WAT IS CONCREET DE BEDOELING??
De bedoeling is dat u op regelmatige basis een bericht toevoegt op uw blog. U kan hierin zetten wat u zelf wenst.
- Bijvoorbeeld: u heeft een blog gemaakt voor gedichten. Dan kan u bvb. elke dag een gedicht toevoegen op uw blog. U geeft de titel in van het gedicht en daaronder in het bericht het gedicht zelf. Zo kunnen uw bezoekers dagelijks terugkomen om uw laatste nieuw gedicht te lezen. Indien u meerdere gedichten wenst toe te voegen op eenzelfde dag, voegt u deze toe als afzonderlijke berichten, dus niet in één bericht.
- Bijvoorbeeld: u wil een blog maken over de actualiteit. Dan kan u bvb. dagelijks een bericht plaatsen met uw mening over iets uit de actualiteit. Bvb. over een bepaalde ramp, ongeval, uitspraak, voorval,... U geeft bvb. in de titel het onderwerp waarover u het gaat hebben en in het bericht plaatst u uw mening over dat onderwerp. Zo kan u bvb. meedelen dat de media voor de zoveelste keer het fout heeft, of waarom ze nu dat weer in de actualiteit brengen,... Of u kan ook meer diepgaande artikels plaatsen en meer informatie over een bepaald onderwerp opzoeken en dit op uw blog plaatsen. Indien u over meerdere zaken iets wil zeggen op die dag, plaatst u deze als afzonderlijke berichten, zo is dit het meest duidelijk voor uw bezoekers.
- Bijvoorbeeld: u wil een blog maken als dagboek. Dagelijks maakt u een bericht aan met wat u er wenst in te plaatsen, zoals u anders in een dagboek zou plaatsen. Dit kan zijn over wat u vandaag hebt gedaan, wat u vandaag heeft gehoord, wat u van plan bent, enz. Maak een titel en typ het bericht. Zo kunnen bezoekers dagelijks naar uw blog komen om uw laatste nieuwe bericht te lezen en mee uw dagboek te lezen.
- Bijvoorbeeld: u wil een blog maken met plaatselijk nieuws. Met uw eigen blog kan u zo zelfs journalist zijn. U kan op uw blog het plaatselijk nieuws vertellen. Telkens u iets nieuw hebt, plaats u een bericht: u geeft een titel op en typt wat u weet over het nieuws. Dit kan zijn over een feest in de buurt, een verkeersongeval in de streek, een nieuwe baan die men gaat aanleggen, een nieuwe regeling, verkiezingen, een staking, een nieuwe winkel, enz. Afhankelijk van het nieuws plaatst u iedere keer een nieuw bericht. Indien u veel nieuws heeft, kan u zo dagelijks vele berichten plaatsen met wat u te weten bent gekomen over uw regio. Zorg ervoor dat u telkens een nieuw bericht ingeeft per onderwerp, en niet zaken samen plaatst. Indien u wat minder nieuws kan bijeen sprokkelen is uiteraard 1 bericht per dag of 2 berichten per week ook goed. Probeer op een regelmatige basis een berichtje te plaatsen, zo komen uw bezoekers telkens terug.
- Bijvoorbeeld: u wil een blog maken met een reisverslag. U kan een bericht aanmaken per dag van uw reis. Zo kan u in de titel opgeven over welke dag u het gaat hebben, en in het bericht plaatst u dan het verslag van die dag. Zo komen alle berichten onder elkaar te staan, netjes gescheiden per dag. U kan dus op éénzelfde dag meerdere berichten ingeven van uw reisverslag.
- Bijvoorbeeld: u wil een blog maken met tips op. Dan maakt u telkens u een tip heeft een nieuw bericht aan. In de titel zet u waarover uw tip zal gaan. In het bericht geeft u dan de hele tip in. Probeer zo op regelmatige basis nieuwe tips toe te voegen, zodat bezoekers telkens terug komen naar uw blog. Probeer bvb. 1 keer per dag, of 2 keer per week een nieuwe tip zo toe te voegen. Indien u heel enthousiast bent, kan u natuurlijk ook meerdere tips op een dag ingeven. Let er dan op dat het meest duidelijk is indien u pér tip een nieuw bericht aanmaakt. Zo kan u dus bvb. wel 20 berichten aanmaken op een dag indien u 20 tips heeft voor uw bezoekers.
- Bijvoorbeeld: u wil een blog maken dat uw activiteiten weerspiegelt. U bent bvb. actief in een bedrijf, vereniging of organisatie en maakt elke dag wel eens iets mee. Dan kan je al deze belevenissen op uw blog plaatsen. Het komt dan neer op een soort van dagboek. Dan kan u dagelijks, of eventueel meerdere keren per dag, een bericht plaatsen op uw blog om uw belevenissen te vertellen. Geef een titel op dat zeer kort uw belevenis beschrijft en typ daarna alles in wat u maar wenst in het bericht. Zo kunnen bezoekers dagelijks of meermaals per dag terugkomen naar uw blog om uw laatste belevenissen te lezen.
- Bijvoorbeeld: u wil een blog maken uw hobby. U kan dan op regelmatige basis, bvb. dagelijks, een bericht toevoegen op uw blog over uw hobby. Dit kan gaan dat u vandaag een nieuwe postzegel bij uw verzameling heeft, een nieuwe bierkaart, een grote vis heeft gevangen, enz. Vertel erover en misschien kan je er zelfs een foto bij plaatsen. Zo kunnen anderen die ook dezelfde hobby hebben dagelijks mee lezen. Als u bvb. zeer actief bent in uw hobby, kan u dagelijks uiteraard meerdere berichtjes plaatsen, met bvb. de laatste nieuwtjes. Zo trek je veel bezoekers aan.

WAT ZIJN DIE "REACTIES"?
Een bezoeker kan op een bericht van u een reactie plaatsen. Een bezoeker kan dus zelf géén bericht plaatsen op uw blog zelf, wel een reactie. Het verschil is dat de reactie niet komt op de beginpagina, maar enkel bij een bericht hoort. Het is dus zo dat een reactie enkel gaat over een reactie bij een bericht. Indien u bvb. een gedicht heeft geschreven, kan een reactie van een bezoeker zijn dat deze het heel mooi vond. Of bvb. indien u plaatselijk nieuws brengt, kan een reactie van een bezoeker zijn dat deze nog iets meer over de feiten weet (bvb. exacte uur van het ongeval, het juiste locatie van het evenement,...). Of bvb. indien uw blog een dagboek is, kan men reageren op het bericht van die dag, zo kan men meeleven met u, u een vraag stellen, enz. Deze functie kan u uitschakelen via "Instellingen" indien u dit niet graag heeft.

WAT IS DE "WAARDERING"?
Een bezoeker kan een bepaald bericht een waardering geven. Dit is om aan te geven of men dit bericht goed vindt of niet. Het kan bvb. gaan over een bericht, hoe goed men dat vond. Het kan ook gaan over een ander bericht, bvb. een tip, die men wel of niet bruikbaar vond. Deze functie kan u uitschakelen via "Instellingen" indien u dit niet graag heeft.


Het Bloggen.be-team wenst u veel succes met uw gloednieuwe blog!

Met vriendelijke groeten,
Bloggen.be-team

18-11-2020 om 09:13 geschreven door  

August 13 is marked on calendars, all around the world, as Organ Donation Day. Today, appeals for donating organs will be made, organ donors will be felicitated, and organizations in this field will be recognized. So far, so good. But what is the real state of organ donation in India?

Organ donation became a legal reality in India in the 90s. But even today in 2020, why is the rate of organ donation so low? Why are there lopsided statistics even within the donors and the organs being donated? ImpactGuru connected with Apollo Hospitals (Navi Mumbai) to understand the current state of organ donation in India. Here are some excerpts from our conversation.

In the present circumstances, how is your hospital still managing to make organ donations possible?

Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai is strictly adhering to the guidelines shared by NOTTO and SOTTO in organ donations during Covid-19 pandemic. Patients getting admitted with severe trauma, poly trauma, Intracranial Bleed, Brain Haemmohrage etc. with evidence of clinically proven as brain dead, are being considered for organ donation. The relatives of such patients are being explained by Clinical Team and the decision for organ donation are given as an option to the family once the clinical team found that the patient can’t recover and has gone into brain dead clinical condition. 

The team follows the protocols such as; evaluating the conditions of the organs, conducting Covid Testing (RT-PCR) and sharing the details with ZTCC. Once, the quality of the organs are found fit to be utilized and Covid test reports have come NEGATIVE, then the allocation of the organ by ZTCC takes place. Organ donation during Covid-19 pandemic can continue and the utilization of the organs would be ascertained based on the Covid-19 report of the donors.

India is said to have one of the lowest rates of organ donation in the world. Why do you think that's the case?

The overall organ donations in the world in the year 2018 was 38,594, whereas India has contributed only 875 in the same year which is just 2%. Yes, this number is dismal compared to the global donations. However, the number in India is growing every year (2010- 100; 2011- 391…. 2018- 875). India’s organ donations have grown from 100 in 2010 to 875+ in 2019 which is almost 10 folds in the last 10 years.

The main reason for less number of organ donations despite the available opportunities is lack of awareness and enthusiasm amongst the key stakeholders. Spain reported generating the highest number of cadaver organs in 2018 and the reason behind this is the donors’ consent mentioned over their driving licenses. The Government medical agencies are not supposed to take any consent from the family/ relatives when they find any such potential donors. If the patient is found brain dead as per the defined guidelines, then the organ donation will automatically take place.

Whereas in India, the hospital authority has to take consent from the family/ relatives for organ donations which in most of the cases is NEGATIVE. Very few educated individuals who understand the importance of organ donations come forward and give consent for the same.

There are so many social, religious, spiritual myths prevailing in the society that discourage Indians to advocate organ donations.  

Even within organ donations, there are rather curious statistics. As per NOTTO (National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization), there are 5 times more female donors than male. There are also 10 times more living donors than cadaver donors. What do you think explains this?

India is a unique country, full of dissimilarities as far as beliefs are concerned. Different religions hold different thought processes and follow different beliefs. Ours is a male-dominated society in which the male is considered as head of the family and the driving force and only earning member of the family. Though, the scenario is changing gradually, the male dominant mentality in a family is a common phenomenon. In fact, the women who are also emotionally more connected with their family members and counterparts, come forward for taking such a step. They prefer to be considered as the first donor in the family for their son/ husband/ parents and if found clinical unfit, then only the next person (male) is considered, that too when the other females are not available.

India is a developing nation and there are many reforms undertaken in recent past which are showing results. One of the reforms is promoting Organ Donations across the length and breadth of the country. Earlier, before 2015, the cadaver organ donations were mainly taking place in the southern part of India namely Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore etc. However, in the last 2 to 3 years, many states have taken this initiative of promoting organ donation and setting-up governing bodies to monitor and facilitate organ donations in places such as Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Delhi etc.

As per NOTTO, the highest number of transplant cases - since 1995 - have always dealt with the kidneys, almost 3 times more than the liver. Why do you think that's the case, and will our present lifestyles only make this a permanent reality?

The number of kidney transplants performed in India every year is greater than liver transplant. One of the biggest factors for this big difference is COST. The cost of Liver Transplants in India is 3 to 4 times more than the Kidney Transplants. There are many liver patients in India who just die due to unaffordability. The patients undergoing organ transplants are also advised to take life-long precautions/ medications/ follow-ups which will again be additional expenditure. 

India made transplantation of human organs a legal reality in 1994. 26 years later, do we need more laws, or is there something else that has to be changed to make organ donation a more acceptable practice?

Indian THOTA (Transplantation of Human Organs & Tissues Act) needs modifications due to its growing need and wider implementation across the country. Though, India has THOTA which is nationally looking after the programme, the larger part of its implementation depends on the State’s interest. There are many states which are silent and are not doing enough to promote and implement Organ Donations.

Moreover, there is lack of clarity in taking out and utilizing organs which are marginal in nature. Also, the current law does not allow withdrawal of life support in the end-of-life situation (imminent cardiac arrest in intensive care set-up). 

How has your hospital helped make organ donation an easier process? Have there been cases where you have helped people be the beneficiaries of a transplant, and then they/their family members came forward to donate their body organs?

Organ Donation is pious work in which people come forward voluntarily and pledge to donate their loved ones’ organs for saving precious lives in need. The treating consultant along with the Intensive Care team try hard to save lives in the severe injured/ IC bleed/ brain haemorrhage cases. After applying every single hope to save their lives, if the team found that the patient is not recovering or, not likely to recover come what may, then the same is discussed with the relatives. To ascertain the clinical findings, the team conducts FIRST Apnoea Test and establish the clinical judgement based on this test. The same is intimated to the family with a hope to help others by donating organs. If the family agrees after having internal discussion amongst all the members, then the same is conveyed to the clinical team by them and the team involves Transplant Coordinators. The coordinators start making required formalities and await for SECOND Apnoea Test. If the 2nd Apnoea test is POSITIVE and the same is communicated to ZTCC and organ retrieval/ allocation starts.

What has been the most challenging transplant case that your hospital managed to make a reality? Can you talk more about it?

Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai has witnessed 2 in-house cadaver organ donations in lockdown period (one in March and another in July). The one generated in July had multiple challenges associated with it. This was a young lady who had very recently delivered a baby and within a month developed some complications, needed ICU care; sadly she could not be saved. The NOTTO guideline says to conduct RT-PCR for donors as well as recipients. Ideally, this test takes 24 hours time for reporting. Moreover, since the mother mortality was reported within 1 month of the delivery, as per directives of DHS, the case had to be registered in Police as an MLC case. The family became very distressed and decided to withdraw the consent. However at the end, the family finally accepted the process and agreed to complete the legal formalities and donation took place.

The gap between medical diagnosis and the actual transplant sometimes takes years altogether. In many cases, the bills in this period here are almost as heavy as those of the transplant. Why so?

Organ Transplant is a very serious profession and needs to follow various guidelines. Small negligence can lead to fatality and we may lose the patient. There are different types of organ failure cases - chronic, acute-on-chronic liver failure or, acute organ failure, each one needs different approach in the clinical/ surgical management. The chronic patients can wait for some time to undergo Transplant, whereas ACLF/ ALF can’t. The reason is simple that the liver disease is so advanced that we can’t wait, at times even for 24 hours to 48 hours. Chronic patients need medical management initially, as also strong monitoring. With strong medical management and aggressive treatment, we may prolong the transplant. In managing these cases, the patient's family needs finance. Sometimes, these patients need ICU admission and highly costly medicines/ infusions to salvage the condition. These all add to the actual cost of the treatment i.e. transplant.

What would your message be to people who are still unsure of organ donation?

18-11-2020 om 09:00 geschreven door ImpactGuru  

Talk of Teachers’ Day, and your mind takes you back in time with images of classrooms, uniforms, textbooks etc. You may remember stealthily bunking a class, your chest may swell with pride at the thought of getting a compliment from your class teacher for scoring the highest, or... you may want to even forget a punishment or a scolding or an embarassment. But while you may have left the classrooms and the uniforms behind, you haven’t stopped learning, have you? The settings may have changed, you may hold a position now; however, every responsibility at work comes with a set of learnings associated with it. You may even have juniors looking up to you for work lessons! At ImpactGuru, we strongly believe, you grow up the ladder professionally only when you are able to constantly grasp, learn and evolve, as also comprehend the lessons from both successes and failures at work. 

We are basically a proud class of young, energetic, and vibrant employees disrupting healthcare financing in India via our crowdfunding platform. On the occasion of Teachers' Day 2020, we have received a wish from a special lot - A bunch of college kiddos at ImpactGuru. Our interns, taking baby steps into the corporate world, are leaving no stone unturned in making the best of opportunities available here for them. Here's an excerpt of a hearty chat with them on their learning curve at ImpactGuru. 

Four interns from different departments in our company share their experiences of working at our office. Some of them have gone back to their studies. Some have become a part of our team as full-time employees. And this is what they have to say about Class ImpactGuru!

@ Content Intern

• Why did you join ImpactGuru?  

Hi, I am actually pursuing B.A. English, here in Mumbai. We were advised to look for an internship as a part of our course. Of all the internship vacancies that I got to know, ImpactGuru seemed to be doing some really interesting and creative work. I tried my luck by applying for the internship. 

• What has your time here taught you? 

Working in the content team has been an enriching learning experience for me. So, I was given fundraiser stories of patients to work upon. My day would look like this: connecting with a patient, their family, understanding their need and putting all of these on paper in a way that would appeal to the donors. Easier said than done. But for my seniors, I am not sure if I could have pulled this off so well. They were always there to support, you know. The qualitative and timely feedback sessions with them helped me grow as a writer. Plus, how many interns would get to say - "My words helped in saving someone’s life!" That's so gratifying, trust me! 

• Any particular occasion or incident that you fondly remember from your days here at ImpactGuru? 

Offo, how can I forget that?! In one of our brainstorming sessions, where the entire group was discussing about making the content relevant to specific seasons and upcoming festivals, people started shooting names of occasions, events and festivals that the team should plan for. And I don't know what came over me at that point in time, but I just blurted out Valentine's Day. I can still remember that look on all the faces in the room, and the roar of laughter that followed. 

I am back in college, but ImpactGuru means more to me now than just a brand name in my work folio. Working here: definitely recommended!

@ Digital Marketing Intern

• Why did you join ImpactGuru?  

I was following ImpactGuru on Instagram and I still do. I loved the kind of work they are into. My idea was to do something fruitful after college hours. I had a flair for digital marketing and wanted to get absorbed here for internship. The day I came for interview, I remember well, the mood, the people who welcomed me, the ambience and the culture made me feel, "I wanna be here tomorrow as well :) "

• What has your time here taught you?

I got to learn an important life lesson. I remember when I had started working as a part of the team, I would browse through the different causes on the platform, especially the medical emergency cases. What hit me hard was - how lucky and fortunate I am! There are so many people in this world with so many different problems, literally life & death battles, and different sorts of critical illnesses. And I shouldn't be complaining at all. Thank you ImpactGuru, for giving me this realisation!

• A moment at ImpactGuru which particularly stands out? 

There was no point where I felt like an outsider or a guest for a few weeks. Everyone made me feel like I was a part of the family. There was this senior from the other team, she would come over and invite us for a debate on a topic that was trending. There was this other colleague whose mimic sessions I would look forward to in our lunch breaks. After my internship period got over, I was given an opportunity to join as an employee. The culture here, the spirit of the teams, and the fact that I could approach anyone, across departments, just instantly for any work-related doubts, without hesitations, was reason enough for me to say a 'Yes!' Well, now you are talking to an ImpactGuru employee, mind you! 

@ Design Intern

•  Why did you join ImpactGuru? 

That guy, the one you spoke to before me, yeah, the same one who flaunted his ImpactGuru employee tag, he stays in my building and I came to know about ImpactGuru through him. And only after joining here, did I realise, why he was all praises for the company! I am just 2 months old in the company. I was a bit concerned because I joined amid Covid-19. I didn't know if I would fit into the team given the external uncertainties but my manager made me feel so comfortable that I am already loving my job and can't wait to meet everyone at office once things open up fully.

• What has your time here taught you? 

Before I joined, I knew very little about visuals, design and editing. But in just two months time, with the help of my seniors, I am already getting to learn different tools and softwares. Not just that, I am also actively trained for use of images, fonts, design aesthetics, different visual formats etc. 

• A funny/serious moment; something that happened on the job that you would like to share

Since we are into healthcare crowdfunding, I work on patient visuals frequently. It's hard and heartbreaking to look at small children undergoing so much of pain. Initially, I used to feel very low when I would see something like that. Especially because we are working from different locations and there's no one around to share your plight with. But just when I would feel upset on seeing some patient in pain, my team would share success links of the lives we have impacted so far with the help of donors worldwide. "Doesn't that give enough energy to put all your heart, blood, and soul into saving the next life?" as my manager rightly puts it!

@ Operations Intern

• Why did you join ImpactGuru?  

I didn't have a reason back then. Had just wanted a job. But never knew that this would turn out to be the best learning experience ever that I can ask for. 

• What has your time here taught you? 

Patience. Empathy. Humanity. That's what I keep hearing from my seniors. Three golden rules that I got to master here at ImpactGuru. When I had joined I didn't even know how official mails were written or calls were meant to be to clients. Today, I write across and connect with so many stakeholders with confidence, knowing the knack of it all and my team has trained me well to trust me with this responsibility.

• Any moments that you would want to recreate or relive from the time spent here? 

Not just one or two. There are many. From employee engagement activities to town hall meetings announcing the best performers, I have had my share of amazing, embarrassing and funny moments. More than anything, I would like to thank ImpactGuru for making me ready for any work challenge and teaching me the nuances of professional life when I was a complete amateur. I have now completed a year here. I began as an intern; then, I became an employee. Now, I am training and teaching the new joinees. It’s been a great journey! For this amazing learning curve, and on behalf of the whole team, Happy Teachers' Day!

These are just some of the many interns we have had. We, as a healthcare fundraising company, have had our own share of learnings in these years, with all the interns, employees and professionals contributing to our crowdfunding know-how in their own ways. These lessons, we believe, will go a long way, in our endeavour to save and impact more lives. With feelings that are mutual on the occasion of Teachers' Day 2020, we wish all of you a very Happy Teachers' Day!

Also read: 

Teachers' Day special | Our learnings from dealing with patients, their medical emergencies and critical illnesses

18-11-2020 om 08:59 geschreven door ImpactGuru  

Starting a fundraiser online as a process is an easy one to follow. You open ImpactGuru.com, click on ‘Start A Free Fundraiser’, and your own campaign fundraiser will be ready in a matter of minutes. But wait. Let’s take a few steps back and understand certain things before you choose your crowdfunding partner.  

If you are ready to start your own fundraising campaign, there are certain questions you must know the answers to. Before you start your campaign, don’t ask what is the best crowdfunding platform in India. Instead, ask your fundraising platform these questions:

1. What’s the proof of your authenticity?

In India & globally, there is no dearth of crowdfunding platforms. But which are the ones you can trust? Ask what national laws are they registered under. Ask for any government certifications. One such certificate - in India - is the ability to give income tax exemptions to their donors, allowed under the national government’s laws. If the government has verified your crowdfunding platform’s antecedents, you can breathe easy about trusting them.

2. From the total amount that my campaign raises, how much will you be deducting, and for what?

There are certain uniform charges, present across all platforms. GST, payment gateway fees, transaction fees on international transactions; all these will apply across crowdfunding platforms. But what else is being charged? Compare these charges across different fundraising platforms, and make an informed choice. A 0% platform fee fundraiser can help you get the most amount of funds transferred toward your cause.  

3. Can I easily check the total funds raised? Can I easily withdraw the funds raised?

Even if you have raised a substantial amount, it will not be useful if you cannot check the actual amount raised. ImpactGuru, offers a personalised fundraising dashboard to campaigners on its platform. 

In addition to this, can you easily withdraw the funds raised by your campaign? Of course - in medical causes, for instance - you may have to submit prior documentation about the procedure/medications/tests you need funds for. But do stay informed of the time it would take for your platform to release the funds.

4. How can I contact you?

An important question. A medical situation can turn urgent at any time. At such a point, you need access to the best assistance, and fast. You need to be sure that if you need to raise funds and/or withdraw your funds, you have the window to do it, regardless of the hour. 

5. Have you worked with any similar cases or organizations?

Ask this without fail. If the platform you are working with has dealt with various medical cases before, then they know what to be prepared for. It does not matter if you need funds for twice-a-week dialysis or for monthly blood transfusions; your relationship manager can understand the situation. Similarly - if you are an animal shelter home and wish to crowdfund - then has the platform in question worked with such organizations before? You can even contact the named organizations and know about their experience. 

As an aside, you can also use this website to compare different crowdfunding platforms (https://www.crowdfundingindia.org/). No matter where you start your campaign, make an informed choice!

18-11-2020 om 08:58 geschreven door ImpactGuru  

In the year of unpleasant surprises that has been 2020, patients & their families have found a potential life-saver: the power of crowdfunding. For a patient suffering from a critical illness in 2020, raising funds has never seemed harder. In these tough times, there are many challenges faced by patients & their families, across India:

• Most breadwinners have lost a part of their earnings, or have been laid-off from their jobs altogether!

• The same situation is seen among relatives & friends too; thus, they are unable to help in any way.

• Many NGOs have reported a drop in the voluntary donations, and are thus unable to help patients as much as they would like to. 

But even as the year limps on, several desperate patients have been able to undergo the life-saving treatments they needed. How? With the help of their online fundraising campaigns on ImpactGuru. In fact, if you know someone who is facing a medical crisis - coupled with a financial crisis - there are a number of reasons why you should ask them to start a campaign on ImpactGuru. Here are 5 of these reasons:

1. Finance is already hard to bear

This year has been a life changing experience for many. People have been struggling enough to support the daily needs of the house with limited financial resources. Being at the mercy of ill health and expensive hospital bills to support recovery can be challenging. And with other financial support systems not being debt free, only makes this harder. Crowdfunding is that solution which can help you pay off medical bills without you having the need to pay it back. 

2. Help from far and wide

Despite how socially distant we currently are, crowdfunding opens that window to the world and family of donors who are looking forward to supporting causes like yours. The beauty of crowdfunding is that anyone in and outside your social circle can contribute any amount. They can even choose to contribute anonymously, and then share it among their social circle. 

3. Time is of the essence

People are stressed out already - working from home, and taking care of home, at the same time! The situation will be even more difficult for a patient, or for the family member of a patient. But fundraising doesn’t have to be stressful. You can raise funds online, even while you are on the go. Crowdfunding makes it easier to reach out to friends, family and complete strangers - people who care equally for your cause. What’s more, the ability to monitor your fundraiser through our convenient Android or iOS App can help save you ample time during these understandably exhausting days. This makes online fundraising convenient, within this new normal we are living. 

4. Transparency, guaranteed

Transparency is a key factor in why both our campaigners (a patient or a patient’s well-wisher) and donors trust us. Our campaigners are able to have access to a personalised fundraising dashboard; here, they will be able to check the total amount of funds contributed. Our donors are also not taken for granted. After they have contributed to a fundraiser, we share with them regular updates on the patient’s health. To add to this, under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act, we can also help our donors avail income tax exemptions on their contributions. 

5. Payment management

Another thing people most often find tiring is the settling of bills. Basis your requirement and urgency, we ensure a smooth and direct release of funds to the hospital so that nothing comes between you and your speedy recovery! Through our partnerships with major hospital chains across India, we have been able to help a number of patients who are in need of urgent care too. 

While this year may seem to have reached its toughest point, there are some solutions to lighten the burden. Especially if it comes to an unfortunate medical crisis, remember that medical crowdfunding can help pay off those expensive medical bills. Care for healthcare in 2020 through crowdfunding. 

18-11-2020 om 08:57 geschreven door ImpactGuru  

Though known (and used) by many in Europe & America, crowdfunding is still a new concept for India. First-time users having doubts is understandable. But at some stage, these harmless doubts turned into common misconceptions about crowdfunding as a whole. And while this can happen with any new idea introduced, we believe that clearing these doubts is essential. Here are some of the most common concerns of many, answered.  

Yes, all the cases are genuine. We do verify them.

Making sure that our platform is safe for both campaigners and donors, is of incredible importance to us. While many have had fulfilling experiences, we understand that some aren’t too sure about the fundraisers they come across, given their set of experiences. We take their concerns very seriously though. 

Through our meticulous due-diligence process, we make sure that we verify the fundraisers you see on our site. We also encourage all our campaigners to share clear and valid documentation. Documents like hospital receipts and doctors’ prescription provided, allows others to verify and better understand the details of the specific fundraiser. 

Yes, the money is being received by the patient/beneficiary 

When it comes to medical cases, we transfer the required amount directly to the hospital’s account. No matter what, we make sure the amount raised is received by the patient or the beneficiary (in non-medical cases). What’s more is, if you have donated to a cause, ImpactGuru will share periodical updates with you about what happened next. You can see for yourself how the amount you contributed is helping the patient recover or helping the NGO sustain its activities. The gratitude for all the help received can be seen through the many happy faces of these patients here.  

Yes, it is safe to donate on a crowdfunding platform

The personal data which our donors & campaigners share with us is secure and is not accessible to any third party. Online fraud, especially while making digital payments, is a genuine concern. To deal with this, ImpactGuru’s website uses the highest level of SSL encryption currently available on the internet. On our crowdfunding website, be it starting a campaign, or donating to a campaign, our website is completely safe and secure.

If a patient passes away, where does the money go? Three words - Transparency, Accountability, And With Your Consent!

It is unfortunate, but true that sometimes the disease gets the better of a patient. Sometimes, even after raising the goal amount, the patient does not survive. In such cases, we stay transparent with our donors, as well as the bereaved campaigner or their families. We update the donors about the unexpected passing away. We update the campaigner or their family about the amount raised. No matter what, we make sure that the funds are shared with the consent of all the parties concerned.

We have witnessed some of the most beautiful sharings through fundraising experiences. One in which the bereaved family along with the donors chose to re-donate the excess amount to another patient in need. It’s stories like these that really make our day! 

We hope this has helped solve some of your misconceptions. Still got a few questions? Talk to us on FB, Instagram & Twitter.

18-11-2020 om 08:55 geschreven door ImpactGuru  

Fundraising is what keeps non-profit organizations going. No matter what cause they are working for, every nonprofit needs to sustain itself to ensure it can work effectively. But as any nonprofit can tell you, fundraising is not easy. Considering that the subject is delicate and fairly new to many, constant reassurance and restoration of faith in the good done, is what is required. Despite all this, every non-profit tries to soldier on, helping bring smiles to people’s faces, and living to see yet another year.

At ImpactGuru, we have worked with many non-profit organizations, and it warms our heart to see the impact they make on people’s lives. Based on our experience, these are 4 ways any non-profit can fundraise more, and fundraise better. 

1. Tell us more about yourself:

Understand this: for a person, any person, in today’s day and age, contributing to one single  cause is a big ask. They will want to know more: what work does your non-profit do? Who does it help? Are there any photos / videos (preferably videos) of your previous initiatives? What do you propose to do with the funds I donate?

Prefer to err on the side of caution. Give more information, more testimonials, more records than a donor might need. Don’t give a potential donor any wiggle room; convince them thoroughly of the cause you work for, and of the work you do for this cause. 

2. Reach out through your employees

The rise of Instagram influencers sheds light on a fact we know so well: if asked to trust one source - a person or an organization - people will prefer to trust the person. Similarly, when you are trying to fundraise for your non-profit organization, ask your employees to set up & run online fundraisers for the same cause. 

You could make it a healthy competition among your employees, encouraging them to share their fundraisers among their friends & family. Another way they can do the same, is by setting up an online fundraiser (by your non-profit), and asking your employees or well-wishers to set up support fundraisers. The amount collected by all these support fundraisers together goes to your nonprofit's original fundraiser. 

3. Incentivize and create a sense of ownership:

Anyone can visit your online fundraiser and with a few clicks, donate to your fundraiser. But what is in it for them? How do they feel they have helped your nonprofit, or helped a cause close to their heart? Generosity may be an intangible feeling, but the proof of it should be tangible (at least for the donor).

It doesn’t have to be anything special. Perhaps a mug or a t-shirt with some catchy slogan & your logo. Perhaps a keychain or some other knick-knack. Heck, you can even take a step forward, and employ special groups - say, village artisans or women self-help-groups - to make something unique for your donors. Now that would be a memorable incentive.

4. Take your fundraiser online

Physically collecting donations was always more difficult. Sending volunteers to crowded stations, expecting them to convince people rushing back home - of course, there were successes, but it was largely hit-and-miss. Now contrast this with online crowdfunding.

These crowdfunding ideas can help boost your and give more prominence to your fundraiser. The master key to ensuring your fundraiser keeps a certain momentum is sharing constant updates. Support these with images or even a video and it could get the attention of the right donors. When the right donors connect with you, there will always be a window that he or she might spread the word about your cause. For this to happen, she needs to know as much as possible about you. Let’s get started with these 4 effective tips. If at any point you feel like you need to try a few more, you’re welcome to look through our library of ideas. 

18-11-2020 om 08:51 geschreven door ImpactGuru  

ImpactGuru has made fundraising an easy, 5-minute process. From starting your campaign, to sharing it, to receiving donations from all over the world, and to using the funds raised, crowdfunding has never been this easy. But before you start, there’s something you need to keep handy. 

A crucial component of starting a campaign is providing the necessary documents. These are required for 2 reasons:

1. To ensure a smooth approval process: Like a bank would require documents to smoothly set up your account, we too request for documents to safely set-up your fundraiser and account.  

2. For the donors invested in your cause: Some of the donors to your campaign will be your family and friends; some will be complete strangers. Donors are interested in helping and like to feel personally invested in the progress made by the patient or cause. Sharing these details helps them connect and understand you better.

But hang on, don’t bring out the whole binder of files. We require a minimum number of documents before starting your crowdfunding campaign, and the requirements differ depending on your cause. Here are the details

1. Are you a patient, or the relative/friend of a patient? 

If you want to start a crowdfunding campaign for meeting medical expenses (which could range from medicines to diagnostic tests to operations), we will be needing:

• An identity proof of the patient (ideally, their Aadhar card & PAN Card);

• Lab test reports (if any), and bills for medicines (if any);  

• An estimate from the hospital/clinic mentioning the patient’s name, the medical complication faced, the treatment recommended, and the cost for the same.

2. Are you looking to raise funds for a specific cause, or a personal project?

Maybe a smart child in your neighborhood has been forced to leave her studies due to lack of funds. Maybe your talented cousin has been selected for an international sports meet, but may have to skip it as she cannot pay for the plane tickets. No problem! All you will need is:

• The beneficiary (that is, the smart child or talented cousin)’s Identity proof document (ideally, an Aadhar card & PAN Card)

• All other relevant documents. For your cousin, could you provide any proof of the selection, or any proof of the national-level or state-level competitions they participated and won at? For the child in your neighborhood, could you provide details of their marks in previous classes, or (if possible) an income certificate for the family? 

For Non-Governmental Organisations:

We understand that you may be raising funds for varied causes. Sometimes, some NGOs try their best to help patients, but are unable to. They refer these patients to us. Some NGOs try to raise funds for a specific cause - in recent times, to buy food packets & hygiene kits for unemployed daily wagers. Some NGOs - like Yash Charitable Trust’s Cafe Arpan - need help to sustain themselves; otherwise who will look after those dependent on them? We will be requiring just these documents from you:

• Registration Certificate or Trust Deed or Society Deed or Incorporation Document for Section 8 company;

• PAN Card copy (specifically of the NGO);

• If available, Section 12AA certificate or 80G certificate, from the Income Tax Department;

• If you wish to receive foreign donations as well, we will need your valid FCRA Registration Certificate and FCRA Bank Details.

18-11-2020 om 08:50 geschreven door ImpactGuru  

How should we celebrate Diwali in 2020? This year has made us question a lot of things. Even our festivals and their celebrations are being analysed in a new light. Is Diwali just about shopping, visiting friends & family, and exchanging gifts? Or is there more to it?

Diwali signifies the victory of light over darkness, of good over evil, and of knowledge over ignorance. This 2020, with our actions and our efforts, we can help make this Diwali special for everyone. Especially for those who cannot celebrate it.

“Guard bhaiya!”

There are many people in our lives who we take for granted. From the person who collects your garbage early in the morning, to the watchman sitting outside day and night, to the sweeper who keeps the streets outside your home clean. Think about it: a day without them, and you will start feeling their absence. But their Diwali is going to be even more muted than usual, in the shadow of the pandemic. Why not make it special for them? This could be as simple as getting them something they may really need (masks, sanitizers, gloves), to ensuring that they have some money to send back home. They keep our lives ticking; can we help make them realize how much it means to us?

They need your help, but they cannot say it!

Diwali brings not just festivities; it also brings crackers & pollution. Be it stray dogs or cats, or even the winged visitors outside your home; they are all affected in different ways. But you can do your bit to help them. If you can, try to leave some food (bread, rotis, grains) and a bowl of water outside your house. Make sure that no one in your vicinity tries to harass the stray dogs and cats outside, and that you are able to give some semblance of a safe hiding spot for them till the crackers stop. 

Come online and make a difference

This is that time of the year when we are bombarded by advertisements, and with posts by happy families we know of. It is only normal to wonder whether our celebrations are enough, whether we are doing enough. But pause for a moment, and think of those who will be unable to celebrate Diwali this year. Maybe their loved one is in the hospital or maybe they don’t even have a home, let alone a lamp, at this time of the year. We can’t change their lives by our efforts alone. But with the help of other kind strangers, we can help crowdfund a miracle!

Buy Local? Yes, But Buy With A Cause

There are so many things we need at this time of the year: diyas, lamps, lights, the likes. But rather than looking for the best discount or the best store, look for something else. There are a large number of NGOs helping women Self Help Groups make products and sell them online; TRIFED (under the Government of India) sells products made by tribals across India. Have a look at their portals and buy from them. Yes, you may have to spend a bit more, but you will not just be buying any other diya or dress. You could be supporting our country’s rich heritage in one way, or making socio-economic independence possible for some.

Volunteer

It is said that the first step is the hardest step. Maybe, you want to help but are unsure of how to help. Or maybe you know what to do, but cannot do it on your own. In such cases, how about volunteering for already established organizations? You can choose to offer your time and expertise in any way possible, knowing that your efforts are helping people & causes close to your heart. A simple search online can throw up names of a number of NGOs working in your area. 

This festive season, as you light up your home, bring some light into other, less-fortunate lives as well. Happy Diwali!

18-11-2020 om 08:49 geschreven door ImpactGuru  

Diwali will be a bit different this year. Less sweets, more sanitizers; less crackers, more masks; less home visits, more video calls. But even this type of Diwali is a privilege for many. In 2020, there are many who are struggling to buy even the basic essentials. The pandemic has changed the lives of many, and for the worse. This Diwali, let’s remember those who are less fortunate than us. Let’s help bring some light into their lives as well!

Help Our Four Legged Friends!

Our four-legged friends have always had a tough time during the festive season. But as of today, they have been suffering for months now. The pandemic confined the people who fed strays, and almost shut down the animal welfare homes which take care of these strays. One such organization is Dogist India, based out of Sonipat (near Delhi). Dogist India not only takes care of strays, but also ensures that they get adequate medical attention. But treating injuries, buying medicines, and even feeding our four-pawed friends is an expensive venture. All that these samaritans want from you though, is your support.

Making Sure Our Elders Do Not Go To Sleep On An Empty Stomach

The COVID-19 pandemic rages on. Many have now accepted this situation, and try to go about life as they used to before. The elderly though, are struggling to adapt. They are not only more susceptible to falling sick, but earning a livelihood and staying alive is doubly hard for them. Dignity Foundation is trying to provide food relief to elderly citizens across the country, helping them make it through these tough times. With their assistance, at least our elders will not have to struggle to find a meal during Diwali!

Healthcare, For Those Who Cannot Pay For It

Health care has never been more important. However, not everyone can access the same level of health care. India’s rural areas especially suffer from a glaring lack of facilities and medical personnel. Singhvi Charitable Trust is hoping to continue providing free eye camps, dental treatment and physiotherapy in Tamil Nadu & Rajasthan. Paying the doctors, buying the medicines, along with supplying free spectacles to the rural poor who need them, means that organizing these camps requires money. Will you help sponsor these free health camps?

Amidst The Festive Season, They Struggle To Piece Back Their Lives

The recent Hyderabad floods may have abated, but they have left behind a trail of destruction in their wake. While people struggle to piece back their homes, and their lives, Kriya Sangh Society is trying to provide an assured supply of cooked food to the flood-affected victims. Through their community kitchens, they are able to ready the food & supply it to the people who need it the most. They, however, need our help to continue at their task. Can we do our bit, and help them have a happy Diwali?

Why Should Someone Else’s Crime Harm Her Life?

An acid attack shattered then 18-year-old Saranya’s life. But 10 years later, she is still reeling from the attack. Though the criminal is now behind bars, this cannot reduce the pain Saranya has to go through. The medications she needed - after the attack - affected her kidneys. Now, Saranya needs cosmetic surgery, along with an urgent kidney transplant. Can we together bring a little light into her life?

Amidst the festive atmosphere, and the lights & decorations, let us remember that there are those who are less fortunate than us. There are some who even in this auspicious period, will need to be in a hospital. This includes a 4-year-old child, a daughter who wants her father to recover, and a sister who is seeing her brother lie unconscious. Let’s celebrate our Diwali, but let’s also remember & help those who are a bit less fortunate than we are.

18-11-2020 om 08:48 geschreven door ImpactGuru