Method and system for soliciting charitable contributions using digital content over a network
A method and system for soliciting charitable contributions using digital content files over a global computer network, e.g., the Internet, via community web sites are provided. The method and system allow a user, e.g., a solicitor or soliciting member, to post digital data on a community web site soliciting charitable contributions from other members of the community. If the users on the web site wish to contribute to the soliciting user, they can do so with an e-commerce transaction. The soliciting member will then receive part of the monies contributed by the user(s) with the rest of the monies contributed distributed to the community hosting web site, and to the members/users who made the contribution(s) as an incentive for the contributions.
1 . A method for soliciting a charitable contribution over a computer network, the method comprising the steps:
receiving by a server of a file agent at least one digital content file from a solicitor;
presenting the at least one digital content file on at least one page of at least one community web site;
associating a suggested contribution amount to the at least one digital content file;
receiving at least a portion of the suggested contribution amount from at least one user in exchange for the at least one digital content file;
distributing a first distribution amount of the received portion of the suggested contribution amount to the solicitor; and
distributing a second distribution amount of the received portion of the suggested contribution amount to the at least one user.
2 . The method as in claim 1 , further comprising the step determining the second distribution amount including:
selecting a user distribution percentage;
selecting a plurality of user threshold levels; and
determining the second distribution amount by the following formula:
(
purchase
transaction
amount
)
*
(
user
distribution
percentage
)
*
(
present
user
threshold
level
(
PUTL
)
PUTL
+
previous
user
threshold
levels
)
.
3 . The method as in claim 1 , further comprising distributing a third distribution amount of the received portion of the suggested contribution amount to the file agent of the server.
4 . The method as in claim 3 , wherein the presenting step includes posting a location of the at least one digital content file by a distributor and the method further comprising the step of distributing a fourth distribution amount of the received portion of the suggested contribution amount to the distributor.
5 . The method as in claim 1 , wherein the at least one digital content file is an audio file, a video file, a multimedia file, a text file, a web page or a software application.
6 . The method as in claim 1 , wherein the solicitor is an individual or charitable organization.
7 . The method as in claim 1 , wherein the at least a portion of the suggested contribution amount is a full value of the suggested contribution.
8 . The method as in claim 1 , wherein the at least a portion of the suggested contribution amount is an amount less than full value of the suggested contribution.
9 . The method as in claim 8 , further comprising setting a minimum contribution amount, wherein the exchange will not take place unless at least the minimum contribution amount is received.
10 . The method as in claim 1 , wherein the distributing step includes payment by checks, credits to bank accounts, wire transfer, issuance of cash redemption cards or payment by a payment agent.
11 . The method as in claim 1 , wherein the distributing step further includes issuing a payment for the second distribution amount to the at least one user at a terrestrial agency.
12 . The method as in claim 1 , wherein the distributing step includes issuance of credits to a user account to be used for additional services provided by file agent.
13 . The method as in claim 1 , wherein the presenting at least one digital content file includes posting a link on the at least one page of at least one community web site indicative of a location of the at least one digital content file.
14 . The method as in claim 1 , wherein the presenting at least one digital content file includes embedding the at least one digital content file on the at least one page of at least one community web site.
15 . A server for distributing digital content files over a network comprising:
a communication device for receiving at least one digital content file from a solicitor; and
a processor for presenting the at least one digital content file on at least one page of at least one community web site, associating a suggested contribution amount to the at least one digital content file; receiving at least a portion of the suggested contribution amount from at least one user in exchange for the at least one digital content file; distributing a first distribution amount of the received portion of the suggested contribution amount to the solicitor; and distributing a second distribution amount of the received portion of the suggested contribution amount to the at least one user.
16 . The server as in claim 15 , wherein the processor is adapted for selecting a user distribution percentage, selecting a plurality of user threshold levels and determining the second distribution amount by the following formula:
(
purchase
transaction
amount
)
*
(
user
distribution
percentage
)
*
(
present
user
threshold
level
(
PUTL
)
PUTL
+
previous
user
threshold
levels
)
.
17 . The server as in claim 15 , wherein the processor is adapted for retaining a third distribution amount of the received portion of the suggested contribution amount.
18 . The server as in claim 17 , wherein the processor is adapted to transmit a location of the at least one digital content file to a distributor and to distribute a fourth distribution amount of the received portion of the suggested contribution amount to the distributor.
19 . The server as in claim 15 , wherein the at least one digital content file is an audio file, a video file, a multimedia file, a text file, a web page or a software application.
20 . The server as in claim 15 , further comprising a storage device for storing the at least one digital content file.
21 . The server as in claim 15 , further comprising a storage device for storing a plurality of user accounts, each user account maintaining distributed credits for each user.
22 . The server as in claim 15 , wherein the at least a portion of the suggested contribution amount is a full value of the suggested contribution.
23 . The server as in claim 15 , wherein the at least a portion of the suggested contribution amount is an amount less than full value of the suggested contribution.
24 . The server as in claim 23 , wherein the processor is adapted for setting a minimum contribution amount, wherein the exchange will not take place unless at least the minimum contribution amount is received.