Fund, Fund, Fund

Despite the financial crisis and a gloomy vibe surrounding the job market, ideators have been able to make their dreams become reality thanks to crowdfunding platforms such as Kickstarter and the like. Although Kickstarter has overtly creative leanings, many of these sites serve as catchalls for anyone seeking financial backing. Now, a new crop of more focused, niche fundraising platforms that cater to more specific needs has emerged.

GiveForward: Health care reform turned one year old on Wednesday, however many of the most powerful benefits of the law have not yet taken effect. So, recognizing that the government may not be able to give them the support they need amid soaring costs, citizens are forming alternative health care programs. GiveForward is a fundraising platform that allows people facing medical crises to raise money in the name of their health. For those crippled by debilitating diseases, the service can be a means of survival. Patients, as well as friends and family of those suffering, can set up a unique fundraising page though which they can solicit financial aid. The platform has helped raise nearly $4 million thus far. Talk about a lifesaver.

Emphas.is: Spot.us introduced the concept of a crowdfunded journalism platform through which writers with a story to investigate can raise money for research. Now, Emphas.is is offering photojournalists a place to obtain the resources necessary to uncover stories that may otherwise be ignored by the media. Asserting the connection between content creators and consumers, financial backers are invited to communicate with the journalists they support while they’re out in the field. Current projects seeking money include documentation of the war in Afghanistan and an investigation of the rampant crime in Mexico’s La Montaña region. Launched at the beginning of the month, the site facilitated more than $21,000 of funding after just one week of going live.

ScholarMatch: This altruistic educational platform aims to help kids who dream of going to college but cannot otherwise afford it. Similar to how Kiva donors can see the profiles of those seeking small business loans, potential donors can view the profiles of participating scholars on ScholarMatch. Benefactors can choose students based on school, extracurricular activities, awards/honors, college applied to, intended major, career goals and/or how much money they need to make it happen. An online extension of nationally renowned tutoring/mentoring program 826 National, you can bet that the students backed through ScholarMatch will be crafting some impressive college app essays.