Title: Ukrainian Photo Retoucher Raises $2 Million for Army Through Innovative Crowdfunding
Earlier this year, Daria Chervona, a photo retoucher from Kyiv, successfully raised 78 million Ukrainian hryvnia, approximately $2 million, for Ukraine’s army. Her innovative approach to crowdfunding involved dividing the work among dozens of people, each tasked with collecting money from friends and acquaintances.
Chervona’s success can be attributed to her strategic system, which she adopted last summer. By highlighting each fund-raiser in a social media post with their picture, she tapped into civilians’ desire to be recognized as active participants in the war effort. This approach led to the successful raising of large sums of money, with nearly 80 percent of the Ukrainian population now donating, according to a recent survey.
As the conflict in Ukraine continues and momentum on the battlefield shifts, fund-raisers like Chervona have had to get creative to keep donations flowing. They have utilized sales and marketing techniques, such as holding auctions, organizing raffles, and inviting influencers to participate in promotional clips.
While sophisticated weaponry donated by the West receives attention, the items raised through Ukrainian crowdfunding, such as warm clothing, bulletproof vests, and drones, are crucial for the morale and well-being of soldiers on the front lines. The success of crowdfunding campaigns has enabled the purchase of not only small items but also heavy battlefield equipment, like armored personnel carriers.
By adopting techniques from other fields, such as business practices, fund-raisers like Chervona and Oleg Gorokhovskyi, the co-founder of Monobank, Ukraine’s largest online bank, have been able to raise significant amounts of money. Their efforts have not only provided essential support to the Ukrainian military but have also engaged the broader population in the war effort.
The use of social media and innovative crowdfunding methods has become a popular way for Ukrainians to participate in civic resistance and support the country’s defense against Russian aggression. By highlighting participants on social media and creating a sense of social approval and recognition, crowdfunding campaigns have tapped into the Ukrainian spirit of patriotism and desire to actively contribute to the war effort.
Overall, Chervona’s success in raising $2 million for Ukraine’s army showcases the power of innovative crowdfunding techniques and the impact of civilian support in times of conflict.
