# SolarAid launches second crowdfunding campaign with Sunfunder

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2012/12/04/solaraid-launches-second-crowdfunding-campaign-sunfunder/
- Published: 2012-12-04T15:00:00+00:00
- Author: Howard Lake

SolarAid has launched its second project with its crowdfunding partner Sunfunder.
It follows its [first successful crowdfunding campaign](https://www.fundraising.co.uk/solaraid-uses-sunfunder-crowdfunding-service-finance-solar-lighting-zambia)
in September this year in which it raised $10,000 in four weeks from 86 individuals.

This time SolarAid is seeking funding for $20,000 to help buy solar lights that 
can be used by families who burn kerosene or candles for lighting. If funded, the
project will benefit 5,000 people. Any funds invested by individuals will be matched
up to the end of 2012, courtesy of a foundation secured via [Sunfunder](http://www.sunfunder.com).

Richard Turner, Director of Marketing and Fundraising at SolarAid, said of the first
campaign: "We were surprised at how fast we reached are target which was achieved
mainly through social media and some PR”.

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Through its social enterprise SunnyMoney, SolarAid sells solar lights in Africa 
to help create a market for solar power. SunnyMoney is now the biggest distributor
of solar lights in Africa, with over 205,000 solar lights sold to date.

 

 

## Working with Sunfunder

Crowdfunding platform Sunfunder is a good match because it focuses on enabling people
to invest small amounts in solar projects.

Turner told UK Fundraising: "The partnership with Sunfunder has so many advantages
over seeking the loan say from an institution. For starters it helps us access a
new audience of individuals and spread our story through social media. In fact because
Sunfunder is US-based, it helps expand our reach as well as giving us the opportunity
to offer an alternative proposition to our own supporters.

"As SolarAid has been an early adopter, Sunfunder have been great at listening to
our ideas and taking on board our suggestions. We continue to learn together and
are excited about the potential."

The campaign is being promoted as a Christmas or Holidays campaign.

Turner added: “Solar lights are selling like hotcakes so the funding provides the
working capital we need to purchase more stock”.

[www.solar-aid.org/give/](http://www.solar-aid.org/give)

 

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