Matchmaking Tool for NFPs
28 April 2015 at 11:14 am
A Melbourne entrepreneur has created a new online tool he claims will enable Not for Profits to connect easier with people looking for life-enriching opportunities such as volunteer work.
Nathan Sri launched lots:op today in partnership with several high-profile organisations, including aid and development agency Save the Children and RMIT University.
Sri said Australian’s were looking for opportunities that could help them grow as individuals and Not for Profits were looking for people that wanted to contribute to their work.
“We believe opportunities – from volunteering at a local dogs home to completing your Phd in Prague – have the power to enrich, enhance or change peoples’ lives, so it’s great to see so many Australians have embraced the power of opportunity,” Sri said.
“The difficulty people face is where to begin looking.”
Sri said lots:op had commissioned research which found that 25 per cent of people were interested in volunteering, 18 per cent wanted to undertake an educational course and 11 per cent wanted to work overseas.
The research, which surveyed over 1,000 people over the age of 18, also found that 39 per cent of people that had undertaken a “life-enriching” activity such as volunteering had done so because the opportunity was presented or given to them.
Another 37 per cent actively sought out the opportunity.
“We created lots:op because we know people are actively researching opportunities, and would benefit from having one central hub where they could find opportunities that match their interests and profile,” Sri said.
“Likewise, many opportunity providers find it difficult to not only find people, but find the right people for the particularly opportunity they wish to fill, which creates a drain on their often limited resources.
“We hope lots:op can help solve this problem.”
Sri said lots:op provided a targeted matching service using a range of metrics to ensure the right opportunity seeker is connected with the right provider. He said all opportunities are vetted by lots:op in an attempt to ensure a positive experience for both members and partners.
Sri said currently lots:op was focused on recruiting Australian education providers, Not for Profits, charities, companies and other organisations to join the lots:op platform, before it turns its attention to international markets.
A spokesperson for lots:op said it was currently free for any provider to join and once the marketplace was well-established the company would work with partners to decide a fee structure that aligns with their needs.
