In our social entrepreneurship series, The World at Work, Mashable interviews the faces behind the startups and projects that are working to make a global impact.
By harnessing the power of the web and digital technology, these organizations help children with autism communicate, match volunteers to their perfect charity and fund classrooms all over the country. While the companies are diverse, they are all on a mission to change our lives for the better and improve society.
Here's a roundup of featured projects from the last week, including exclusive video interviews with the founders of these innovative startups. To read more and watch the videos, click through to the full story, and follow the series to learn about more breakthrough companies.
1. Keepon
Big Idea: Keepon is a little robot developed in Japan that is used to research childhood communication and interaction. The consumer version, MyKeepon, funds the construction and distribution of Keepons to labs around the globe.
Why It's Working: Keepon's simple design and mannerisms make it an effective communication tool that doesn't intimidate kids with autism. Also, its cuteness factor is nothing short of infectious.
2. Donors Choose
Big Idea: Donors Choose is an educational charity that allows donors to choose to fund a variety of classroom projects and materials.
Why It's Working: With more than $116 million raised and 6 million kids helped in classrooms all over the country, Donors Choose has been increasing its impact and surpassing funding records every year since it went live in 2003.
Read the full story and see the video here.
3. Social Reality
Big Idea: Social Reality is an app developer that integrates philanthropy and gaming into brands' social media strategies.
Why It's Working: The app network blends gaming and social good to create viral digital engagement programs as part of a brand's social strategy. Its network of social apps reaches more than 300 million visitors each month.
4. Idealist
Big Idea: Idealist is a platform that helps connect non-profits and charities with volunteers, interns and employees.
Why It's Working: With more than one million registered users, Idealist is a conduit for those interested in working at non-profits or charities to find a job with purpose. It's also a win for non-profits and charities, which benefit from visibility and resources found on Idealist's website.
Read the full story and see the video here.
5. Raspberry Pi
Big Idea: Raspberry Pi is a small, lightweight computer that runs on Linux and costs next to nothing — the Model A retails at $35, while the forthcoming Model B will be priced at $25.
Why It's Working: By far the cheapest computer on the market, the creator of Raspberry Pi hopes to get the gadget in the hands of children all over the world.
What do you think of the efforts of these startups and foundations? Let us know in the comments below.
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