About the Platform
Learn more about the Kesennuma Community Impact Fund and how blockchain technology is empowering local recovery efforts.
Our Mission
The Kesennuma Community Impact Fund aims to revolutionize how government aid is distributed by harnessing the power of blockchain technology and community-driven decision making.
Following the devastating 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, Kesennuma has been the focus of various recovery initiatives. Our platform builds upon these efforts by creating a transparent, efficient, and democratic system for directing resources to where they're needed most.
By enabling citizens to directly influence the allocation of funds, we ensure that recovery efforts align with the community's actual needs and priorities, rather than being determined solely by bureaucratic processes.
How It Works
Citizens of Kesennuma are allowlisted through various mechanisms, including community leader vouching, email verification, and (coming soon) MyNumberCard integration. This ensures that voting power remains within the community.
We use account abstraction to create user-friendly smart wallet accounts, eliminating the need for users to understand complex blockchain concepts or pay gas fees. This makes the platform accessible to everyone, regardless of technical expertise.
Citizens allocate their voting power across various impact projects. The distribution of funds is determined by the collective decisions of the community, ensuring resources go where they're most valued and needed.
Blockchain Benefits
Transparency
All fund allocations and distributions are recorded on the blockchain, creating an immutable and publicly verifiable record. This ensures complete transparency in how community resources are used.
Efficiency
Smart contracts automate the distribution of funds based on community votes, eliminating bureaucratic delays and reducing administrative overhead. This means more resources go directly to impact projects.
Security
Blockchain technology provides robust security measures that protect against fraud and manipulation. The decentralized nature of the system ensures no single entity can control or alter the voting results.
Accountability
Impact projects receive funds directly through the blockchain, creating a clear chain of accountability. The platform tracks and displays how funds are being used, ensuring recipients fulfill their commitments.
Previous Funding Initiatives
Kesennuma Study (2019)
A participatory action research project focused on preventing frailty among older adults by promoting social participation through community salons. The study aimed to delay the need for long-term care in areas affected by the disaster.
Community Impact Fund
Managed by the Central Community Chest of Japan, this fund supported private social welfare enterprises, NPOs, and citizen activity groups. Grants of up to 10 million yen per year were awarded to projects addressing social issues.
World Monuments Fund (WMF)
Through the "Save Our Culture" initiative, WMF raised funds to assist local residents and business owners in their recovery efforts. This included the restoration of Kesennuma's historic cityscape.
US-Japan Foundation Grants (2021)
The foundation awarded a grant to support earthquake and tsunami-devastated populations in Kesennuma. The project involved partnering with an international data company and local government to raise employment opportunities.
Ready to Make an Impact?
Join the Kesennuma Community Impact Fund and help direct resources to projects making a difference in the community's recovery and revitalization.