Developing a Crowdfunding Platform for Diaspora Investment in Moldova's Development

The International Organization for Migration in Moldova runs several projects related to migration and development: facilitating remittances; engaging migrants abroad; and, diaspora outreach and collaboration. The IOM was thus seeking to promote diaspora engagement through a crowdfunding platform to catalyze the efficient usage of migrant funds. The SIPA team thus explored international best practices; implications of adapting such a model to the Moldovan context; and finally, gave recommendations for introducing and scaling such a program. It was recommended that IOM pursue a hybrid crowdfunding model that starts with a focus on channeling diaspora donations into community and development projects, and which transitions into a platform that attracts both donations and financial investments. Therefore, focusing on trust-building measures in the platform itself was found to be fundamental. The platform would focus on areas such as IT, manufacturing, and the education sectors.