Austria’s socio-political crowdfunding platform Respekt.net celebrated its third anniversary at Vienna’s MuseumsQuartier on 20 September. For the first time, they awarded one of their projects with the “Respekt Award”. Users could vote online for one of 15 social initiatives in Austria.
Out of close to 11.000 votes, PROSA was supported with about 4.000 clicks. As the winner, they will receive 3.000 euros prize money. PROSA is a project that aims to prepare young refugees without access to educational programmes for the graduation exams.
Africhill won second prize (2.000 euros) for their student initiative. In partnership, an Austrian high school is supporting a school in Nigeria with the necessary electricity so the African students can work on computers. Users voted Refugee Protest Bewegung Vienna in third place. The self-organised protest movement of refugees and their supporters will receive 1.000 euros.
About 300 visitors participated in the “3rd day of respect”, where about 40 initiators could share their experiences and the goals of their projects. The celebration also included live music, a photo exhibition, and more.
Respekt.net has some 5.000 registered users, with a hundred new registrations each month. The aim is to contribute to a better society. So far, 136 social projects could be supported – altogether 500.000 euros have been donated. “I hope the Austrian startup scene will soon engage in politics and help us change the country,” said member of the board Oliver Holle.
