A Crowdfunder Speaks

Samantha Beinhacker
Director of Member Services, Jewish Funders Network

We asked Jill Hundenski, an art producer from Los Angeles who has supported social enterprises on the 33needs platform, to share her reasons for contributing as an investor to crowdfunding opportunities. In this interview, she offers a candid approach to her strategies.

Q. How did you hear about the concept of crowdfunding? How were you introduced to it?

Jill:  I guess the idea of pooling my money together with thousands (or millions!) of others wasn’t really apparent until the Obama campaign. So, it was that campaign, it was that movement for change when the realization of this new trend first became apparent. There was a sense that my contribution to the campaign was both emotional and collaborative, both which triggered more engagement in the movement.

Q. Were you a philanthropist or social investor before? Or is this your first foray?

Jill: I’ve always given to charities online, primarily to World Vision and the Humane Society of the United States. Prior to investing in More than Me, LiveProud, and two other social enterprises on 33needs, I’ve never invested or given to a social enterprise.

Q. What appeals to you about crowdfunding?

Jill: The emotional connection to the project or organization or social enterprise, along with the idea that my contribution, or investment in this case, is sort of synergistic. It isn’t a stand alone contribution — I’m one of many supporting something concrete that truly matters. So, the emotion (e.g., it’s to forward a social good), the concrete connection (e.g., I can see, and almost feel, how my money is creating impact, and the feeling that we’re in this together (i.e, the synergy element).

Q. Do you think there are specific business models (or sectors served) that are better fits for crowdfunding?

Jill: Just speaking for myself, the sectors, whether in art, music, or social enterprise that can tap into my emotion in a concrete and simple way are probably the most effective.

Q. As a crowdfunder, what topics are you interested in that we should cover in future "Tapping the Crowd" blog posts?

I’d love to hear more about what happens after funding is complete. Where are they now? What impact is being created? What new stories of change can they tell now?

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Are there other questions we should have asked Jill? What do you think of her responses? We’d love to hear from you!