Aid matrix Foundation
Aid matrix Foundation : "Leveraging leading-edge technologies from the corporate world, the Aid matrix Foundation created a system which provides a simple but effective means of connecting donors with relief organizations. The system communicates offers and needs up and down the humanitarian relief supply chain, helping to get the right aid where it is needed at the appropriate time. The basic system was provided grant funding by FEMA/DHS and made available to States at no cost. States are encouraged to set up and be trained on the system before the need arises. Additional customizations can be performed at a reduced cost to the State or their designated foundation. Aid matrix's training and customization services will be provided at discounted rates. To further reduce costs, States may seek private corporate sponsorships. FEMA also is providing each State with the standard FEMA design. States also have the option of customizing and branding their website. Basic program functionality is available at no cost to each State's donations management lead agency and its voluntary networks as outlined above. Each State will have autonomy over its installation. Recognizing that connecting to the nonprofits on the ground is critical, the system includes links to the State Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) member organizations. Customization options allow States to add additional nonprofit organizations, cities, and governmental agencies. Aidmatrix provides onsite user training, documentation, and demo environments. Aidmatrix Network provides several modules that cover a wide range of humanitarian aid relief donations coordination. These features will be phased in over time, and include: (1) In-Kind Donations Management - The System allows States to establish a call center and national in-kind and State portals via the web. (2) Unaffiliated Volunteer Management - the tool helps States manage the volunteer response and connects offers to agencies with needs efficiently and effectively. It enables smaller, often overlooked agencies to take advantage of the supply of volunteers and alleviate the pressure on the larger agencies and governments to provide more opportunities to help. (This feature is funded by FEMA in Phase II). (3) Online Relief Warehouse Management - Based on nonprofit warehouse management best practices, the tool leverages leading edge technology in a simple, user-friendly way to provide real-time visibility into relief warehouse activity and status for all stakeholders involved in a relief effort. (4) Financial Donations Management - Allows States to quickly fundraise in response to specific disasters. The tool promotes the offering of financial donations by individuals and educates thegeneral public on the most critical needs. In addition, the tool facilities workplace and groupbased giving campaigns and can easily be customized for rapid response. This component is optional and intended to support a State's disaster cash donations plan. Each of these aspects of the Aidmatrix system for donations and volunteer management offers specific advantages to consumers and end users". (FEMA, Statements of William Eric Smith and Carlos J. Castillo, July 31, 2008, pp. 9-10)
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