HelpMatch Architecture Case Study

Individual donors can enter their telephone area code and get a list of requests from non-profit organizations that share that area code. The get the contact information for the non-profit and from there they need to contact the non-profit to arrange the donation.

Corporations can make direct product donations via Inkindex directly to non-profit groups, or indirectly through barter (what they donate gets bartered for cash, goods or services that the non-profit needs) or through auctions (donated products are sold through auctions and the proceeds are donated to the non-profit).

Non-profit organizations submit product donation "wish-lists" online. Donations are matched to non-profits through two routes: 1) Individuals view wishlists and contact non-profits directly, and 2) Inkindex member corporations add product donation listings online. Inkindex automatically matches donations with "wish-lists," and notifies organizations of matched donations via email.

Inkindex Identity
Inkindex is the online resource that facilitates the donation of excess inventory to non-profit organizations.
Inkindex value propositions
to Corporate donors: Creates valuable tax shields (up to 200% of product cost) Decreases costs of handling product donation requests from non-profit groups Tracks product donation data for tax reporting Provides an environmentally friendly alternative to land-fill use Protects product from secondary market sales Generates positive public relations Reduces costs of relieving excess inventory by finding donation recipients quickly	to Non-profits: Creates access to a broad network of corporate and individual donors Allows focused requests for product type and quantity Saves staff time for community programming and other development work
Inkindex Capabilities
Exchange Platform (p. 4): software system that receives donation offers and requests, performs matches and notifies donors and non-profit recipients. CEO and other on management team have strong background, hence established relationships, in corporate philanthropy, non-cash transactions, marketing to non-profits.
Gaps and Weaknesses
No mechanism for individuals to donate help to individuals. Mechanism for individuals to donate to non-profits is weak. There is little support for the transaction (weak search mechanism to find needs, and after that it is up to donor to contact the non-profit to arrange to the donation).

You are invited to contribute to the Architecture of HelpMatch. For example, you can suggest other "competitors" and you can submit an analysis of any competitor, along the lines illustrated above, or using any method you chose to assess the strengths and weaknesses of competitors.

We will organize and post contributions linked from this page. This is a service to mankind. And it is a service to you, when you contribute. With some 1600 visitors to this site each day, you will gain exposure and get feedback.

Please let Ruth Malan at Bredemeyer Consulting know if you have any suggestions for HelpMatch in general, and for this web page in particular.