Learn How Rekonect Works

Rekonect provides a structured way to host grassroots charitable programs without creating a standalone nonprofit organization.

Programs on Rekonect operate within a shared nonprofit framework. Rekonect serves as the nonprofit host and steward of all programs, while BrightLeaf Giving provides the operational systems that support donations, accounts, and payments.

This page explains how programs are created, funded, and administered.

Overview of the Structure

Each program hosted on Rekonect is established as either:

• a Community Support Fund, or
• a Social Impact Campaign

Both program types operate under Rekonect’s nonprofit umbrella. Donations are made to Rekonect and earmarked for a specific program. Rekonect retains authority over all program funds and oversees their use.

BrightLeaf Giving supports Rekonect by operating the technical and financial systems that make this possible (for a fee of 4.5% of incoming transactions, in addition to 3rd party fees).

Step 1: Program Creation and Review

A program begins with a proposal describing its charitable purpose and scope.

During this stage:

• The program’s intended purpose is defined
• The type of program is identified
• Basic operating parameters are established

Rekonect reviews each proposal to ensure that it aligns with charitable purposes and can be responsibly hosted within its framework.

Step 2: Program Setup

Once approved, the program is formally created under Rekonect.

This includes:

• Establishing the program within Rekonect’s nonprofit structure
• Creating a program-specific page for tracking activity
• Activating operational systems through BrightLeaf Giving

At this stage, the program becomes ready to accept donations.

Step 3: Donations and Fund Tracking

Donations are made to Rekonect and earmarked for the specific fund or campaign.

BrightLeaf Giving:

• Processes donations
• Maintains donor records
• Tracks program balances and activity

Rekonect oversees this process and remains responsible for ensuring funds are applied only toward the program’s charitable purpose.

Step 4: Program Administration

As the program operates:

• Donations continue to be received and recorded
• Program activity is monitored
• Requests related to the use of funds are submitted

Community Support Funds may operate on an ongoing basis.

Social Impact Campaigns operate for a defined period or until their goal is reached.

Throughout this stage, Rekonect remains responsible for program stewardship.

Step 5: Disbursement Requests

When program funds are needed, disbursement requests are submitted in accordance with the program’s purpose.

Rekonect:

• Reviews disbursement requests
• Confirms alignment with the approved charitable purpose
• Authorizes approved disbursements

BrightLeaf Giving executes disbursements and maintains documentation once authorization is granted.

Step 6: Ongoing Oversight and Completion

For Community Support Funds, oversight continues for as long as the fund remains active.
For Social Impact Campaigns, oversight continues until the campaign concludes and all funds have been applied appropriately.

Rekonect maintains responsibility for:

• Ensuring proper use of funds
• Preserving the integrity of the program
• Closing or transitioning programs when appropriate

Roles and Responsibilities at a Glance

Rekonect

• Hosts all programs as the nonprofit entity
• Approves and oversees charitable purposes
• Retains authority over fund use and disbursements

BrightLeaf Giving

• Provides donation processing systems
• Manages program accounts and balances
• Executes disbursements and reporting

Program Organizers

• Define and communicate the program’s purpose
• Submit requests aligned with that purpose
• Act as responsible stewards of the program’s intent

Why This Structure Exists

This structure allows charitable programs to operate with:

• Institutional continuity
• Clear authority over funds
• Separation between donors and control
• Reduced administrative burden for organizers

Programs can focus on their purpose, while Rekonect and BrightLeaf Giving handle the framework that supports them.

Next Steps