Since there are no currently active contests, we have switched Climate CoLab to read-only mode.
Learn more at https://climatecolab.org/page/readonly.
Skip navigation
Share via:

Pitch

Create a one time donation program where alumni can opt out of being contacted again for donations to support sustainability projects.


Description

Summary

Alumni, especially those who are young or are struggling financially, can find calls from their alma mater for donations frustrating. Even alumni who are financially stable may find constant calls for donations frustrating. While they may wish to support their alma mater in the long term, they may wish not to be annoyed by the yearly phone calls they receive. My proposal is to take items that are part of MIT Plan for Action on Climate Change and build a one time donation registry. Alumni can make a substantial donation to the registry, and in return not be bothered for donations. What is being harnessed here is behavioral economics, as I am more likely to make a donation, even if it not actually a one time donation, if I have the option to opt out of future contact. As climate change is the greatest challenged faced by human civilization in the 21st century, alumni can feel better having both contributed to their institution and the fight against climate change. 


What actions do you propose?

What is being harnessed here is behavioral economics in the pursuit of alumni donations. The experts on climate change and sustainability can pick a list of projects that would both directly benefit MIT as an institution (adaptation and mitigation projects, etc) and research efforts to combat climate change. This list would be regularly updated and can act as the MIT climate change registry. 

When alumni are approached for donations, they will be provided with the option for a one time donation to the registry (it does not have to be one time). They can have the option to donate to a specific project, and receive regular updates, or they can donate to a general sustainability fund. 

The registry can ultimately be grown out to become a clearing house for not just MIT climate change projects, but a collaboration among higher ed institutions to concentrate donor money and resources to fast track viable climate change solutions and adaptation options to commercial viability.