Abstract
Purpose: Indonesia grapples with significant social challenges, notably extreme poverty, which are a key concern in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Crowdfunding has emerged as an innovative approach to address this issue, empowering communities to contribute actively to social change. Sharinghappiness.org, a prominent Indonesian crowdfunding platform, plays a crucial role in mobilizing public participation to support poverty alleviation campaigns. However, its effectiveness in maximizing engagement and achieving fundraising goals requires further investigation.
Research Methodology: This study comprehensively evaluates the performance of Sharinghappiness.org in mobilizing active community participation, particularly in relation to SDG 1.1, which focuses on eradicating extreme poverty. This study analyzes factors influencing public participation, including donor trust, ease of access and transactions, transparency in fund management, influencer impact, brand awareness, and platform inclusivity. Employing a qualitative approach, data were gathered through in-depth interviews with five key informants possessing in-depth knowledge of the platform's operations and social campaigns and a perception survey involving 57 respondents to gain broader insights from platform users.
Results: The findings highlight the critical role of donor trust and ease of transaction in driving public participation. Transparency in fund management and clear reporting are vital for fostering donor loyalty. While the platform utilizes influencer marketing, further optimization is needed to expand reach and awareness, particularly by involving influencers with audiences relevant to the platform's mission. Inclusivity remains a challenge, requiring efforts to actively engage marginalized communities through tailored programs and campaigns.
This study offers strategic recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of crowdfunding platforms in mobilizing communities and achieving their social goals, particularly in alleviating extreme poverty (SDG 1.1).
Recommendation: Key recommendations include improving user experience, adopting structured marketing strategies, expanding collaboration with influencers and organizations, and addressing inclusivity challenges. By implementing these recommendations, Sharinghappiness.org and similar platforms can strengthen public trust, boost community participation, and make a more substantial contribution towards achieving SDG 1.1 targets in Indonesia, serving as an example of other platforms seeking to maximize their social impact.