WO2018104581A1

WO2018104581A1 - Methods and systems for arranging cause marketing, sponsorship or fundraising campaigns

Info

Publication number: WO2018104581A1
Application number: PCT/FI2017/050859
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ying Zhu
Original assignee: Impaktia Oy
Priority date: 2016-12-08
Filing date: 2017-12-04
Publication date: 2018-06-14

Abstract

Disclosed is a method of arranging cause marketing sponsorship or fundraising campaign by controlling donations from at least one donating party willing to donate to at least one selected donation target. The method comprises defining by the donating party, a first type of user's act; receiving from the donating party, a sum of money to be donated; generating by a computer system, at least one virtual money fragment including a unique identifier corresponding to the sum of money; detecting a type of user's act; analyzing the type of the user's act to be the first type of act; paying at least one virtual money fragment to at least one virtual purse of the user; selecting by the user a donation target; collecting by the computer system, the at least one virtual money fragment in virtual money account of the selected donation target; and donating the sum of money.

Description

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ARRANGING CAUSE MARKETING, SPONSORSHIP OR FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGNS

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to managing donations; and more specifically, to methods and systems for arranging cause marketing, sponsorship or fundraising campaigns.

BACKGROUND

Nowadays, various companies and other parties often wish to donate for a good cause, for example, to promote their goods and services, or to improve communication (such as, for maintaining a favorable public image) with their stakeholders, including employees, investors and so forth. Furthermore, this is done by promising to donate a small sum of money for each item or service sold by the company, or for a predetermined act that the consumers or users agree to perform, such as running, watching an advertisement, and so forth. In marketing jargon, these techniques are described as cause marketing or sponsoring, which can be arranged both physically or electronically.

Generally, it is laborious and expensive to organize cause marketing, sponsoring or fundraising campaigns, since the companies and other parties are often required to put in a substantial amount of effort to identify suitable partners and joint interests. This is particularly true when a company wants to support organizations or projects that are relevant to their customers or other groups of people. Furthermore, the company may need to donate small sums of money to a large number of organizations and/or projects. In such an instance, administrative work that is necessary to select receivers of the donated sum of money, and/or to control a use of the donated sum of money, may be overwhelming for the company. Similarly, if a charity wants to organize a fundraising campaign wherein a large number of donating parties are involved, a cost related to the administrative work can be overwhelmingly high.

Furthermore, participation of consumers and individual users plays a key role in cause marketing or sponsorship campaigns, as a success of such campaigns is usually measured in terms of a number of consumers and users who participated therein. Therefore, it is extremely important to motivate and attract the consumers or individual users to participate in such campaigns. This can be made possible by demonstrating to the consumers that a donation really happens when the consumer buys an article and/or the user does some act for donation. In addition, the consumers can select which campaign to participate in. However, conventional techniques of arranging cause marketing, sponsorship or fundraising campaigns generally fail to provide such transparency or verifiability for the consumers and users.

Therefore, in light of the foregoing discussion, there exists a need to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks associated with arranging cause marketing, sponsorship or fundraising campaigns.

SUMMARY The present disclosure seeks to provide a method of arranging cause marketing, sponsorship or fundraising campaign by controlling donations from at least one donating party willing to donate to at least one selected donation target from a set of donation targets. The present disclosure also seeks to provide a system for arranging cause marketing, sponsorship or fundraising campaign, by controlling donations from at least one donating party willing to donate to at least one selected donation target. The present disclosure seeks to provide a solution to the existing problem of arranging cause marketing, sponsorship or fundraising campaigns. An aim of the present disclosure is to provide a solution that overcomes at least partially the problems encountered in prior art, and provides easier, cost effective and efficient methods and systems for arranging cause marketing, sponsorship or fundraising campaigns. In one aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method of arranging cause marketing, sponsorship or fundraising campaign by controlling donations from at least one donating party willing to donate to at least one selected donation target from a set of donation targets, the method comprising :

(i) defining by the donating party as part of a campaign, a first type of user's act which gives a right to the user to choose a donation target from the set of donation targets;

(ii) receiving from the donating party, a sum of money to be donated as part of the campaign;

(iii) generating by a computer system, at least one virtual money fragment corresponding to the sum of money to be donated during the campaign, wherein each virtual money fragment includes a unique identifier;

(iv) detecting a type of user's act;

(v) analyzing the type of the user's act and if the type of the user's act is the first type of act:

- paying at least one virtual money fragment to at least one virtual purse of the user for storing the at least one virtual money fragment to be donated;

- selecting by the user a donation target for donating the at least one virtual money fragment;

- collecting by the computer system, the at least one virtual money fragment in an at least one virtual money account of the selected donation target; and

- donating the sum of money by converting the at least one virtual money fragment in the at least one virtual money account of the selected donation target, to at least one payment to the selected donation target.

In another aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a system for arranging cause marketing, sponsorship or fundraising campaign by controlling donations from at least one donating party willing to donate to at least one selected donation target, the system comprising a computer system and a database coupled to the computer system, wherein the system is operable to:

receive from the donating party as part of a campaign, a first type of user's act for giving a right to the user to choose a donation target; receive from the donating party, a sum of money to be donated as part of the campaign;

generate at least one virtual money fragment corresponding to the sum of money to be donated during the campaign, wherein each virtual money fragment includes a unique identifier;

detect a type of user's act;

analyse the type of the user's act and if the type of the user's act is the first type of act:

- pay at least one virtual money fragment to at least one virtual purse of the user for storing the at least one virtual money fragment to be donated;

- detect a selection by the user of a donation target for donating the at least one virtual money fragment;

- collect the at least one virtual money fragment in virtual money account of the selected donation target; and

- donate the sum of money by converting the at least one virtual money fragment in at least one virtual money account of the selected donation target, to at least one payment to the selected donation target. Embodiments of the present disclosure substantially eliminate or at least partially address the aforementioned problems in the prior art, and enable arranging of cause marketing, sponsorship or fundraising campaigns that are effective, cost efficient, easy to arrange and provide increased transparency of donations.

Additional aspects, advantages, features and objects of the present disclosure would be made apparent from the drawings and the detailed description of the illustrative embodiments construed in conjunction with the appended claims that follow. It will be appreciated that features of the present disclosure are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein: FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system for arranging cause marketing, sponsorship or fundraising campaign, by controlling donations from at least one donating party willing to donate to at least one donation target, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating steps of a method of arranging cause marketing, sponsorship or fundraising campaigns, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is the flowchart of FIG. 2, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating steps of defining by a donating party as part of a campaign, a user's act who is given right to choose donation targets, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is an environment for implementing the system of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 6 is an exemplary user interface rendered on a mobile device (such as the mobile device of FIG. 1) of a user (such as the user of FIG. 1), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

In the accompanying drawings, an underlined number is employed to represent an item over which the underlined number is positioned or an item to which the underlined number is adjacent. A non-underlined number relates to an item identified by a line linking the non-underlined number to the item. When a number is non-underlined and accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify a general item at which the arrow is pointing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the present disclosure and ways in which they can be implemented. Although some modes of carrying out the present disclosure have been disclosed, those skilled in the art would recognize that other embodiments for carrying out or practicing the present disclosure are also possible. In one aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method of arranging cause marketing, sponsorship or fundraising campaign according to the enclosed independent claim. In another aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a system for arranging cause marketing, sponsorship or fundraising campaign according to the enclosed independent claim.

The method and the system enable to make cause marketing, sponsorship or fundraising campaigns easier and, more cost effective to arrange. The method allows a company (such as a donating party) to arrange a localized and small-scale campaign at a reasonable price by targeting individual users located within a certain area, according to their user preferences, based on their profile, or according to their location history. The campaigns may include virtual reality game-like tasks for users, social network related campaigns such as writing a review, spotting a place or object by camera, going to a location and so forth. From the user's point of view, the user is paid virtual money fragments for performing simple, day-to-day tasks, and the user can use the virtual money fragments for donating to charity or sponsorship purposes that they like. Therefore, the method and system allow not only easy ways to donate to already established charity organizations, but also makes it easier for companies (such as local businesses) to support various causes in a way that is convenient for the users. Furthermore, the system can be automated and a cost of handling donations can be lowered. Therefore, a cost associated with using the system can be lowered for both the donating parties and the donation targets. For example, local sport or youth associations that may be in need of funds can be supported by local users and companies in a way that benefits all parties involved. Moreover, suggested donation targets can be selected at least partially by an address or location thereof by a user, by user preferences and/or other relevant information. Additionally, the cause marketing, sponsorship or fundraising campaigns can be targeted using information given by the donating party, the user, the donation target or using information that can be automatically collected according to user agreements.

Moreover, the donations are centrally managed, thereby enabling to make transactions more transparent and/or easily verifiable for each small donation made by the donating party. Furthermore, a marketing efficiency of campaigns is improved, thereby, making them more attractive to users. This is done by allowing individual users to decide the donation target for receiving the donation money, at least by selecting between different options. It will be appreciated that as the users decide the donation targets, it is much easier than with conventional systems and techniques to arrange campaigns that are locally relevant, consequently, resulting in the campaigns being more successful. Furthermore, the virtual money fragments stored as the linked chain and subsequently, stamping the linked chain of identifiers of virtual money fragments of each donation using the digital signature (for example, as a receiving stamp or by stamping the linked chain of identifiers together with the payment details) enables to anonymously trace the donations. Furthermore, the identifiers of the virtual money fragments can even be allowed to be read-accessed by public without disclosing the user information associated with the donations. Moreover, the digital signatures can be used as a proof of payment for receiving the final donation, which may also include items or services other than money. The method is based on computer system and human control. The method enables arranging of cause marketing, sponsorship or fundraising campaigns by controlling donations from at least one donating party willing to donate to donation targets. The donating party may be a company wanting to donate for a good cause while promoting its items or services, a company willing to improve communication with its stakeholders (such as employees and investors), a party (such as a service provider) wishing to expand a consumer base by acquiring new customers, and so forth. Furthermore, the donation targets may be an entity in need of funds or economic support, such as a charity organization, a political party, a business (such as a startup), a non-profit organization, a sports team and suchlike. In such an instance, the method enables the at least one donating party to provide a donation to one or more donation targets, as part of the cause marketing or the sponsorship campaign. Alternatively, the method enables the donation targets to acquire funds from the at least one donating party willing to donate, as part of a fundraising campaign. The donating party is operable to create a campaign (such as, a cause marketing or a sponsorship campaign). In an example, the campaign is created by the donating party using a portable device, including a smart phone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer and so forth. In another example, the computer system is implemented using a fixed computing device, such as a personal computer (or PC).

The method comprises, defining by the donating party as part of the campaign, a first type of user's act which gives right to a user to choose a donation target from a set of donation targets. The user may be a person who is interested in performing an act for a good cause (such as, for charity). Furthermore, the user may be interested in purchasing and/or using one or more items and/or services offered by the donating party. It will be appreciated that such users may be associated with different characteristics with respect to each other, including age, gender, location, professional qualification, preferences and so forth. In such an instance, the donating party is operable to define the first type of act which gives right to users who are given right to choose donation targets from a set of donation targets. For example, the donating party is operable to define a set of users based on one or more characteristics as mentioned above, such that the users are more likely to participate (and consequently, result in success of) the donating party's campaign. In one embodiment, the first type of act, comprises at least one of entering a defined location or area; watching, reading and/or listening to a piece of information; answering questions; answering a quiz; buying a service or item; taking a picture of an item recognizable from the picture; registering as a user, playing a game, or performing an action in virtual reality or augmented reality environment; and/or being part of a defined group of users. In one example, the first type of act comprises the user entering a defined location or area, such as a mall or a store. Furthermore, the mall or the store offers for sale, items and/or services associated with the donating party. Optionally, a geo- fencing technique is used for detecting the user entering into the mall or the store. In such an instance, users entering into the mall or store are selected by the donating party. In another example, the first type of act comprises watching, reading and/or listening to a piece of information, such as an advertisement or a song. In yet another example, the user is required to answer questions or a quiz, such as, subsequent to using an item or a service offered by the donating party. In one example, the user is selected subsequent to buying a service or item offered by the donating party. In another example, the user is selected based on if the user is a part of a defined group of users, such as, consumers of the item or service offered for sale by the donating party.

In one example, the first type of act comprises taking a picture of an item recognizable from the picture. The picture may comprise, for example, a logo of the donating party, one or more items or services offered for sale by the donating party, an advertisement (such as a poster) associated with the donating party, a billboard, product packaging and suchlike. In one embodiment, the user uses a mobile device for performing the user's act. For example, the mobile device (such as a smart phone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer and suchlike) of the user comprises a camera. In such an instance, the user is operable to take the picture by using the camera of the mobile device. The picture is analyzed to recognize the item (such as the logo or the poster) therefrom and if the item associated with the donating party is recognized, the user is selected by the donating party. Optionally, the mobile device of the user comprises a mobile device application (or app ) installed thereon. The user is operable to take the picture by activating the mobile device application and subsequently, the picture is analyzed by the mobile device application.

Optionally, the method comprises receiving by a computer system, one or more images from the donating party that are used as part of the campaign, such as, for enabling users to take a picture thereof. In such an instance, subsequent to receiving the one or more images from the donating party, the computer system is operable to employ an image recognition algorithm to recognize an area of interest (such as a logo, an advertisement and suchlike) in the one or more images. Optionally, the area of interest is associated with a characteristic feature set file (or a fingerprint) for each of the one or more images. Such characteristic feature set files are associated with a small file size. In such an instance, the computer system is operable to store the characteristic feature set files for each of the one or more images for the donating party, for example in a database, along with information associated with the campaign. Such information may comprise user information of the donating party, a number of images used in each campaign created by the donating party, the defined geographical location or area for use of the one or more images and so forth. Furthermore, when the computer system receives the picture taken by the user, the computer system is operable to use the characteristic feature set files and the information associated with the campaign for recognition of the item from the picture. It will be appreciated that using the characteristic feature set files associated with small file sizes for recognition of items from the picture enables to reduce a bandwidth required for transmitting data from the mobile device to the computer system via a wireless communication network.

According to an embodiment, the method further comprises storing at least one file in the mobile device, wherein the at least one file is associated with an item recognizable from a picture. For example, the at least one file is a characteristic feature set file associated with the campaign. Furthermore, characteristic feature set files of a plurality of campaigns may be stored in the mobile device, such as, based on a location of the user of the mobile device, a donation history of the user (such as characteristic feature set files associated with campaigns that the user has previously participated in) and so forth. Moreover, the mobile device is communicatively coupled with the computer system (and the database coupled to the computer system), such as, using a wireless communication network. In such an instance, the characteristic feature set files may be received from the database (such that the characteristic feature set files are stored in the database) via the wireless communication network subsequent to determining the location of the user, wherein such characteristic feature set files are associated with active campaigns near the location of the user. Furthermore, the method comprises storing a picture taken by the user in the mobile device. For example, the mobile device comprises a camera. In such an example, the user takes a picture of an item (such as a picture of a product, an advertisement, a poster and suchlike). Moreover, the mobile device comprises a memory for storing information (such as an inbuilt memory, a SD card and suchlike). In such an instance, the picture of the item taken by the user is stored in the memory of the mobile device. The method comprises comparing the picture taken by the user with the at least one file, in the mobile device, for recognizing the item from the picture. For example, the location of the user is associated with the picture taken by the user (such as, using a geotagging technique). Subsequently, the picture is processed to determine an area of interest thereform, such as, to determine a product, a logo, an image and suchlike. Furthermore, the area of interest determined from the picture is compared with characteristic feature set files associated with one or more active campaigns near the location of the user. Optionally, such a comparison is performed on the mobile device, such as, by a data processing arrangement thereof. For example, the user uses a mobile application (or app ) installed on trie mobile device for capturing the picture and subsequently, the picture is compared with the characteristic feature set files using the mobile application. Furthermore, when the item is recognized from the picture, information about the successful recognition of the item is sent to the computer system via the wireless communication network, wherein the information comprises the location of the user, the item recognized in the picture, the campaign that the picture is associated with and so forth. In such an instance, in response to receiving such information about the successful recognition, the computer system is operable to select the user of the mobile device for giving right to choose donation targets. It will be appreciated that such recognition of items from pictures taken by the user, on the mobile device, reduces a requirement of transmitting data (such as large image files) to and from the computer system via the wireless communication network.

In an embodiment, the method further comprises defining by the donating party, a set of preferable, acceptable or non-acceptable donation targets. The set of acceptable donation targets for the donating party may comprise donation targets (such as charity organizations) working within a same or similar area as the donating party. Furthermore, the set of acceptable donation targets for the donating party may comprise donation targets working within the same area as the donating party and a same geographical location of operation as the donating party. In one example, the donating party is a sportswear store. In such an example, the set of preferable or acceptable donation targets for the donating party comprises local football teams associated with a same state as the sportswear store. Alternatively, the set of non-acceptable donation targets for the donating party comprises political parties located in a different country as the geographical location of the sportswear store.

The method comprises receiving from the donating party, a sum of money to be donated as part of the campaign. The donating party promises to donate a sum of money or pays a sum of money to donate. Optionally, when the donating party promises to donate the sum of money, user information associated with the donating party, such as information about the campaign, payment details of the donating party and so forth, are received by the computer system and stored in a database coupled therewith. More optionally, when the donating party promises to donate the sum of money, the sum of money is received from the donating party by the computer system and stored in an escrow account. Alternatively, when the sum of money is paid by the donating party, the sum of money is received by the computer system.

The method comprises generating by the computer system, at least one virtual money fragment corresponding to the sum of money to be donated during the campaign, wherein each virtual money fragment includes a unique identifier. The sum of money is converted to multiple small fragments of virtual money (such as an electronic currency or credits) by the system. According to one embodiment, each of the at least one virtual money fragment has same value or different values. For example, the sum of money donated by the donating party is associated with a value of $1000. In one example, each of the virtual money fragments has same value of $1 and consequently, 1000 virtual money fragments are generated by the computer system. In another example, each of the virtual money fragments has different values, such as, 2% of a price of items or services offered by the donating party that is bought by a user. Optionally, a fee is charged for converting the sum of money donated by the donating party to the at least one virtual money fragment, such as, by the computer system. In an embodiment, each of the at least one virtual money fragment is stored as an individual file, a database entry or a data string. In an example, subsequent to generation of the virtual money fragments by the computer system, the virtual money fragments are stored as individual files in the database coupled to the computer system. In another example, the virtual money fragments are data strings that are stored in a spreadsheet document (such that the spreadsheet may be further stored in the database coupled to the computer system).

In one embodiment, the method comprises adding a random or a pseudorandom element to each of the at least one virtual money fragment. For example, if the users are allowed to give or send virtual money fragments to other users (such as, by email or as part of a charity postcard) without the computer system having control of such transactions, duplicate virtual money fragments may be generated during the transactions. Furthermore, such duplicate virtual money fragments must be detected and not allowed to be used. Therefore, the virtual money fragments need to include a hard-to-guess part, to prohibit such generation of the duplicate virtual money fragments. In such an instance, adding the random or pseudorandom element enables to ensure that users can not duplicate the virtual money fragments generated using the computer system.

Furthermore, each of the at least one virtual money fragment has a unique identifier, such as a serial number. Optionally, such identifiers of the virtual money fragments are stored along with the virtual money fragments. In an embodiment, each of the at least one virtual money fragment includes information about the donating party and the campaign. For example, information about the donating party associated with the sum of money that is used to generate the virtual money fragments, is stored with the virtual money fragments. In another example, information about the campaign that the virtual money fragments are associated with is stored with each of the virtual money fragments. Optionally, such information is stored in the database coupled to the computer system. The method comprises detecting a type of user's act. For example, the first type of act comprises the user taking a picture of an item recognizable from the picture. In such an example, characteristic feature set files associated with images of various donation parties' campaigns are stored in a table, and the table is stored in the mobile device or in the database (wherein the database is coupled to computer system and the computer system is communicatively coupled with the mobile device via the communication network). The table further comprises information of location of images that the characteristic feature set files are associated with, information about campaigns that the images are associated with and an amount of money pledged to be paid by each of the donating parties when a user takes a picture of an image associated with a campaign. In such an instance, a user takes a picture, such as, using the mobile application installed on the mobile device. Subsequently, image recognition is performed of the picture to determine an item recognizable from the picture. Such an image recognition of the picture to determine the item comprises detecting the type of user's act.

The method comprises analyzing the type of the user's act and if the user's act is the first type of act, paying at least one virtual money fragment to at least one virtual purse of the user for storing the at least one virtual money fragment to be donated. For example, the user's act comprises taking an image of an item recognizable from the picture. Furthermore, the item is associated with a donating party (such as a flagship product thereof) and the item is arranged at a specific location for a campaign, such as, within a store associated with the donating party. The user takes a picture of the item arranged within the store, such as, using the mobile device of the user. Subsequently, image recognition of the picture is performed to determine if the picture is associated with a same item as the item associated with the donating party. Upon recognition of the item from the picture taken by the user, information associated with the recognized item is retrieved from the table, such as, the amount of money pledged to be paid by the donating party. Furthermore, such an amount of money (virtual fragments associated with the amount) is paid to the user's virtual purse for storage. For example, a donating party pledges to pay virtual money fragments corresponding to $1 (such as 10 virtual money fragments, wherein each virtual money fragment is associated with a value of $0.10) when a user takes a picture of an advertisement arranged at a first location, and virtual money fragments corresponding to $2.5 (such as 25 virtual money fragments) when a user takes a picture of a same advertisement arranged at a second location. In such an example, when the user takes the picture of the advertisement recognizable from the picture at the second location, virtual money fragments corresponding to $2.5 are paid for storage in the virtual purse of the user. Alternatively, when the user takes a picture of a same advertisement at a third location that is different from the first and second locations, virtual money fragments are not paid to the user. The sum of money paid or promised to be donated by the donating party is converted to virtual money fragments, before storing the virtual money fragments in the users' virtual purse. In one example, the virtual purses are digital accounts (such as digital wallets) that are created by the computer system for each user. In such an example, the virtual money fragments of each user are stored in their digital account. Optionally, the digital accounts are implemented using a cloud service. Alternatively, the virtual money fragments of each user are stored in the mobile device of the user.

In one example, the first type of act comprises the user playing a game or performing an action in a virtual reality or augmented reality environment. In such an example, an amount of money is pledged to be paid by the donating party based on one or more conditions, such as a user scoring a predetermined number of points in the game, the user completing the game and suchlike. Furthermore, the virtual money fragments are paid for storage in the user's virtual purse upon determination of fulfillment of the aforementioned one or more conditions. In another example, the first type of act comprises the user performing social network related actions, such as, watching a video on a social media website, responding to a comment on a social media website and so forth.

According to an embodiment, the identifier of the at least one virtual money fragment is stored in the mobile device of the user. For example, the identifiers of the virtual money fragments that are paid to each user (such as, for storing in virtual purses thereof) are stored in the mobile device of the user. In such an example, the virtual money fragments may not be required to be stored in the mobile device of the user. Furthermore, a number of virtual money fragments associated with each user may be determined using only the identifiers that are stored in the mobile device of the user. In another embodiment, the identifier of each of the at least one virtual money fragment is stored using a cloud service.

The method comprises selecting by the user a donation target for donating the at least one virtual money fragment. The users can collect multiple virtual money fragments before deciding to donate some or all of the virtual money fragments to a donation target. Furthermore, the user is operable to select one or more donation targets for receiving the virtual money fragments from the user. The selected donation targets may correspond to a cause that is important for the user, such as, the donation target may be a sports team or a charity organization that the user has an association with. In one embodiment, the user uses the mobile device for selecting the donation target. For example, a user interface is presented on the mobile device of the user, to enable such selection of the donation targets. Optionally, the user interface also enables the user to select an amount of virtual money fragments that is to be donated to each of the donation targets.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises receiving from the users locally relevant donation targets for receiving donations from the donating party. For example, the users are operable to suggest to the donating party, one or more donation targets for that may be in need of financial assistance. In one example, the suggestion may be provided to the donation party when no acceptable or preferable donation targets are available for selection by the donating party. Optionally, the user is operable to use the mobile device for providing such a suggestion, such that the user uses the mobile device application installed on the mobile device for providing the suggestion.

The method comprises collecting by the computer system, the at least one virtual money fragment in virtual money account of the selected donation target. Such a collection of the virtual money fragments comprises, accumulating by the computer system for each of the donation targets, virtual money fragments donated by all users for each of the donation targets. The donated virtual money fragments are moved to the donation target's virtual money account (or a virtual purse, as explained hereinbefore), waiting for corresponding real money to be transferred to the donation target's bank account.

The method comprises donating the sum of money by converting the at least one virtual money fragment in at least one virtual money account of the selected donation target. The virtual money fragments stored in each of the donation target's virtual money accounts are converted to a corresponding real money value. For example, if a donation target has 100 virtual money fragments in a virtual money account thereof, wherein each virtual money fragment is associated with a real money value of $1, then the 100 virtual money fragments are converted to the real money value of $100. Subsequently, a payment corresponding to the real money value is transferred to bank accounts associated with each of the donation targets. Optionally, the payment is transferred upon receiving a request for such transfer from the donation targets. Alternatively, the real money is transferred to the donation targets' bank accounts periodically, such as, once a week or twice a month. Moreover, subsequent to the transfer of the payment to the donation target's bank accounts, payment details of the transfer are received by the computer system. In an embodiment, at least the identifier of the donated at least one virtual money fragment is stored in a digitally stamped or signed file, together with at least payment details of the donated sum of money. For example, when the real money is transferred to the donation target's bank account, the identifiers of virtual money fragments can be stored together with the related payment details in a storage element. The storage element may be a simple file including at least the identifiers (or serial numbers) of the virtual money fragments, payment details (for example, bank account numbers, sum of money, and transaction identifiers) and so forth. The storage element can be then stamped digitally so that it is not easy to alter stored information therein. The storage element containing the identifiers of the virtual money fragments may contain also information about the donating party, the campaign, one or more users that decided to donate, and so forth. It will be appreciated that if such information about the donating party, the campaign, and/or the users is included with the identifiers of the virtual money fragments, it is easy to verify that the sum of money of each donating party and/or sum of money associated with each campaign was used for donation. Also, such information enables to discover virtual money fragments that may still be stored in users' or donation targets' virtual purses, still waiting for conversion to real money. However, the information (such as information about the donating party, the campaign, one or more users that decided to donate, and so forth) may be required to be stored separately from the identifiers, in order to protect privacy of the donating party, the users and/or the donation targets, if needed. In one embodiment, the identifier of the at least one virtual money fragment and user information are stored in separate files for allowing inspection of transactions without exposing the user information. For example, the identifiers of the virtual money fragments associated with a user are stored in a first file, and the user information of the user is stored in a second file. Furthermore, the first file and the second file are stored separately from each other. However, the first file and the second file are linked with each other, to enable verification of donation of the virtual money fragments (as described herein later). According to an embodiment, the method comprises storing at least the identifier of used at least one virtual money fragment as proof of payment. For example, the identifiers of the used virtual money fragments are stored in the storage element. Furthermore, this stamped storage element forms a reliable proof of payment of the donations and the used virtual money fragments corresponding to that donation. In one example, the digital stamp is formed by a known one-way hash function, which is prevented from being changed or altered unnoticeably. The term hash function in this context, refers to any function that is not reversible. Furthermore, it is impossible to generate an input value for the known hash function within a reasonable computing time. Moreover, a hash value (such as a result of the hash function) can be prevented from later alteration, by for example, publishing (or publically disclosing) the hash values.

According to one embodiment, a hash value or a signature of a previous stamped file is added to the stamped or signed file, to form a linked chain of stamped proofs of payment. The hash value of the stamped or signed file can be prevented from alteration by, for example, linking the hash values of the stamped or signed file with hash values of the previous (and subsequently, the next) stamped or signed file. For example, this may be done by including to the input of the hash function of a current donation, an input of the hash function associated with the previous donation. This makes a linked chain of stamped or signed files in a way that changing one file requires changing of all subsequent files in order to substantiate the change. In one embodiment, the digital stamp comprises a third party time- stamp, a signature or a secret key of the donation target. For example, the hash values and/or transaction identifiers are time-stamped by a third party, such as, by a time-stamping authority or service. Such time-stamping does not necessitate sending of a large amount of stored information to the time-stamping authority or service, and only the hash values with some information (such as the payment details, transaction identifiers and suchlike) may be needed to be sent thereto. Furthermore, the linking of the stamped or signed files and the aforementioned time-stamping can be combined. For example, the time-stamp can be made to only some of the stamped or signed files, and other files can be protected by time-stamping of links therebetween (such as, by time-stamping of links between successive stamped or signed files). Moreover, other options for preventing changing or alteration of the information include adding digital signatures by a bank (such as the bank associated with the donation target), by a donation target of the donation, or by a third party to each file (or links between the files). It will be appreciated that as bank details can be discovered for each transaction (such as, using the transaction identifier and/or payment details associated with each transaction) and verified easily, there is no need to use heavy public key signatures for traceability of the donations. Furthermore, signing or stamping of the linked chain of identifiers and/or payment details may also be done using the donation target's secret key (including but not limited to, a password, a pin, a number string and so forth), using a secret key associated with the bank or a trusted party that can verify the donation.

Optionally, digital secret keys and/or signatures may be also used for auditing purposes. For example, an auditing party may sign the donation as correctly used, and the signature of the auditing party can be added to the storage element (comprising the identifiers of the donated virtual money fragments) along with the payment details. More optionally, information related to the donation target, the campaign and so forth may also be provided to the auditing party, for example, an auditing report may be included with the payment details and provided to the auditing party before signing. Such information may also be provided to the auditing party by simply providing a link (such as a hyperlink) of the auditing report, wherein the link provides the information related to the donation target or a campaign that is being audited, or a campaign that is to be audited, to the auditing party. In one embodiment, the method comprises defining by the computer system, an expiration period for donation of the at least one virtual money fragment; and collecting by the computer system, the at least one virtual money fragment in at least one virtual money account associated with a donation target, wherein the donation target is selected by the computer system based on at least one of a profile, a location and/or a donation history of the user. For example, the computer system defines the expiration period of one month for donation of the virtual money fragments by the users. Thereafter, the computer system is operable to determine if each of the virtual money fragments stored in the users' virtual money purses have been donated within the one month. Furthermore, upon determination by the computer system that the virtual money fragments have not been donated by the user, the computer system is operable to donate the virtual money fragments to one or more donation targets (such as, by collection of the virtual money fragments in virtual money accounts of the selected donation targets) based on at least one of a profile, a location and/or a donation history of the user. In one example, the computer system is operable to determine from the donation history of the user, donation targets that the user has most frequently donated to. In such an example, upon determination of virtual money fragments in the virtual purses of the user after the expiration period, the computer system is operable to automatically donate the funds to the donation target that the user has most frequently donated to. Optionally, the virtual money fragments that are not used for donation after the expiration period are converted to real money and subsequently, returned to the donating party (such as, for use in a subsequent campaign).

According to an embodiment, the method comprises verifying the donation of the sum of money received from the donating party. For example, the mobile device application included in the mobile device of the user may collect the identifiers (or the serial numbers) of the virtual money fragments associated with the sum of money donated by the donating party. Subsequently, the identifiers may be used to retrieve information of the donations, and verify that a payment of real money was made, such as, to one or more donation targets. Furthermore, the identifiers may be used to verify that the virtual money fragments associated with the sum of money received from the donating party were used for such a payment, and the amount of the donated virtual money fragments corresponds to the donated sum of money. Moreover, this does not require the user information of the donating party, the user and/or the donation targets to be publically disclosed. In one example, after verifying use of the donated sum of money, the donating party may be provided information about the virtual money fragments related to each campaign, and/or for each donation made by the donating party.

Optionally, the users may be provided with information of the donation after the donation is made, such as, information about the sum of money paid to the donation target, the transaction identifiers associated with the donation and so forth. This requires storage of such information along with the virtual money fragments donated by user. However, such information may be sensitive and may be subject to privacy laws. Therefore, the information may be required to be kept separate from information that can be publically disclosed (to be inspected later on by anyone). In one example, the identifiers (or serial numbers) are stored on the mobile device of the user, and subsequently, the identifiers are used later to retrieve the information about the donation. In such an example, a separate record is kept, the record comprising information associated with each of the donations, to allow easy reporting and/or verification of the donations, without publically disclosing sensitive information. According to an embodiment, the identifier of the at least one virtual money fragment and user information is stored in confidential storage for statistical and/or behavioral analysis of users. It will be appreciated that if transaction of the virtual money fragments are verifiable at a beginning of a process from a time of payment by the donating party, to an end of the process when the donation target is paid, the user behavior does not have to be documented at every step of the process for traceability of the donations. Therefore, the identifiers of virtual money fragments are stored to trace the transactions at the beginning of the process and the user information of users associated with the donated virtual money fragments are stored to trace the transactions at the end of the process. Furthermore, as such information may be sensitive, the information is stored in the confidential storage.

In one embodiment, the method comprises receiving from the donation target as the proof of payment, at least one of a photo or a video. For example, the computer system is operable to send at least one of a photo or a video to a user, after verifying that a donation of virtual money fragments stored in the virtual purse of the user, have been made to a donation target. Alternatively, the donation target may send at least one of the photo or the video after the donation is made thereto, for example, as regards from the donation target to the user or the donating party. Optionally, the photo or the video may be used as the proof of payment that can be added to the information (including the identifiers of the virtual money fragments, the payment details and so forth) associated with the donation.

Disclosed is also a system for arranging cause marketing, sponsorship or fundraising campaign by controlling donations from at least one donating party willing to donate to at least one selected donation target. The system comprises a computer system and a database coupled to the computer system. The system is operable to receive from the donating party as part of a campaign, a first type of act for giving a right to a user to choose a donation target; receive from the donating party, a sum of money to be donated as part of the campaign; generate at least one virtual money fragment corresponding to the sum of money to be donated during the campaign, wherein each virtual money fragment includes a unique identifier; detect a type of user's act; analyze the type of the user's act and if the user's act is the first type of act, pay at least one virtual money fragment to at least one virtual purse of the user for storing the at least one virtual money fragment to be donated; detect a selection by the user of a donation target for donating the at least one virtual money fragment; collect the at least one virtual money fragment in an at least one virtual money account of the selected donation target; and donate the sum of money by converting the at least one virtual money fragment in the at least one virtual money account of the selected donation target, to at least one payment to donation targets.

Optionally, the system is further operable to store at least the identifiers of used virtual money fragments as proof of payment. According to an embodiment, the defined user's act or selection criteria of users comprises at least one of entering a defined location or area; watching, reading and/or listening to a piece of information; answering questions; answering a quiz; buying a service or item; taking a picture of an item recognizable from the picture; registering as a user, playing a game, or performing an action in virtual reality or augmented reality environment; and/or being part of a defined group of users.

Optionally, the system further comprises a mobile device for performing the defined user's act by the user and/or for receiving from the selected users, the donation targets for donating the virtual money fragments. Further optionally, the mobile device is operable to store at least one file associated with an item recognizable from a picture; store a picture taken by the user; and compare the picture taken by the user with the at least one file for recognizing the item from the picture.

The present method thus relates to arranging cause marketing sponsorship or fundraising campaigns and enabling individual users to control donations granted by at least one donating party willing to donate for example to charity or to sponsorship targets, wherein the sponsorship targets or charity targets being selected by the individual users. The method can also be defined by steps in which a) the donating party willing to donate, defines as part of campaign the individual user's act or selection criteria of users who are given right to choose targets of donation, and the donating party defining a set of preferable, acceptable or non-acceptable targets of donation, b) the computer system generates virtual money fragments corresponding to the sum to be donated during the campaign with each fragment including a unique identifier, and the method further includes paying virtual money fragments to the individual users' virtual purses for storing virtual money fragments to be donated, c) and the individual users selecting targets of donations for collected virtual money fragments, and the system collects the virtual money fragments to a virtual money accounts of targets of donations, d) and donates the donating party's funds accordingly by converting the virtual money fragments in donation target accounts to payments to donation targets, and storing at least the identifier information of used fragments of virtual money as proof of payment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a block diagram of a system 100 for arranging cause marketing, sponsorship or fundraising campaigns, by controlling donations from at least one donating party 108 willing to donate to donation targets 110, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the system 100 comprises a computer system 102 and a database 104 coupled to the computer system 102. Furthermore, the system 100 comprises a mobile device 106 of a user 112, communicatively coupled with the computer system 102. Referring to FIG. 2, there is shown a flow chart 200 illustrating steps of a method of arranging cause marketing, sponsorship or fundraising campaigns, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. At a step 202, the donating party 108 posts an advertisement for a campaign. Furthermore, as part of the campaign, the donating party 108 defines a user's act or selection criteria of users 112 who are given right to choose donation targets 110. Moreover, the donating party 108 defines a set of preferable, acceptable or non- acceptable donation targets 110. Subsequently, the campaign is created and defined information about the campaign is stored in an advertisement table 204. Moreover, a sum of money to be donated as part of the campaign is promised by the donating party 108 and information about the promised sum of money to be donated is stored in the advertisement table 204. Optionally, the sum of money is received from the donating party 108 and stored in the advertisement table 204. At a step 206, an invoice is generated for the sum of money received from the donating party 108 and the invoice is provided to donating party 108. At a step 208, a status of the campaign (for example, a successful creation of the campaign), is provided to the donating party 108. Furthermore, at least one virtual money fragment corresponding to the sum of money received from the donating party 108 is generated. At a step 210A, a type of user's act is detected, such as, by the advertisement table 204 subsequent to receiving information (such as an image taken by the user, a location of the user and so forth) from the mobile device 106. Thereafter, the type of the user's 112 act is analyzed, such as, by the advertisement table 204 and if the type of the user's act is the first type of act, at a step 210B, the at least one virtual money fragment is paid to the user's 112 end user table 212 from the advertisement table 204, via the mobile device 106, for storing the virtual money fragments to be donated in the end user table 212. At a step 214, information (such as identifiers) associated with the at least one virtual money fragment paid to the user 112 is received from the advertisement table 204 and stored in the end user table 212. Furthermore, the user 212 selects the donation target 110 for donating the at least one virtual money fragment. At a step 216, the user 112 donates the at least one virtual money fragment stored in the end user table 212 to the donation target 110, using the mobile device 106. The donated at least one virtual money fragment is collected in a charity table 220 of the donation target 110. At a step 218, the information (such as the identifiers) of the donated at least one virtual money fragment is received and stored in the charity table 220. At a step 222, the donation target 110 requests payment of the sum of money corresponding to the at least one virtual money fragment stored in the charity table 220. At a step 224, the at least one virtual money fragment stored in the charity table 220 is converted into real money and stored in a holding account (such as a bank account) by a third party 226 (such as a bank official). Subsequently, the real money stored in the holding account is paid to the donation target 110.

Optionally, at a step 228 the donation target 110 creates a charity fundraising campaign. Furthermore, information about the campaign is received from the donation target 110 and stored in the charity table 220. Moreover, if the information (such as a cause of the charity fundraising campaign) provided by donation target 110 corresponds to information (such as a cause of the cause marketing campaign) provided by the donating party 108, the donation target 110 is selected as the acceptable or preferable donation target 110 for the donating party's 108 campaign. At a step 230, the donation target 110 is provided a result of the charity fundraising campaign (such as, after receiving the donation sum of money by the donation target 110). At a step 232, a status of the charity fundraising campaign is provided to the donation target 110 (such as, a successful status of the campaign after receiving the donated sum of money by the donation target 110).

Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown a flowchart in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. At a step 302, the sum of money is received from the donating party 108 by the third party 226 and stored in a holding account (such as a bank account). At a step 304, the at least one virtual money fragment generated from the sum of money stored in the holding account and subsequently, stored in the advertisement table 204. In other aspects, the process is identical to that shown in FIG. 2. Referring to FIG. 4, there is shown a flowchart 400 illustrating steps of defining by a donating party as part of a campaign, a first type of act for which gives a right to a user to choose a donation target, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. At a step 402, a donating party 404 associated with an advertising company 406, posts an advertisement for a campaign (such as a cause marketing or sponsorship campaign). The advertisement for the campaign includes information about locations or area that the donating party 404 wants to target as part of the campaign. Furthermore, the advertisement and the information are stored in an advertisement table 408. At a step 410, a party 412 associated with a shop chain 414 provides information about shop locations that are available for use in the donating party's 404 campaign. At a step 416, the party 412 provides information about all advertising pole locations that can be used in the donating party's 404 campaign, wherein the pole locations are locations that can be used for advertising items or services of the advertising company 406, for placing advertisements by advertising company 406 and so forth. As shown, the information about the shop locations and the advertising pole locations provided by the party 412, are stored in the location table 418. At a step 420, a map input is created by using the information stored in the advertisement table 408 and the location table 418, wherein the map provides locations or area for performing the user's act by users who are given right to choose donation targets. As shown, the map is received by a mobile device 422 (such as the mobile device 106 of FIG. 1) associated with users. Referring to FIG. 5, there is shown an environment 500 for implementing the system 100 of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As part of a campaign (such as a cause marketing or sponsorship campaign, a donating party (such as the donating party 108 of FIG. 1) defines, a first type of act which gives a right to a user (such as the user 112 of FIG. 1) to choose a donation target (such as the donation target 110 of FIG. 1). Furthermore, the first type of act comprises taking a picture of an item recognizable from the picture at a location or area defined by the donating party. The location or area defined by the donating party comprises areas 502- 520. As shown, the area 504 is located within the area 502. Also, the area 506 overlaps with areas 502 and 508. Furthermore, a user 522 who is located within the area 502 takes the picture, for example, using a mobile device (such as, the mobile device 106 of FIG. 1). The picture is sent from the mobile device to the system 100 via a communication network 524 for recognition of the item from the picture. Subsequently, upon recognition of the item from the picture, as the user 522 is located within the defined area 502, the user is selected by the donating party and given the right to choose donation targets. Furthermore, a user 526 located outside the areas 502-520 takes a picture and the picture is sent to the system 100 via the communication network 524. However, as the user is located outside the areas 502-520, after recognition of the item from the picture, the user is not given the right to choose donation targets by the donating party. Optionally, the defined area may comprise a virtual area 528. In such an instance, when the user 526 who is located within the virtual area 528 takes the picture of the item that is recognizable from the picture, the user 526 is selected by the donating party and given the right to choose donation targets.

Referring to FIG. 6, there is shown an exemplary user interface 600 rendered on a mobile device (such as the mobile device 106 of FIG. 1) of a user (such as the user 112 of FIG. 1), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The user interface 600 enables the user to select a donation target for donating at least one virtual money fragment. As shown, a 'Balance' field 602 displays an amount of virtual money fragments stored in a virtual purse of the user. Furthermore, fields 604, 608 and 612 enable the user to select different donation targets for receiving the donation of virtual money fragments, for example, a Sports Team, a School and a Hospital. Furthermore, input fields 606, 610 and 614 enable the user to specify an amount of the virtual money fragments to be donated to each of the donation targets, such as, 30, 75 and 0.

Modifications to embodiments of the present disclosure described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the accompanying claims. Expressions such as including , comprising , incorporating , have , is used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be construed in a nonexclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural.

Claims

1. A method of arranging cause marketing, sponsorship or fundraising campaign by controlling donations from at least one donating party willing to donate to at least one selected donation target from a set of donation targets, the method comprising :

(i) defining by the donating party as part of a campaign, a first type of user's act which gives a right for to the user to choose a donation target from the set of donation targets;

(iv) detecting a type of user's act;

2. A method according to the claim 1, wherein the defined first type of user's act at (i), comprises at least one of:

entering a defined location or area;

watching, reading and/or listening to a piece of information;

- answering questions;

answering a quiz;

buying a service or item;

taking a picture of an item recognizable from the picture;

registering as a user, playing a game, or performing an action in virtual reality or augmented reality environment;

being part of a defined group of users.

3. A method according to the claim 1 or 2, further comprising storing at least the identifier of used at least one virtual money fragment as proof of payment.

4. A method according to the claim 3, wherein at least the identifier of the donated at least one virtual money fragment is stored in a digitally stamped or signed file, together with at least payment details of the donated sum of money.

5. A method according to the claim 4, wherein a hash value or a signature of a previous stamped file is added to the stamped or signed file, to form a linked chain of stamped proofs of payment.

6. A method according to any one of the claims 4 or 5, wherein the digital stamp comprises a third party time-stamp, a signature or a secret key of the donation target.

7. A method according to any of the claims 4-6, wherein the identifier of the at least one virtual money fragment and user information are stored in separate files for allowing inspection of transactions without exposing the user information.

8. A method according to the claim 7, wherein the identifier of the at least one virtual money fragment and user information is stored in confidential storage for statistical and/or behavioral analysis of users.

9. A method according to the any of the claims 2-8, wherein the user uses a mobile device for performing the user's act at (iv) and/or for selecting the donation target at (v).

10. A method according to claim 9, further comprising storing at least one file in the mobile device, wherein the at least one file is associated with an item recognizable from a picture; storing a picture taken by the user in the mobile device; and comparing the picture taken by the user with the at least one file, in the mobile device, for recognizing the item from the picture.

11. A method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the identifier of the at least one virtual money fragment is stored in the mobile device.

12. A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one virtual money fragment is stored as an individual file, a database entry or a data string.

13. A method according to claim 12, further comprising adding a random or a pseudorandom element to the at least one virtual money fragment.

14. A method according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising defining by the computer system an expiration period for donation of the at least one virtual money fragment; and collecting by the computer system the at least one virtual money fragment in at least one virtual money account associated with a donation target, wherein the donation target is selected by the computer system based on at least one of a profile, a location and/or a donation history of the user.

15. A method according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising receiving from the user at least one locally relevant donation target for receiving donation from the donating party.

16. A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each of the virtual money fragments have same value or different values.

17. A method according to any of the claims 2-16, further comprising receiving from the donation target as the proof of payment at least one of a photo or a video.

18. A system for arranging cause marketing, sponsorship or fundraising campaign by controlling donations from at least one donating party willing to donate to at least one selected donation target, the system comprising a computer system and a database coupled to the computer system, wherein the system is operable to:

detect a type of user's act;

- detect a selection by the user of a donation target for donating the at least one virtual money fragment; - collect the at least one virtual money fragment in an at least one virtual money account of the selected donation target; and

- donate the sum of money by converting the at least one virtual money fragment in the at least one virtual money account of the selected donation target, to at least one payment to the selected donation target.

19. A system according to claim 18, wherein the system is further operable to store at least the identifier of used at least one virtual money fragment as proof of payment.

20. A system according to claims 18 or 19, wherein the defined first type of user's act comprises at least one of:

entering a defined location or area;

watching, reading and/or listening to a piece of information;

answering questions;

- answering a quiz;

buying a service or item;

taking a picture of an item recognizable from the picture;

- being part of a defined group of users.

21. A system according to claim 20, further comprising a mobile device for performing the user's act by the user and/or for receiving from the selected users, the donation target for donating the at least one virtual money fragment.

22. A system according to claim 21, wherein the mobile device is operable to:

store at least one file associated with an item recognizable from a picture;

store a picture taken by the user; and compare the picture taken by the user with the at least one fileognizing the item from the picture.