M-Changa is a digital fundraising platform in Kenya that digitizes the traditional “Harambee” spirit of communal pulling together. It allows individuals and organizations to raise funds for causes like medical bills, education, weddings, and emergencies through both online and mobile (USSD) channels.
How M-Changa Works: Step-by-Step
- Registration: Users can sign up via the M-Changa website or by dialing *483*57# (USSD) on their mobile phones. An activation fee (minimum KES 10–50) is typically required to verify the account.
- Customization: You create a “Sharepage” where you tell your story, set a target amount, and add photos or videos to build trust with potential donors.
- Verification & Security: To prevent fraud, fundraisers must provide supporting documents for their cause. You can also add up to three Treasurers (custodians) who must approve any withdrawals, ensuring transparency.
- Fundraising & Sharing: The platform provides a unique link and mobile payment instructions. You can share these directly to WhatsApp, Facebook, or SMS with a single click.
- Collecting Donations: M-Changa accepts a wide variety of local and international payment methods, including:
- Mobile Money: M-Pesa, Airtel Money, Equitel, T-Kash.
- Global Options: Visa, MasterCard, and PayPal.
- Withdrawal: Funds can be withdrawn to a mobile wallet or bank account at any time, provided the balance is at least KES 250.
Key Platform Fees
M-Changa charges fees to cover infrastructure and secure payment handling:
- Standard Platform Fee: 4.25% of the total raised.
- Reduced Fee: 3.5% for fundraisers that raise over KES 3,000,000 within 30 days.
- SMS Updates: The first 250 “thank you” or update SMS messages to donors are free; subsequent messages cost between KES 0.60 and KES 2.00 depending on the number of donors.
If you’re ready to start, you can dial *483*57# on your phone or visit the M-Changa registration page to get your campaign live in minutes.
What are the Faqs for Mchanga
M-Changa’s frequently asked questions cover setup, security, and the management of funds. Below are the key FAQs based on their official guidelines:
Account Setup & Management
- How do I start a fundraiser? You can register by filling out the online form or dialing *483*57#. Activation requires a small test mobile payment (minimum KES 10–50).
- Can I have multiple fundraisers? You can only manage one active fundraiser per SIM card at any given time, though you can contribute to an unlimited number of other campaigns.
- Is it free to join? Setting up a fundraiser is free, but platform and transaction fees apply to the funds raised.
Donations & Withdrawals
- How can people donate? Donors can use local mobile money (M-Pesa, Airtel Money, Equitel, T-Kash) or international methods like Visa, MasterCard, and PayPal.
- When can I withdraw? You can withdraw funds at any time as long as your balance is at least KES 250. Withdrawals must typically be made to the SIM card used to start the fundraiser.
- What are the withdrawal fees? Mobile withdrawals follow standard network tariffs. For bank (EFT) withdrawals in Kenya, there is a KES 550 flat fee for amounts under KES 500,000; withdrawals above this amount are free.
Security & Transparency
- How is my money protected? M-Changa uses a 30-point due diligence system to verify transactions and prevent fraud. You can also add up to three Treasurers who must approve all withdrawal requests.
- What documents are needed for verification? To ensure authenticity, you must upload supporting documents related to your cause (e.g., medical letters or school fee structures) via the “Documents” section of your account.
- Are any fundraisers prohibited? Yes. You cannot raise funds for political purposes related to elections, illegal activities, or anything intended to cause harm or scam others.
Donor Interaction
- How do I thank my donors? Kenyan fundraisers receive 250 free SMS messages to send updates or thanks. Beyond this, a small fee per SMS applies depending on your total number of donors.
- Can donors set up recurring payments? Yes, supporters can set up monthly donations via PayPal or Credit Card for ongoing causes.
For specific help with a live campaign, you can reach their customer support at +254 20 765 0919 or via email.
What documents are needed to verify a fundraiser on M-Changa
To verify a fundraiser on M-Changa and enable full withdrawal rights, you must provide supporting documentation that proves the authenticity of your cause.
The specific documents required depend on the type of fundraiser:
Common Fundraiser Types
- Medical: A medical form or letter from a competent medical practitioner or hospital confirming the patient’s condition and the estimated cost of treatment.
- Funeral: The death certificate of the deceased and a letter from the provincial administration (e.g., Chief or Assistant Chief) confirming the death and the relationship of the beneficiaries.
- Education: An official fee structure or admission letter from the school or university clearly showing the student’s details and the amount due.
- Non-Profit/Group: Registration certificates (e.g., for an NGO or Self-Help Group) and a list of committee members or officials.
Withdrawal & Identity Verification
For all fundraisers, the person initiating the withdrawal must provide:
- Identity Proof: A valid National ID or Passport.
- Special Cases (Incapacitation or Death):
- If the fundraiser owner is incapacitated, a medical form proving they cannot physically withdraw funds is required.
- If the owner is deceased, the next of kin (Claimant) must provide an Affidavit (witnessed by a commissioner for oaths) and a letter from the Chief/DC/PC confirming their relationship to the deceased.
How to Upload
- Sign in to your M-Changa account.
- Navigate to the “Documents” section in the main menu.
- Upload clear scans or photos of the required papers.
You can also add up to three Treasurers to your campaign; while they don’t always need to upload documents themselves, they must be registered to provide oversight and approval for all withdrawal requests.
Once your documents are submitted, you can check your verification status by dialing *483*57# and selecting “Manage My Fundraiser”
