Crowdimpacting Virtual Community

Abstract

Crowdimpacting is a form of participatory financing in projects that generate a positive social or environmental impact, in addition to an economic benefit. This initiative arises in Spain, as a very attractive and beneficial financing model for society. However, it faces a series of barriers that can limit its expansion. This reflexion article analyzes the current situation of crowdimpacting, identifies the barriers faced, and proposes a solution to overcome two of these barriers: the creation of an online crowdimpacting community. This community will allow a greater diffusion of impact projects among potentially interested investors, as well as the link between the entity proposing the project and the investors will not disappear once the necessary funds for the development of the project have been collected. The methodology used combines the critical analysis of the existing literature on crowdfunding and crowdimpacting, as well as the inductive method. The main conclusions of the work carried out are that (1) the crowdimpacting is a new investment formula that offers a viable alternative to traditional financing methods, while allowing small investors to participate in the development of socially and environmentally responsible projects; and (2) the creation of an online community can help to overcome some of the barriers to crowdimpacting supporting its dissemination and consolidation. Keywords: crowdimpacting, barriers, online community, impact projects