We’re on the journey to change how change is made and we’re excited to let you know what’s next. We are finally ready to launch the call for beta testers for our first 100% transparent project experiment. In this live change project you’ll get to follow along (and participate!) as we make actual change happen, while helping to create an understanding of how we can build a truly sustainable business at the same time.

From the pages of The Lean Startup, author Eric Ries’ speaks to the fact that

“…learning can be validated scientifically by running frequent experiments that allow entrepreneurs to test each element of their vision.”

For those who haven’t read the book, the concept of “validated learning” is meant to “accelerate the feedback loop” so that startups can build something customers actually want through faster iteration, ultimately leading to an understanding of whether or not they need to “pivot” sooner rather than later.

Proving our riskiest assumptions

While making actual change on the ground, some of our riskiest assumptions (that we’ll need the power of community to help to validate) are below.

Being 100% transparent:

• increases the impact of change
  • More funds go directly to getting things done
  • More people will be inspired to get involved if they can see and feel 100% of the change
• helps raise money and reach goals faster
  • Project starters will reach their goals faster – more people will donate because they know exactly where money is going and how it is being used
• removes some of the barriers to making change 
  • red tape, lengthy processes and approvals
  • people are taking change into their own hands every day on their own, we want to amplify these efforts by growing the global community of resources
• will not be a barrier for project starters if you make it easy enough

Calling all beta testers

We’re looking for project starters and donors to be the first to get involved in the movement to make change with 100% transparency.

Help test the Cup of Sugar platform beta

Do you you fall into any of these categories?

Individuals

Have you stopped making donations to crowdfunding platforms or organizations because you aren’t sure how your funds are being used? Are you a changemaker on the ground – but you’ve had trouble achieving the impact you’ve wanted or meeting your fundraising goals? Maybe you’re a person with a few community projects under your belt or a volunteer who wants to do more, or a person with an idea about how to make a difference, who really needs help to execute. Here’s your chance to get involved.

If you’re interested in donating to or starting a project, tweet @cupofsugarproj using the hashtag #LiveChangeProject,  reach out directly, or comment below.
Or, just stay in the loop.

Businesses

How are employees at your company investing in community? Are your corporate philanthropy efforts helping you realize both a social and brand building ROI? Contributing to a happier and healthier workplace culture? Do you feel compelled to do more than just write a cheque?

Whether you’re a business (small or large) that’s involved with corporate partnerships, employee volunteerism or corporate gift matching, do you feel like your impact is truly identifiable? (To you? To your customers?) Something you are proud to share with the world?

If you’re interested in starting to give back to the community, being 100% transparent with your existing corporate philanthropy, or strengthening the impact your organization makes on the world, here’s your chance to get involved.

If you’re interested in donating to or starting a project, tweet @cupofsugarproj using the hashtag #LiveChangeProject,  reach out directly, or comment below.
Or, just stay in the loop.

Non-Profits/ Charities

Are you looking for an opportunity to showcase the impact you’re making on the ground to help those in need? To increase donations and raise more awareness for your cause?

Be the first non-profit to commit to a 100% transparent project and join the journey to change. Here’s your chance to get involved.

If you’re interested in donating to or starting a project, tweet @cupofsugarproj using the hashtag #LiveChangeProject,  reach out directly, or comment below.
Or, just stay in the loop.

Finding the right projects – What’s a live change project exactly?

A live project is a 100% transparent project that will be executed online for the world to see  – as it’s happening.
Do you know someone who needs help or a situation that needs change in your community? Want to start or join a live project?

Here are some of the ground rules:

• Projects:
  • must be able to clearly demonstrate visible change at project end. (for example: we’re building a community garden in a disadvantaged community vs. donate so I can run for the cure)
  • should be able to receive one or more of the following to make change happen: time, expertise, resources or funds.
  • can be executed by yourself or with a team
  • must not be more than 1-2 months long (for this initial experiment) in terms of time it takes to demonstrate change.
  • this is a “live project” every donation, project detail and progress update will be chronicled and shared on social media
• Projects starters:
  • must able to commit to executing a project from beginning to end.
  • must be willing to demonstrate 100% transparency for the entirety of a project, with how money, time and resources are used
  • will be supported throughout the entire process and connected to as many resources as possible to help get things done
• Donors:
  • can choose to give time, money, expertise or resources to help accomplish a project’s goal
  • will be celebrated online (not anonymous) for their awesomeness

If there are multiple viable project ideas, we’ll put it to the community for a vote.

Inspired? Ready to make change? Submit your project idea using #livechangeproject on Twitter or stay in the loop to join a project or get the lowdown on when we’re ready to launch.

In the meantime, help our community grow by following along on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.