?? The Coin That Changes Fundraising Forever From Military Tradition to Charity Innovation
Keith Hanshaw
FAO , Gray Water Ops?, LLC ● Senior Media Consultant, Cumulus Media ● General Manager, Harrisburg Comedy Zone ● Veteran ● Best Selling Author ● Artist ● Podcast Host, Mastering Marketing ● Inventor of Smart Coins?
In the military, a challenge coin is more than a piece of metal. It’s a symbol of loyalty, honor, and shared mission. Service members treasure these coins, carrying them as a lifelong connection to their unit. Now, imagine that same emotional impact fueling your favorite charity.
?? What if every donor became a walking ambassador for your cause? ?? What if fundraisers could multiply donations without changing their existing campaigns?
This isn’t a theory—it’s already happening with Smart Coins?, a patented fundraising tool I developed to revolutionize charitable giving.
In the beginning.... (2001)
?? How a Simple Coin Raised $80,500 for Charity
My first fundraiser was back in 2001 after 9/11 happened. Keep in mind, in 2001 we didn't even have myspace yet so social media wasn't even a thing. I designed and sold a commemorative 9/11 coin just on my website. No advertising or promotion beyoned people finding them on my site, buying them and then sharing with others. through word of mouth.
The coins sold for $20 each. $5 covered the cost of the coin, and shipping, and we donated $15 per coin to the Red Cross disaster relief fund. We sold 5,367 coins to people who wanted them because they had an EMOTIONAL CONNECTION with the event. The coin was a tangible piece of the fundraising effort that supporters could HOLD IN THEIR HANDS. It's something that would keep the memory alive and something you can put in others hands to feel the weight and quality of the coin.
This fundraiser raised $80,500 for the American Red Cross of the Susquehanna Valley Liberty Fund and that was way before I even invented the smart coin?! Imagine how much MORE we could have raised if I had invented the smart coin? in 2001! Let me explain...
When I started my first coin company, I was looking for ways to help non-profits raise money through commemorative coins. The 9/11 coin was our first fundrasier but between then and now, we've developed coins for many other organizations. Here's a small list:
?? Imagine if Smart Coins? existed back then.
?? Imagine if each of those 5,367 9/11 donors had a coin that linked directly to the Red Cross donation page. (Or all the other fundraising coins we made linked to their donation page)
?? Imagine the ripple effect—every donor could introduce someone new to the cause with a simple tap from their smartphone, to the smart coin?.
That’s the power of the Smart Coin?:
? One tap = Instant on the spot, in the moment, donation access
? One conversation = A new donor joins the movement
? One donor = A potential chain of donations that never ends
This isn’t just fundraising—it’s fundraising with exponential impact.
?? The Smart Coin? Effect: A Perpetual Donation Machine
Most fundraisers rely on one-time donations and repeat asks. Smart Coins? fill the gap between the last donation and the next by turning donors into active advocates.
The Theory of Donor Dedication – C = m(d2)
A Smart Coin?-Powered Perpetual Donation Machine
Einstein's Theory of Relativity showed us that a small amount of mass, when multiplied by the speed of light squared, could generate enormous amounts of energy.
Similarly, in The Theory of Donor Dedication, I propose:
? A powerful mission (m)
? Multiplied by dedicated donors (d2)
? Creates a perpetual fundraising force (C = Smart Coin?)
?? A small coin in your pocket = BIG impact for a nonprofit.
A Better Linear Analogy to Einstein’s E=mc2
Think of C = m(d2) as a chain reaction, like nuclear fission, but for fundraising.
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?? In nuclear fission: A single neutron (small input) strikes a uranium atom, splitting it and releasing more neutrons, which then repeat the process—causing an exponential energy release.
?? In donor fission (C = m(d2)): A Smart Coin? (C) is like that first neutron, setting off a chain reaction.
1?? A donor (d) supports a mission (m) and gets a Smart Coin?.
2?? They carry it with them, symbolizing their dedication. (Emotional Connection)
3?? When they share the coin, it sparks another donation (like a neutron hitting another atom when they put the coin in others hands).
4?? That new donor gets a Smart Coin? and continues the process.
?? BOOM! The cycle continues—fundraising energy grows exponentially.
?? The Smart Coin? isn’t just a symbol; it’s the catalyst. It takes a great cause (m) and multiplies its impact through dedicated donors (d2)—just like a chain reaction releases unstoppable energy.
?? Rinse. Repeat. Multiply.
It’s a grassroots marketing tool that works like word-of-mouth fundraising on steroids.
?? Why Charities Need Smart Coins? (and Why They’ll Love Them)
1?? No Need to Change Fundraisers—Just Enhance Them
→ Smart Coins? fit into ANY fundraising model. → Whether it’s galas, peer-to-peer campaigns, corporate sponsorships, or crowdfunding, just add Smart Coins? as an option.
2?? Creates a Physical Connection to the Cause
→ Digital fundraising is powerful, but people still crave tangible connection. → A high-quality, custom-branded Smart Coin? gives donors something they can hold, share, and cherish.
3?? Turns Every Donor Into a Fundraiser
→ Most donors give once and move on. Smart Coins? turn them into advocates. → Instead of just donating, they spread the message and bring in new supporters.
4?? Instant, Friction-Free Donations
→ No need to “Google” a donation page or type in a long URL, or open your camera to scan a QR code. → Just tap the coin on a smartphone, and the charity’s donation page pops up instantly.
?? How We’re Spreading the Word (And How You Can Help!)
?? 1. Smart Coin? Stories: Real-World Case Studies
We’re looking for nonprofits who are looking to raise money and interested in being a real world case study for campaign effectiveness. Contact me if you're interested! I'll walk you through the entire process and help you make it successful.
?? 3. Challenge Coin Enthusiasts—We Need Your Voice!
Military members already understand the value of a challenge coin. We want to bridge that tradition into the nonprofit space. If you have experience with challenge coins, help us spread the message!
?? Join the Movement: Bring Smart Coins? to Your Fundraiser
?? If you run a nonprofit, imagine the impact of turning every donor into a lifetime ambassador.
?? If you’re a donor, imagine carrying a piece of your favorite cause in your pocket.
?? If you’re a corporate sponsor, imagine how powerful it would be to put your brand on the back of a Smart Coin? and reach thousands of engaged supporters.
?? This is the future of fundraising. Let’s build it together.
?? Comment below or message me to learn how Smart Coins? can amplify YOUR mission.
?? Let’s create a perpetual donation machine—one coin at a time.
#Fundraising #SmartCoins #ChallengeCoins #NonprofitInnovation #CharityFundraising #GivingBack