon
Working with India’s biggest celebrities, creators and public figures, Facebook is organizing a ‘Social for Good’ Live-a-thon to encourage people to contribute to causes they care about. Designed as a week-long charitable giving initiative, from April 24th to May 1st, the Live-a-thon will feature over 150 partners from across the country, representing over 350 million followers cumulatively. These partners will entertain and engage their communities on Facebook Live and activate fundraisers. Artists will go Live from their individual Facebook accounts and promote their fundraisers using the in-video ‘donate’ action.
This announcement comes on the back of the company’s continued efforts to increase access to accurate information, reduce the spread of misinformation and support local businesses and communities. Over the past month, the company also announced the Coronavirus Information Centre that provides the latest updates from MyGov Corona Hub, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MOHFW) and global health organizations. It has also launched a COVID-19 Messenger Chatbot in partnership with the Union Health Ministry and MyGov in India, to raise awareness around the pandemic.
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