Despite billions donated annually, charitable giving remains stuck in the past. Founders Dan Eblagon and Ron Levy aim to change that with Bono, a sleek new platform designed to simplify and personalize the donation experience. Launched officially this week, Bono also announced $1.6 million in pre-seed funding to scale its mission.
Bono connects users with vetted nonprofits aligned with causes they care about—like climate action, LGBTQ+ rights, and animal welfare. Users set a recurring donation plan starting at just $5 per month, and Bono handles the rest—distributing funds across selected charities automatically.
The platform’s name draws inspiration from “pro bono” service, not the famous U2 frontman. Its mission? To bring a modern, tech-driven approach to charitable giving.
From Phone Call Frustration to Platform Innovation
Eblagon’s inspiration for Bono came after receiving a donation solicitation call for a charity he didn’t remember supporting. “I liked the idea that I’d donated, but had no clue what impact it made,” he said. That moment sparked the idea to disrupt traditional giving models that lack transparency and personalization.
Bono solves this by offering weekly impact reports that show donors how their money is making a difference—like meals served or therapy sessions provided. Its mobile app, available on iOS and Android, lets users track their total annual impact in real time.
The newly raised funding will help build out features, including an AI chatbot that matches users with the best-fit charities. That feature is in pilot testing and is expected to launch publicly by September.
Another core part of Bono’s growth strategy involves teaming up with content creators. Bono currently works with over a dozen influencers through three models:
- Flat-fee campaigns – upfront payment for promotions
- Affiliate-style commissions – earnings based on performance
- Donated commissions – creators donate their earnings back to the cause
While monetizing charity might seem controversial, Eblagon says most creators opt to give back. “It’s not just another product—they’re sharing something they believe in,” he said.
Scaling Fast and Setting High Standards
Soft-launched during the Los Angeles wildfire crisis in December, Bono initially supported just 100 charities. Today, it supports all 1.5 million U.S. nonprofits, with donors contributing an average of $20 monthly. Some contribute more than $1,000 a month.
To qualify, nonprofits must be U.S.-registered and maintain a rating above 8.5 on trusted platforms like Charity Navigator and GuideStar. A strong social media presence is also preferred, ensuring donors connect with visible and credible organizations.
The $1.6 million funding round was led by Progression.Fund, with participation from angel investors at tech giants like Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Intuit, and X/Twitter. This support reflects growing interest in tech-enabled, ethical platforms reshaping philanthropy.
Bono’s fresh approach to giving, powered by AI and social influence, could mark a turning point in how younger, digital-first donors engage with causes they care about.
