Inequality has always existed and probably always will. In my youth, it felt bad when teammates went on tournament trips and I couldn’t join them. Luckily, seasonal fees and equipment costs were reasonable enough that I could still play hockey and football, even if I missed out on some camps.
In the last century, poverty decreased and equality improved in Finland, but unfortunately, we’ve taken a step backward recently. Inflation, growing income inequality, and the general economic situation have all played a part. This is reflected in the rising costs of hobbies, difficulties for sports and physical activity organizations, and in many other ways.
However, the problem isn’t limited to just physical activity and sports. Nonprofits already operate on small budgets, often relying on volunteers, and their operations are seriously threatened.
Surely no one denies how socially important sports and other hobbies for children and young people are. Likewise, the work of organizations supports and helps many of us, either directly or indirectly. However, we can and must fight against inequality. It won’t happen through traditional fundraising methods, and Fundis is doing its part to bring about a big change.
After moving back to Finland from abroad last year, I expected to return to work for a large corporation, but the idea behind Fundis hit the mark so well that I ended up joining a startup. Besides getting to help reduce inequality in Finland, Fundis’s globally unique concept is an export product. So, we’re improving the world and creating a Finnish success story at the same time!
Fundis is both a payment app for everyday purchases and a modern tool for communities to raise funds for their activities. When paying with Fundis, a small portion of the purchase amount is automatically directed to a cause chosen by the customer. I challenge all communities and merchants to join Fundis!
As social subsidies decrease, fundraising can also be made easier through legislation. In many other countries, supporting nonprofit causes has been facilitated by corporate tax deductibility. There’s still room for improvement in Finland, but we’re moving in the right direction, as evidenced by a pending legislative initiative. Hopefully, this will be processed quickly so it can be utilized before problems start piling up.
