DESC Meeting Update

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Sheikh Shuvo

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Mar 15, 2012, 5:26:02 PM3/15/12

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Team,

I had a productive meeting with DESC this morning. I met with Josh (Development Associate) and Ann (Fundraising Director). Both self-identified as “non tech savvy” but seemed to embrace the idea of using QR codes to drive donations. I pitched Street Code to them as a way that both individuals and organizations could use QR codes to receive donations. One thing made explicit during the meeting is that they are hoping to use this as a platform to generate donations to DESC as an organization.

Organizations like this, from the tone of the call, don't seem to be supportive of “enrolling” members. As a non-profit that aims itself on providing services and empowerment training to homeless individuals, pan-handling is not something they would support. Therefore, our reliance and assumptions about partner orgs serving as an “admin” might be problematic after all.

However, if we expand our product beyond homeless organizations and target non-profits/charities/street musicians in general, I think we might be able to get more traction. Homeless folks could still use our platform; it would simply be outside of a partner relationship. This is something to think about and discuss. Developing this aspect through a less formal channel (i.e.: Urban Rest Stop) might be the way to go.

As an organization, Ann’s primary questions were about generating giver information (name, location, contact information, demographics, etc.). Trying to build this type of information feedback might be a popular tool.

I’ll continue pitching our ideas and talking with orgs. I’m still waiting to hear back from a few more possible candidates.

Ann and Josh will be escalating my proposal to their Executive Director. If internal discussions go well, we can move forward. I’ll let you know as soon as I get an update.