A platform designed to connect nonprofits and impact investors through form 990 data. Lemon Tree simplifies the search process, empowers organizations, and adds a vital layer of credibility by leveraging IRS Form 990 data.
Vision
Lemon Tree is built on the idea of empowering collaboration through transparency and accessible research, giving nonprofits and investors a reliable way to evaluate each other. The design approach was guided by the need to build trust, simplify discovery, and encourage connection- so I kept it clean, accessible and friendly but task driven.
Mapping
Identifying Unique Challenges
For nonprofits and investors, the challenge lies in navigating an overwhelming amount of information- dense documentation and hidden financials, all while trying to evaluate credibility.
Nonprofits often struggle to stand out, while investors may risk partnering with organizations that lack transparency. Lemon Tree directly addresses these pain points by:
Integrating Form 990 financials and background data for transparency.
Simplifying search and filtering across categories and causes.
Providing trust signals through match scores and impact metrics.
Resolving Complex Problems
Outdated sources and dense documentation make discovery tedious and trust building difficult. Lemon Tree resolves these issues by:
Structuring profiles with mission statements, key programs, metrics, and financials for clarity.
Adding match scores to highlight compatibility.
Creating transparency layers with verified financial data.
Offering community features to build dialogue and relationships.
The balance of transparency and integrity ensures both nonprofits and investors can make informed decisions.
User-Centric Design
Profiles are structured for quick scanning, with clear mission statements, impact metrics, and financial summaries. Search and filtering tools allow users to discover relevant matches quickly. Connection features encourage relationship building, moving the focus from a transactional process into a collaborative one.
Meeting User Needs
For Nonprofits: A platform to highlight their impact, showcase transparency, and attract aligned investors.
For Investors: A reliable, data backed way to identify and connect with nonprofits aligned with their values.
For Both: A platform that simplifies discovery, builds trust, and supports partnerships.
Detailed Pages and Features
Home/Search: A clean interface to search organizations and investors by category, location, and type.
Profile Pages: In depth nonprofit or investor profiles with mission statements, key programs, impact scores, and financial overviews.
Match Scores: Compatibility indicators that highlight alignment between nonprofits and investors.
Community Features: Tools to connect, share resources, and build dialogue.
Transparency Layer: Verified Form 990 data ensuring credibility and accountability.
Accessibility and Optimization
Lemon Tree is designed with inclusivity in mind. Clean typography, intuitive navigation, and responsive layouts ensure usability across devices.
Conclusion
Lemon Tree is a discovery platform designed for a larger, lasting impact. I am really proud of the results of this project and it's ability to help bridge the gap between nonprofits and impact investors. Whether the goal is to secure funding, collaborate or just connect- Lemon Tree provides the platform for any initiative.
