Abu Dhabi 'crowdfunding' platform to raise cash for organ transplants and other good causes

The drive follows a campaign that helped residents who were hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic

The humanitarian programmes seek to build a more inclusive society. Lee Hoagland / The National

Abu Dhabi residents can now donate to good causes and people in need through a new online channel.

Maan, Abu Dhabi's Authority of Social Contribution, set up a digital platform through which donors can help patients who need organ transplants or provide an education for orphans.

The facility allows people to view different humanitarian programmes, select causes they care about and donate in a legal way.

“The new Maan contribution platform is unique in that it allows businesses and individuals to select and directly channel contributions to their choice of specific pressing social themes,” said Maan.

“Individuals are able to fund programmes and initiatives that align with their values and the social issues that resonate with them the most.”

The authority was set up last year to bring together government, private sector and society and foster a culture of giving. Central to this is Maan's "social investment fund" which raises money for programmes in Abu Dhabi. This new platform, Maan said, is a key tool to drive contributions to the fund.

"We are a caring community that truly embraces the principles of uniting together to share the responsibility to provide for and protect the opportunity of everyone across the emirate to be respected and live a dignified life," said Salama Al Ameemi, director general.

"Through this new social investment fund, we are providing a long-term foundation for us all to work together to bring the vision of our leaders to life."

Maan already led the Together We Are Good initiative that supported parents who lost jobs, provided money for food, rent to the less fortunate and thousands of laptops to students from low-income families during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Maan also backed start-ups such as the Rab3i buddy programme that pairs people with intellectual disabilities with a volunteer. Now the new digital channel further expands its footprint.

"Today this platform will be at the disposal of the community to give more and be part of an integrated ecosystem that will help overcome societal challenges that the emirate might face," said Fahad Al Ahbabi, executive director of Maan’s social investment fund.

"We are capitalizing on the technological solutions, ease of access to such platforms and the generosity of Abu Dhabi citizens and residents."

For more information about the channel visit https://fundraise.maan.gov.ae