Transforming Lives Through Crowdfunding: Tadamon Academy's Journey in Jordan

July 1, 2024

Civil society's role in Jordan is rapidly evolving, with a diverse range of organizations stepping up to address societal needs alongside the government. Thousands of registered societies from Amman to other governorates provide humanitarian aid and support, focusing on specific groups, including women, persons with disabilities, and youth. As Jordan pursues economic reforms, new civic organizations are emerging, fostering partnerships to tackle complex challenges and drive sustainable development.

Reflecting on this, the Resident Representative of UNDP Jordan highlighted, "UNDP is dedicated to strengthening the enabling environment for civil societies in Jordan through exploring capacity-building programs and alternative ways of financing that cater to the different needs and maximize their potential and expand their reach and impact."

Ms. Randa Aboul-Hosn

UNDP JO Resident Representative Speaking at the Onboarding Event.

Tadamon Crowdfunding Academy Onboarding Event.

The Kickoff

In 2023, the NGO Empowerment Program/Tadamon kicked off the training program for civil society organizations (CSOS) in Jordan – Tadamon Crowdfunding Academy, with the support of the UNDP Jordan and the Crown Prince Foundation (CPF), aimed to strengthen the approach of CSOs in fundraising and community engagement.

The open call for project proposals received over 100 applications. Following a rigorous selection process, the evaluation jury, consisting of experts from UNDP and CPF, selected 24 CSOs that demonstrated potential for impact to join the Tadamon Crowdfunding Academy.

The engaging onboarding event was organized with the participation of representatives from 24 CSOs, UNDP Jordan, and the Islamic Development Bank, who attended the event, emphasizing the significance of the training in empowering CSOs to execute successful crowdfunding campaigns. The session covered an introduction to the academy's objectives and participant responsibilities, assignment tutorials, and discussions on training materials. A pre-assessment was also conducted to tailor the training to participants' needs, ensuring optimal efficiency and motivation.

The Training Process

The Tadamon Crowdfunding Academy curriculum was accurately designed to cover all aspects of crowdfunding. Participants engaged in an interactive training program, including webinars and workshops, learning about campaign creation, digital communication strategies, and effective engagement techniques. The training process was not just theoretical; it included practical applications and real-world exercises to ensure a comprehensive learning experience.

Challenges of Tadamon in Jordan

In our journey with the Tadamon Crowdfunding Academy in Jordan, we encountered several challenges that shaped our approach. Initially, engaging CSOs and raising awareness about the potential of crowdfunding proved difficult due to limited exposure and scepticism towards new fundraising methods. Addressing variations in digital literacy levels among participants required us to adopt tailored training approaches, ensuring that everyone could effectively harness crowdfunding platforms. Additionally, the task of identifying and mobilizing resources for campaign promotion and sustaining momentum presented a significant obstacle, given the competitive nature of crowdfunding. Another challenge faced was that crowdfunding is heavily regulated by laws in Jordan, making it more challenging to carry out; thus, we need to implement a new technique of connecting CSOs with other businesses in accordance with the regulations. Despite these challenges, our commitment to empowering CSOs and driving positive change in Jordanian communities remains unchanged.

Success Stories: Campaigns That Made a Difference

One of the most significant achievements of the academy was the successful launch of seven crowdfunding campaigns on the Naua platform. Four of them reached their campaign targets: Rehabilitation and Development of the Ghor Al Mazra 'a health', 'Tahfeez Market', 'Feed them Right', and 'From Women to Women'. The campaigns varied in focus and approach, demonstrating the practical application of the skills learned and underscoring the real-world impact of the academy's training. Each campaign embodied the unique vision and mission of the participating CSOs, contributing to various socio-economic causes in Jordan.

As they looked back on their journey, participants expressed gratitude for the mentoring and approach provided by the academy, which helped them overcome the obstacles they faced while starting their first significant crowdfunding campaigns. Witnessing their projects come to life on the Naua platform and receiving support from the generous community was inspiring and reinforced their commitment to serving the communities they represent. One participant stated, "This experience has strengthened our team and significantly benefited the communities we serve."

Likewise, the trainers emphasized the profound reward of seeing their efforts make a meaningful difference in their communities. One stated, " Seeing the transformation in participants, from scepticism to empowered campaigners, has been profoundly rewarding."

Participants shared their success stories at the closing event.

Key Takeaways

Reflecting on our journey with the Tadamon, several key lessons have emerged that have developed our approach to empowering CSOs in Jordan. Firstly, we have learned the importance of collaborative synergy, particularly in fostering partnerships between organizations like CPF, UNDP Jordan, and others. These partnerships have proven instrumental in amplifying the impact of crowdfunding initiatives and extending our reach within the community. Secondly, capacity building has emerged as a crucial component of our strategy. Continuous, hands-on digital communication and campaign management training is essential for successfully empowering CSOs to leverage crowdfunding. Actively involving the community from the inception of a campaign builds trust and sustains interest, ultimately driving the success of our crowdfunding efforts. As we move forward, these lessons will continue to guide our efforts in empowering CSOs and driving positive change in Jordanian communities.

Our Collective Mission

As we conclude our story, the Tadamon Crowdfunding Academy is a testament to the power of collaborative empowerment. More than a training program, it symbolizes a new era for civil society in Jordan, equipped with the skills and insights to make a significant socio-economic impact.

Support the campaigns on the Naua platform by following the CPF and UNDP for updates on future initiatives.

Tadamon is not just a platform; it's a movement towards a better world. To learn more about them, click here.