iBUILD Global Foundation, in partnership with Crowdera Foundation, is excited to announce the launch of CrowdBUILD, a transformative platform dedicated to addressing the global housing crisis through online crowdfunding.

CrowdBUILD harnesses philanthropy to uplift vulnerable communities and supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting community development initiatives in three thematic areas: Workforce Development, Community Development and Housing Improvement. It also plays a vital role in post-disaster relief, aiding those affected by extreme weather-related displacement, allowing friends and family to campaign for disaster-related contributions toward the damage assessment and reconstruction of affected homes . Set to launch in mid-July, CrowdBUILD will initially focus on supporting reputable charitable institutions in Africa and India.

The platform offers a multifaceted approach to addressing the housing crisis:

• Crowdfunding: Individuals can contribute directly to housing projects, including access to clean water, WASH home improvement initiatives and construction-related improvements and repairs.  CrowdBUILD will impact the lives of families in developing economies, post-disaster settings, and low-income areas.
• Bridging the Financing Gap: In India, CrowdBUILD has the potential to help families raise down payments for government housing programs to facilitate the application to receive a full subsidy for affordable housing construction.
• Matching Funds: NGO’s and corporations can engage employees to support campaigns through the platform, engaging matching funds for projects and further accelerating the impact.
• Workforce Training: Crowdfunding for workforce training and apprenticeships is a paramount opportunity for many community programs.  CrowdBUILD will open doors through workforce training for those who have struggled to find employment, contributing to lifting people above the poverty line.

Nancy Welsh, Executive Director of iBUILD Global Foundation, shares her excitement: "The CrowdBUILD initiative is a game-changer. It opens doors for charitable housing projects and workforce training for those in need. This remarkable partnership merges the best of both worlds: iBUILD's construction expertise and Crowdera's fundraising technology. The result? The world's first platform with fully traceable donor-funds for construction and community development projects using real-time progress reporting & geo-tagging for the ultimate in accountability and impactful giving."

Dr. Rajan Samuel, CEO of Crowdera, underscores the urgency and potential of CrowdBUILD: "With rapid urbanization and a growing housing deficit, billions will require new homes by 2030. Many face financial constraints, hindering access to formal housing. CrowdBUILD tackles this challenge head-on. By merging Crowdera's robust fundraising technology with iBUILD's mobile construction platform, we've created a pioneering initiative - the first of its kind - leveraging crowdfunding for affordable housing and fostering community involvement."

CrowdBUILD signifies a monumental step forward in addressing the global housing crisis through community-driven fundraising. This groundbreaking initiative aims to dramatically improve fundraising capabilities and reach for charitable construction initiatives and paves the way for a future where everyone has access to safe, sustainable, and affordable housing.

Read the full press release here.