IMPACTO: The Pathway to Simple, Secure, and Transparent Impact.

IMPACTO aims to solve the critical problem of low engagement, lack of trust and inefficiency in philanthropic resource allocation and volunteer efforts within the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) sector. Our platform addresses several key challenges:

Transparency: One of the major barriers to increased philanthropy and volunteerism is the perceived lack of transparency and accountability in how contributions are used. Potential donors often hesitate to contribute due to uncertainties regarding the impact of their donations and the efficiency of the organizations they are supporting.

Impact Measurement: There is a significant need for better tools and methodologies to measure the impact of donations and volunteer work. Without robust impact measurement and reporting, it's challenging to assess the effectiveness of contributions and to motivate further engagement from the donor community.

Corporate ESG Adoption: Companies and countries are behind on meeting the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 and need to meet the expected targets. They often face challenges when integrating ESG principles into their business operations and culture. These include a lack of strategic direction on how to effectively engage in social and environmental initiatives, difficulties in mobilizing employee participation, and challenges in measuring and reporting on ESG performance.

IMPACTO addresses these challenges by providing a comprehensive platform that offers transparency, efficient matching of donors with causes, impact measurement tools, and support for corporations to integrate ESG principles into their operations. By tackling these issues, IMPACTO facilitates greater involvement in ESG initiatives, thereby contributing to a more sustainable and equitable world.

IMPACTO is a platform designed to enhance engagement, trust and efficiency in donation, social investments and volunteer efforts within the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) sector. Here's what our solution looks like:

It serves as a comprehensive solution for connecting enterprises, donors and volunteers with curated NGOs that align with their passions and values. 

Transparent Tracking and Reporting: IMPACTO offers real-time tracking of donations and volunteer activities, guaranteeing transparency and accountability. Additionally, NGOs are required to submit detailed expense reports in a simple way, which IMPACTO stores to enhance the platform's transparency reports. This ensures donors can see precisely how their contributions are utilized and the difference they're making.

Impact Measurement: A standout feature of IMPACTO is its comprehensive impact measurement tools that not only quantify the social impact of donations and volunteering but also measure each of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the NGOs registered on the platform. This enables IMPACTO to provide a clear, measurable understanding of contributions toward global goals, encouraging sustained engagement and helping NGOs to refine their strategies for increased effectiveness.

Corporate Engagement: For businesses committed to integrating ESG principles, IMPACTO offers a suite of tools to manage Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) campaigns, engage employees in volunteerism, and track the collective impact of their efforts. This aligns corporate activities with social good and enhances brand reputation.

Core Tech Stack:

• Backend:  PHP, Laravel framework
• Frontend: HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
• Cloud Infrastructure: Microsoft Azure

Innovation:
Blockchain: Utilized to process donations from anywhere in the world.
AI and Machine Learning (ML): The matchmaking engine is powered by AI and ML, enhancing the platform's capability to connect donors and volunteers with NGOs that align with their interests and values.

IMPACTO stands out as a transformative force in the philanthropic ecosystem, using technology and collaboration to empower individuals and organizations to contribute effectively to societal well-being and environmental regeneration. By providing tools for transparency, impact measurement, and strategic engagement, IMPACTO drives forward positive change in communities worldwide, aligning efforts with the broader objectives of sustainable development.

The solution is designed to serve a broad spectrum of stakeholders within the ESG sector, focusing on companies, individual donors, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Each group represents a distinct segment of the target population, each with unique needs and challenges that IMPACTO seeks to address.

Targets:

1. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): These are at the frontline, working on critical humanitarian, environmental, and social issues. In Brazil, approximately 800,000 NGOs tackle challenges such as hunger, violence, deforestation, misinformation, and natural disasters. However, they often operate with limited resources, face trust issues, lack visibility, and receive minimal support. IMPACTO aims to improve their situation by providing a platform for enhanced visibility, trust-building with donors, and access to financial resources.

2. Individual Donors: This group consists of citizens who are motivated to contribute financially or through volunteering but lack clear, trustworthy channels to ensure their contributions are impactful. The Brazilian context shows a significant gap in philanthropic giving compared to countries with a strong culture of donation, such as the United States. IMPACTO addresses their need for trustworthy, transparent, and effective ways to contribute to causes they care about.

3. Companies: Businesses seeking to enhance their ESG profile and make meaningful social contributions face challenges in identifying legitimate NGOs, tracking the impact of their donations, and engaging employees in corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. IMPACTO offers a solution that facilitates corporate giving, ensures transparency, and measures impact, aligning with the companies' ESG goals.

How we serve them:

1. For NGOs: IMPACTO offers a platform that enhances their visibility and credibility, making it easier to attract funding and support. The platform's matchmaking feature connects NGOs with donors and companies aligned with their causes, improving resource allocation and enabling them to expand their impact on communities.

2. For Individual Donors: By offering a curated portfolio of NGOs and transparent tracking of donations, IMPACTO empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their contributions. This enhances their sense of purpose and satisfaction, knowing their donations are making a real difference.

3. For Companies: IMPACTO enables companies to streamline their social impact initiatives, offering a tool that not only simplifies the donation process but also provides real-time data on the impact of their contributions. This supports companies in meeting their ESG objectives, improving their brand value, and engaging employees in meaningful CSR activities.

Our team's capacity to deliver the IMPACTO solution stems from a profound understanding and real-life experiences within the communities we serve. At the core of our team:

• Camila Soares, CEO: With groundwork experience in over 1,000+ communities, Camila brings invaluable insights into the ESG industry. Her journey includes:

  • Founding member of Endless Computers and leader of the Impact Research team.
  • Five years of mentorship under Ray Dalio, developing the EOS operational system aimed at empowering billions through inclusive technology.
  • Expertise in connecting companies with the humanitarian world, and spearheading education and digital inclusion programs across the Middle East, Latin America, and Brazil for UN agencies such as UNICEF, UNHCR, USAID, NRC, and Save the Children.
  • Stanford Alumni in Social Entrepreneurship and a specialist in impact research.

• Victor Caribé : Brings over 13 years of experience at PwC in the US and Brazil, focusing on:

  • Building trust in companies, NGOs, leveraging exponential technology, and driving social change initiatives.
  • Co-founder of Play4change, utilizing blockchain and web3 for social transformation, digital upskilling, and financial literacy in underserved areas.

• Daniel Barcelos and Rafael Souza (Technical Founders): With a decade of experience in software development and infrastructure design, they are the architects behind IMPACTO’s software, ensuring our solution is robust and scalable.

Advisory Board: Global Perspectives and Strategic Insights

Our approach is significantly enriched by an international advisory board that provides:

• A diverse spectrum of expertise, ensuring our solutions are both locally relevant and globally resonant.
• Strategic guidance rooted in technology, social sciences, and international development, equipping IMPACTO with innovative and scalable strategies.

Our Collective Strength:

In essence, IMPACTO is equipped to impact the ESG ecosystem, powered by a team and advisors deeply connected to our mission and the communities we aim to serve.

We selected the "Pilot" stage for our development because the IMPACTO platform is fully operational, having successfully completed our initial pilot phase. This pivotal stage reflects where we stand today: transitioning from theory to practice, with a live platform that is beginning to make real-world impact.

Achievements to Date:

1. Enterprise Onboarding: We've established a comprehensive onboarding process for institutional investors, allowing companies to easily join our platform and start their journey towards making a significant ESG impact. This process ensures that companies can seamlessly integrate their social responsibility goals with our platform's offerings.

2. Volunteer Onboarding: We've also developed a complete onboarding experience for volunteers, enabling individuals to find and engage with causes that resonate with them. This process is designed to connect volunteers with opportunities that align with their skills and interests, maximizing the impact of their contributions.

3. Social Network Architecture: A key component of our platform is the main architecture of an impact social network. This feature fosters a community of like-minded individuals and organizations, encouraging collaboration, sharing of best practices, and amplification of social impact initiatives.

4. Visuals and Insights for Institutional Partners: Our platform offers detailed visuals and insights for companies to track the impact their employees are making. This functionality not only serves as a powerful tool for measuring corporate social responsibility efforts but also motivates continued employee engagement by showcasing tangible results.

5. Scalable Data Model: The backbone of our platform is a robust and scalable data model. All objects within the platform are interrelated, ensuring that as we grow, we can easily expand our offerings and accommodate an increasing number of users without compromising performance or user experience.

Impact and Reach:

So far, our platform has embarked on an ambitious partnership with PwC Brazil, set to onboard the entire PwC Brazil workforce, approximately 4,000 employees, within the next two months. This partnership is a testament to the platform's capacity to serve large enterprises and their employees, facilitating widespread engagement in meaningful ESG initiatives.

Our selection of the "Pilot" stage and the accomplishments we've achieved thus far underscore our commitment to delivering a solution that not only meets the needs of our target population but also has the infrastructure and partnerships in place to scale impact significantly. Through our pilot and the ongoing partnership with PwC Brasil, we are laying the groundwork for a platform that will continue to serve an ever-growing community of companies, volunteers, and institutional investors dedicated to making a difference.

With MIT SOLVEs help, we will be able to close many more partnerships. This will drive our initial growth. 

Our journey towards applying to Solve is inspired by a vision to propel the IMPACTO platform into a transformative force within the ESG ecosystem globally. Our pursuit aligns with Solve’s mission to tackle world challenges through innovation, and we see Solve not just as a program but as a catalyst for scaling our impact beyond geographical and cultural boundaries.

Expanding Our ESG Horizon: Our ambition to democratize access to ESG initiatives and cultivate a culture of giving across continents encounters a multifaceted challenge: engagement. Solve represents a gateway to a universe of thought leaders and change-makers, offering us the opportunity to learn from those who've successfully engaged diverse audiences in the ESG narrative. This mentorship could be our compass, guiding us through market penetration strategies and engagement models tailored for cultural resonance.

Beyond Financial Frontiers: While financial support opens doors, our gaze is fixed on the horizons beyond. We are drawn to Solve for its repository of knowledge, network, and spirit of innovation. Our engagement with Solve is envisioned as a partnership that transcends monetary support, embracing mentorship, technological collaboration, and strategic alliances. It is these non-monetary treasures within Solve’s ecosystem that we believe will be instrumental in elevating our platform to new heights of effectiveness and impact.

The IMPACTO platform stands out because of our approach to innovation in the ESG sector by integrating three pivotal strategies that enhance the efficacy and reach of philanthropic efforts and promise to reshape the market dynamics:

1. Empowering Corporations to Demonstrate ESG Responsibility: IMPACTO offers a unique proposition to corporations by enabling them to tangibly prove their ESG commitments. Through our platform, companies can seamlessly integrate their CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) efforts with real-world impact initiatives, thereby aligning their corporate strategies with ESG principles. This approach allows corporations to substantiate their contributions towards societal and environmental well-being, setting a new benchmark in corporate philanthropy and ESG accountability. This is particularly significant in an era where stakeholders from investors to consumers increasingly demand transparency and genuine action on ESG fronts.

2. Content Creation to Drive Adoption and Lower Acquisition Costs: At the heart of our strategy is the leverage of content creation to spur platform adoption and minimize the cost of acquiring enterprises and volunteers. By championing the "Sharing the good" mantra across social media and other channels, IMPACTO taps into the power of narrative and community. This content-driven approach not only showcases the tangible impacts achieved through the platform but also inspires others to join the movement. The virality potential of sharing success stories and positive outcomes can create a network effect, propelling our growth organically and turning the act of giving into a social trend, or even a hype, thereby driving widespread adoption with minimal marketing expenditure.

3. Unwavering Focus on Transparency and Trust: The cornerstone of IMPACTO's innovation lies in its unwavering commitment to transparency and trust. From the moment a donation is made on our platform to the point it is utilized by the NGOs, every transaction is tracked and made visible. Leveraging cutting-edge technology, we ensure that donors can see the direct impact of their contributions, fostering a deeper sense of trust and engagement. This transparent pathway of donations is a critical factor in why PwC Brasil has become our inaugural partner. Their collaboration is a testament to the platform's capability to meet the stringent demands for transparency and accountability sought by leading global corporations, setting a precedent for other enterprises to follow.

Together, these three strategies form the bedrock of IMPACTO's mission to revolutionize the ESG and philanthropic sectors. By empowering corporations, leveraging content for organic growth, and prioritizing transparency, we aim to enhance the impact of each contribution made through our platform and also to inspire a broader cultural shift towards sustainability and altruism, reshaping the philanthropic landscape for the better.

IMPACTO’s theory of change is a structured logical framework that outlines how our activities will lead to immediate outputs and, ultimately, long-term outcomes for our target populations: NGOs, Enterprises, and Volunteers. This framework hinges on creating a transparent, efficient, and engaging platform that fosters active participation in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives.

Activities:

1. For NGOs: Providing a platform for visibility, funding, and budget control.
2. For Enterprises: Offering tools for CSR and ESG reporting, as well as employee engagement.
3. For Volunteers: Creating engagement opportunities, tracking impact and social network.

Immediate Outputs:

1. NGOs: Increased visibility and access to funding.
2. Enterprises: Enhanced ability to demonstrate ESG commitments.
3. Volunteers: Higher engagement in philanthropic activities.

Long-term Outcomes:

1. NGOs: Greater impact on social and environmental issues due to increased resources and support.
2. Enterprises: Strengthened corporate reputation and alignment with ESG principles, leading to better stakeholder relations.
3. Volunteers: A more robust culture of giving and social community involvement.

Linking Activities to Outcomes:

• NGOs gain increased funding and visibility through IMPACTO, enabling them to expand their reach and impact, thus addressing more social and environmental issues effectively.
• Enterprises use IMPACTO to visibly demonstrate their ESG commitments, enhancing their reputation and encouraging a corporate culture aligned with sustainability and social responsibility. This leads to better stakeholder engagement and positions them as leaders in corporate social responsibility.
• Volunteers engage more deeply with causes they care about through IMPACTO’s platform, fostering a stronger culture of giving and community involvement. The platform’s feedback mechanisms and impact tracking increase volunteers' satisfaction and likelihood of ongoing engagement.

IMPACTO’s theory of change underscores a comprehensive approach to fostering a more engaged, transparent, and impactful ESG ecosystem. By connecting NGOs with resources, enabling enterprises to showcase their ESG efforts, and empowering volunteers to make a difference, IMPACTO aims to catalyze a shift towards more sustainable and equitable communities.

Our impact goals for the IMPACTO platform are focused on driving significant advancements in philanthropy, strengthening civil society, and contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To ensure alignment with these global goals and enable precise impact measurement, we've integrated the UN SDGs directly into our platform's functionality.

Impact Goals and Measurement

1. Boost Philanthropic Engagement: We aim to significantly increase both individual and corporate contributions to NGOs, targeting a measurable uptick in philanthropic donations growth.

   • Indicator: Growth in annual donations through IMPACTO.

2. Empower NGOs with Tools for Transparency and Efficiency: Our goal is to enhance the operational capacity of NGOs by facilitating better management and donor engagement practices.

   • Indicator: Number of NGOs meeting higher transparency and efficiency standards.

3. Direct Contributions to SDGs: Every NGO on our platform selects one or more SDGs before onboarding, allowing us to track and report on how each campaign contributes to these global objectives.

   • Indicator: Percentage of projects aligned with SDGs and their direct impact metrics.

4. Promote Volunteerism with Measurable Impact: We aim to double volunteer engagement, focusing on projects with tangible community benefits, and enabling volunteers to see the SDG impact of their contributions.

• Indicator: Increase in volunteering hours, donations and their alignment with SDG targets.

The integration of UN SDGs into our platform represents well our approach. Listed prominently on our website and embedded within the NGO onboarding process, this alignment ensures that all activities facilitated by IMPACTO are contributing towards a larger, global agenda for sustainable development. Furthermore, it allows enterprises and volunteers to track and measure their impact on specific SDGs over time, providing a clear view of the broader implications of their contributions.

This structured approach to impact measurement—coupled with our commitment to transparency and efficiency—ensures that IMPACTO's activities lead to meaningful, measurable outcomes for our target populations. By leveraging these indicators and continuously evaluating our progress, we remain committed to achieving transformational impacts that align with the global movement toward sustainability and social equity.

IMPACTO leverages a suite of advanced technologies designed to address the challenges of modern philanthropy and volunteerism, ensuring a transformative impact on the communities we serve:

1. Blockchain for Global Donations: Utilizing blockchain technology, IMPACTO enables the receipt of donations from anyone around the world. This approach not only democratizes the act of giving, and allows global participation in philanthropy. Together with Impacto's platform, it guarantees transparency and trust, as donors can see exactly where their contributions are going and how they are being utilized by NGOs.

2. AI-Powered Matchmaking and Content Generation: At the heart of IMPACTO's technology is Artificial Intelligence (AI), which enhances our platform in two critical ways. First, AI drives our matchmaking engine, analyzing donor preferences and NGO needs to create optimal matches, thereby increasing the effectiveness and satisfaction of both parties. Second, AI aids in content generation, creating engaging and personalized content that drives adoption and fosters a community of informed, motivated donors and volunteers.

3. Integration with Vendors and API Best Practices: Our platform is designed to be as accessible and functional as possible, integrating seamlessly with a range of vendors and services. This integration is facilitated by our adherence to best API practices, ensuring a smooth, user-friendly experience that enhances our platform's utility. Whether it's processing donations, connecting with social media, or accessing third-party services, our platform's architecture is built for scalability, reliability, and ease of use.

4. Transparency, Accountability, and Reporting: Central to our mission is a commitment to transparency and accountability. By leveraging the technologies mentioned above, we provide detailed reporting capabilities that allow donors to track the impact of their contributions. Every NGO on our platform is required to report on their use of funds, aligning their projects with specific United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This ensures that donors can see the tangible outcomes of their donations but also promotes a culture of accountability among NGOs.

Through the integration of blockchain, AI, advanced API integrations, and a strong emphasis on transparency and accountability, IMPACTO is uniquely positioned to revolutionize the landscape of philanthropy and volunteerism. Our solution stands as a testament to the power of technology to facilitate meaningful, impactful change, directly benefiting NGOs, enterprises, and volunteers by connecting them in more effective, transparent, and impactful ways.

Full time:

4 members - Leadership: CEO, co-CEO, CTO and  CPO

2 members - Team: Customer success and operations manager, Product Designer

Part-time:

7 members - Team:  Chief of Information and security, Data protection officer, Compliance Manager, 2 backend developers and 2 frontend developers.

Camila, the founder of IMPACTO, has dedicated seven years to developing the solution, laying the groundwork for its transformative approach to ESG engagement. Over the past two years, the team has expanded to include co-founders who have contributed significantly to refining and building the platform.

At IMPACTO, our commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment is integral to our identity and operations. Even as a startup with a lean team, we recognize the power of diversity in driving innovation and enhancing our ability to address complex challenges.

Understanding that we serve diverse communities with varied needs, we believe it is crucial that our team reflects this diversity. This is not only about fairness or representation; it's about effectiveness. A team that brings a wide range of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives to the table is better equipped to understand the nuances of the challenges we tackle and to devise innovative, impactful solutions.

IMPACTO's business model is strategically designed to serve our key stakeholders: NGOs, enterprises, and volunteers, focusing on creating impact while generating sustainable revenue. Here's how we provide value to these groups:

For NGOs:

• Services Provided: IMPACTO offers NGOs visibility and access to a broader donor base through our platform. By aligning their projects with specific United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we enable NGOs to showcase their impact more transparently and attract targeted funding.
• Why They Need It: Many NGOs struggle with visibility and funding. Our platform addresses these challenges by connecting them with donors passionate about their cause, ensuring they have the resources needed to continue their vital work.

For Enterprises:

• Services Provided: We provide enterprises with tools for CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting, enabling them to track and demonstrate their social impact efforts effectively. This includes detailed analytics on employee volunteering and financial contributions to various causes.
• Why They Need It: Enterprises are increasingly required to demonstrate their commitment to social and environmental responsibilities. IMPACTO helps them meet these demands, enhancing their brand image and fulfilling their CSR objectives.

For Volunteers:

Services Provided: Volunteers are matched with causes that align with their interests and values, thanks to our AI-powered matchmaking engine. They can track their contributions and see the tangible impact of their volunteer work over time.

Why They Need It: Many individuals want to contribute to social causes but don't know where to start. IMPACTO makes it easier for them to find and commit to meaningful volunteer opportunities.

IMPACTO's approach to financial sustainability is a revenue model that aligns with our mission to create lasting social impact. Recognizing the importance of financial health for our organization, we believe that social enterprises like IMPACTO need robust revenue streams to attract top talent and ensure longevity in the sector. Here's an overview of our strategy:

Revenue Strategy

1. Product and Service Sales: IMPACTO offers a suite of paid services tailored for businesses looking to deepen their CSR and ESG commitments. This includes curated impact project portfolios, volunteer management tools, and custom impact reporting. These services provide a critical revenue stream, enabling us to deliver value to corporations while sustaining our operations.

2. Donations and Grants: Our platform enhances fundraising efforts for social organizations by connecting donors with causes that resonate with their values. We also pursue grants from foundations and philanthropic institutions to support tech-driven enhancements on our platform, increasing our capacity to facilitate donations and volunteer engagement.

3. Investment Capital: Open to exploring impact investment opportunities, IMPACTO seeks partnerships with investors who share our vision for a sustainable and equitable world. Investment capital is pivotal for scaling our operations, developing innovative platform features, and expanding our reach.

Evidence of Success

• Grants Received: Our innovative approach has attracted grants from prestigious investors, validating our model and supporting the initial development of our platform.

• Investment Interest: Early interest from angel investors and social impact funds highlights confidence in IMPACTO's potential for scalability and impact.

Conclusion

At IMPACTO, we understand the importance of balancing social objectives with financial sustainability. Our revenue-generating activities are designed to support our mission and to ensure we can attract and retain the best talent in the field. By leveraging donations, service sales, and impact investments, we are building a solid foundation for growth and long-term success. The positive reception from the philanthropic community and the corporate sector alike underscores the viability of our business model and its potential to revolutionize how donations and volunteering are facilitated, both in Brazil and beyond.