The missing link: documentary to philanthropy

I have finally discovered the intersection of philanthropy, microlending, social entrepreneurship and film: www.worldflix.org.

Here is an exerpt for the website that describes succinctly the purpose of this new donation/engagement/education device:

World Flix is a non-profit organization determined to change the world one video clip at a time.

We have three underlying philosophies:
1. Through modern technology we can assist thousands of people around the world by bringing their issues to the public through video clips and the Internet.
2. Everyone deserves to know the joy of giving which is why we specialize in microgrants and small donations.
3. Donors should know exactly where 100% of their money is going and be able to see the tangible results of their donations.

As a social marketer, I have been reviewing the landscape of film as a tool for social change, and this endeavor is on the cutting edge of making the internet, and specifically video, a powerful tool for change.

The concept of microcredit is not new. Pioneers like the Grameen Bank and Results Canada document the value of microcredit and development loans. Sites like KIVA, Global Giving and Chip In took the idea online and made it possible for individuals with money to make investments in small scale entrepreneurs (or charities) anywhere in the world.

At the same time, the North American philanthropy world is madly discussing social entrepreneurship, and the use of market driven solutions (or at least commercial techniques) to raise funds to address pressing social ills.

An finally, as the video posting craze overwhelms internet users with home-made-productions featuring the sublime to the ridiculous, many charities are hoping to see some increase in awareness about their cause by posting videos.

And then, along comes Worldflix that neatly marries these trends into a meaningful site for the use of video to generate social venture capital and engage small scale donors in philanthropy and micro lending.

I tip my hat to the founders, and I hope that the white noise that crowds the internet makes enough space for meaningful engagement through this well intentioned, topical and effective site.