InclusionFunds For Environmentalists

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Inspiration

In climate research, marginalized groups, such as students with disabilities or from low-income backgrounds, face barriers to accessing funding. InclusionFunds was inspired by the need to bridge this gap by creating a fintech solution that makes environmental research and studies more inclusive and accessible. With a strong focus on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, the platform empowers underrepresented individuals to contribute to the fight against climate change, ensuring that diverse voices can be part of climate innovation.

What it does

InclusionFunds is a web-based platform that matches students, researchers, and environmental advocates from underrepresented groups with financial aid opportunities like grants, scholarships, and crowdfunding options. Additionally, it provides personalized recommendations based on user profiles, a Smart Funding Score that quantifies the likelihood of securing funding, and insights into barriers that users may face.

How I built it

I built InclusionFunds using Node.js for the backend to handle and server-side logic, and MySQL for the database to store user profiles, funding programs, and donation records. The frontend was developed using html, ensuring a responsive and accessible interface. The Smart Funding Score algorithm uses data analysis to calculate the user’s likelihood of getting financial aid, considering factors such as location and income (for now those are it).

Challenges I ran into

One of the main challenges was creating a robust algorithm for the Smart Funding Score that could both predict funding success and highlight barriers in a meaningful way. Integrating real-time data for scholarships and grants while ensuring accurate and relevant results for users posed another challenge. Additionally, ensuring the platform’s accessibility for users with disabilities was a priority, which required careful design and testing.

Accomplishments that I'm proud of

I’m proud of developing the Smart Funding Score feature, which goes beyond simply matching users to funding opportunities by providing actionable feedback on potential obstacles and how to overcome them. I'm also proud of building an interface that’s accessible and user-friendly for all, ensuring that people with disabilities can easily navigate the platform. Finally, successfully integrating Node.js and MySQL for seamless data handling and dynamic updates was a another technical accomplishment.

What I learned

Building InclusionFunds For Environmentalists taught me the importance of merging fintech with social good to create a platform that not only provides financial resources but also strives to reduce inequities in climate research. I deepened my understanding of Node.js, database management, and how to develop an algorithm that combines data analytics with real-world impact. Most importantly, I learned how to prioritize accessibility in both design and functionality.

What's next for InclusionFunds For Environmentalists

Next, I plan to expand the platform to include: 1) Partnerships with environmental organizations to offer exclusive funding opportunities. 2) Improving the "Add a Financial Aid Program" page for the Admin to be able to manage all programs. 3) Enhanced crowdfunding features, allowing users to raise funds for their climate research projects. 4) Expand the factors that go into approving an applicant. 5) Integrate an even smarter, more personalized funding recommendations and mentorship matches.

Built With

• css
• html5
• mysql
• node.js