Justgiving founder earns recognition for 'democratising fundraising'

Fundraising | Lucy Harvey | 14 May 2009

The founder of fundraising website justgiving.com, Zarine Kharas (pictured), has been awarded the Albert Medal for “democratising fundraising and technology for charities”.

Since Kharas created the website in early 2001 users have collected more than £400m for 6,700 charities.

Previous recipients of the Albert Medal, awarded by the Royal Society for the encouragement of arts, manufacture and commerce (RSA), include Professor Stephen Hawking and Sir Tim Berners-Lee.

Chief executive of the RSA Matthew Taylor said: “In creating Justgiving Zarine Kharas changed the rules of the charity game, bringing web technologies within the reach of every charity in the UK, and making it easier for all of us to support great causes.

“Hers is an inspiring example of the long-lasting social value that a company can deliver under the right leadership.”

Kharas said: “I am humbled and honoured to receive the Albert Medal on Justgiving’s behalf. The internet has been, and continues to be, a revolutionary force, and we are proud to have harnessed some of its power for the benefit of charities, especially the smaller ones.”

At a lecture to mark her award on 22 April, Kharas plans to speak about the “new business of business” and her belief that companies exist primarily to create social value, not maximise profits for shareholders.

Directory: JustGiving

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