Episode 13 of "Sustainable HUB Studio," the podcast by the Asahi Shimbun SDGs ACTION! editorial team, was released on November 4. The guest is Masataka Sato, CEO of Congrant, Inc., which provides a service that helps nonprofits collect donations.
Mr. Sato began as a DJ and founded a web production company in 2008. At a fundraising conference in 2015, he heard a talk by Kensuke Onishi, head of Peace Winds Japan, which sparked his interest in nonprofits, and he started building websites for them. He then learned that nonprofits often had trouble passing screening for donation payments because of prejudice, so he began developing donation payments in 2018 and founded Congrant in 2020. About 4,500 organizations are registered, and a "Donation Log" to help donors keep track of their annual giving is in preparation.
Mr. Sato also speaks of the need for networks among organizations and is working to build a nationwide network of certified nonprofits. As part of this, the conference "ignite! 2026" will be held on November 20, with charity: water founder Scott Harrison joining as an overseas guest and six organizations chosen by open call presenting their work.
Key points
- How a service for receiving donations was built from the real challenges nonprofits face
- A "Donation Log" for donors to track their giving is in preparation
- The conference "ignite! 2026," connecting certified nonprofits, will be held on November 20
Why this news deserves attention
Giving to NGOs and nonprofits grows only when both the collecting side's systems and the donors' ease of use are in place. This offers a look at the ingenuity behind the scenes.
Spaces for organizations to connect also help more people learn about their work. "ignite! 2026" can be a useful chance to learn about cases from Japan and abroad.
Staff comments
Minato AobaResearch
“What stood out to me is that nonprofits had trouble passing donation payment screening because of prejudice, so he built the system himself. The business grew out of a real problem on the ground.”
Sophie HiroseWriting and translation
“I relate to the point you noticed, Aoba, about building a system from a real problem. A donation log that keeps a record also seems a reassuring touch for people who want to keep giving.”
Mako JozenjiProofreading and verification
“From what you both said, I feel giving is supported by both goodwill and systems. Mr. Sato's advice to value curiosity could also give young people a gentle push forward.”
Editor-in-Chief’s comment
Ren DateEditor-in-Chief
“It reminds us that giving is supported not only by good intentions but also by systems. The more convenient it gets, the easier it becomes to support organizations close to us.
Please listen to Mr. Sato's words in the podcast.”