Bono, a newly launched donation platform by Dan Eblagon and Ron Levy, aims to modernise the charitable giving process, which they found to be outdated and inefficient despite billions of dollars donated annually. Named after the Latin term “pro bono,” Bono connects users to a handpicked selection of vetted charities aligned with various causes, including climate change, LGBTQ+ rights, and animal welfare. Donors can start contributing from as little as $5 a month, with the platform automating fund distribution among selected charities.
Bono’s official launch coincided with a notable $1.6 million pre-seed funding round intended to enhance the platform’s offerings, including an AI-powered chatbot that helps match donors with charities based on their interests. This feature is set to roll out publicly by September, following its pilot phase.
The concept behind Bono emerged from Eblagon’s experience with unsolicited donation calls, which made him realise that existing donation processes lack transparency and meaningful engagement. In response, Bono provides users with weekly impact reports detailing how their contributions affect various initiatives, showcasing tangible outcomes, such as meals or mental health sessions funded through their donations. Additionally, a mobile app for iOS and Android users allows individuals to track their annual impact.
To further innovate the donation experience, Bono collaborates with content creators to enhance awareness of charitable causes. This involves three payment models: upfront fees for influencer promotions, performance-based earnings through affiliate revenue sharing, and a unique option where creators can donate their commissions back to the featured causes. Eblagon notes that many creators prefer the third model, aligning their personal values with their promotional efforts and enhancing their engagement with supporters.
The platform initially responded to demand for aid during the Los Angeles wildfires, and since its soft launch in December, it has successfully scaled from 100 to 1.5 million registered charities across the United States. On average, users donate about $20 monthly, with some contributions exceeding $1,000.
All nonprofits showcased on Bono are U.S.-registered and adhere to rigorous standards, including minimum ratings of 8.5 on charity evaluation sites such as Charity Navigator and GuideStar, alongside a strong social media presence. The funding round, led by Progression.Fund, saw participation from senior executives at major firms including Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, highlighting substantial industry interest in transforming the donation landscape.
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