EPIC CHANGE: Story-Powered Activism

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The Idea:

What will change in the world because this Project happens?

This mashup will create a storybank (i.e., database) of images & videos from various non-profits & charitable organizations that consumers/activists can personalize as eCards & eGifts and send to friends via email and social networking sites for $1 each. Here’s why this story-based tool will make an important difference in raising funds and generating awareness for many important causes:

Stories Matter. According to recent research by Wharton professor Deborah Small, stories are far better than statistics at generating an emotional response that inspires giving.
Pictures = 1,000 Words. “Fund-raising appeals do best when they are crafted around a single gripping image." (The Chronicle of Philanthropy, 7/17/07)

What else have you done in this Cause Area?

Epic Change founders Stacey Monk and Sanjay Patel have over 15 years combined experience using creative media to inspire transformation in corporate and public sector organizations. Building on their change management & IT consulting experience they launched Epic Change, after a recent volunteer trip to Tanzania. In only 6 months since they received their 501(c)3 status, Epic Change has:

raised nearly $40K from 350+ donors;
provided $35K in loans to a primary school partner in Tanzania who used the funds to open 4 new classrooms in less than 100 days;
initiated development of products based on the stories, photos and artwork of the school’s students, including postcards, greeting cards & t-shirts; and
Received a $1000 grant from the Case Foundation for ranking in the top 5% of nearly 500 participating US-based nonprofits in America’s Giving Challenge.