Our Blog

Benj and Jessica launched a nonprofit. Follow our journey as we built a 501(c)(3) and a web site, and now usher in an endless stream of worthy charity nominees and monthly grant winners!

Shortcuts: News | Winners | Nominees

January 2019 winner The You Rock Foundation

Charitocracy's 29th check to January winner The You Rock Foundation for $1893

We have good news about January winner The You Rock Foundation, right after this quick update...

Double the Benj, Double the Fun

For the new year, I've worked out a new schedule with my day job that permits me to devote both Thursdays and Fridays to Charitocracy while I'm home. (All bets are off when I'm traveling for work!) But this should nearly double my Charitocracy productivity. Or as I like to call it, my Charictivity.

It still leaves me overwhelmed by all the things I'd like to get done in those 2 days each week. Thanks to all your poll responses over the last 2 weeks, I'm armed with a bit of guidance on some of the low-hanging fruit to pursue:

  • Make it immediately clear that we're a legit 501(c)(3) run strictly by volunteers where 100% of your donation goes to winning causes. We're not skimmers or scammers! We use optional 8.3% tips and employer matching donations to cover our minimal costs.
  • Amplify the positive theme that resonated the most with our donors: that while they can only afford relatively small monthly donations, they love the group-giving aspect that super-sizes their donation into a bigger, more meaningful one.
  • Don't spend more on ads. Instead, we should seek media attention to grow. If you have any leads as to where/how we should pitch a story about Charitocracy, please do get in touch!

January 2019 winner The You Rock Foundation

Last night we named Charitocracy's 29th monthly winner. Congratulations to The You Rock Foundation, and to donor misadowling for nominating it! At You Rock, rock musicians share their stories to spread awareness and help battle stigmas attached to mental illness. You can find their web site here.

Now you have a week to further sweeten the pot with a special one-time donation of any amount, which we'll add straight to the check we write to You Rock next week.

Before you go, check out The You Rock Foundation's latest video featuring Brandon Mendenhall, star of the award-winning documentary, Mind Over Matter, and feel good about your part in our collective $1893+ grant to help with their work!

Have a great February and be sure to log into Charitocracy to update your votes or nominate a new cause!