GivenGain was founded in 2001 by brothers Johannes and Jaco van Eeden, three years before they started PayProp.
At the time, online fundraising was still in its infancy. Most charities relied on direct mail, events and telephone campaigns. Johannes and Jaco believed the internet could do something different: rather than help charities reach more donors, it could help supporters reach the people they already knew.
That simple idea became GivenGain.
People give through people.
Most technology companies are built to be sold.
GivenGain was built to last.
As the organization grew, Johannes and Jaco wanted to ensure that it would always remain dedicated to charities, regardless of who led it in the future.
Rather than keeping GivenGain as a privately owned technology company, the founders placed its long-term stewardship in the hands of nonprofit foundations.
Today, GivenGain operates through nonprofit foundations in Switzerland, the United States and the United Kingdom.
The GivenGain intellectual property is exclusively licensed to the Swiss foundation, while Humanstate continues to develop and support the platform under a long-term license.
This means GivenGain has no shareholders, no private owners and no exit strategy.
Every surplus is reinvested into improving the platform and helping charities raise more.
Today, GivenGain helps charities, fundraisers and events connect with donors in more than 190 countries.
What has changed over the past two decades is the scale.
What has not changed is the original idea.
People give through people.
Behind every donation, fundraiser, charity and event is a team committed to helping others create impact.
Johannes co-founded GivenGain in 2001 with his brother Jaco. After helping build PayProp into a global business, he returned in 2024 to lead GivenGain full-time and focus entirely on its long-term mission.
Eduard leads strategy, governance and global partnerships across GivenGain, helping the organization stay true to its mission while growing its reach and impact internationally.
Bruce leads the technology behind GivenGain’s global fundraising network – making giving secure, reliable and effortless, so charities, fundraisers and donors can focus on what matters most.
Faith works closely with charities, events and partners around the world, helping them build successful fundraising programs and achieve greater impact.
Adriaan oversees GivenGain’s financial stewardship, keeping the organization strong, transparent and accountable while supporting long-term growth.
Maria leads people and culture across GivenGain’s global team, building an organization that reflects the values it promotes externally.
Chris leads brand, positioning and marketing, telling the stories of the champions, charities and events that make GivenGain possible.
GivenGain is governed through three nonprofit foundations. Together they ensure the platform remains accountable to its mission, regardless of changes in leadership or ownership.
GivenGain is governed through a network of non-profit foundations in Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States – protecting the mission, safeguarding donor trust, and ensuring GivenGain always serves charities first. It is overseen by a globally diverse board of directors.
Advocate of the South African Supreme Court, former CEO of WWF-SA and a founder member of the Peace Parks Foundation.
Composer, poet and entrepreneur who co-founded GivenGain and PayProp with his brother Jaco in 2001.
Swiss lawyer and partner at Lenz & Staehelin, heading its foundations and philanthropy practice.
Chartered management accountant with deep experience in UK finance and regulated-entity licensing.
London-based corporate law partner at Osborne Clarke and a social-impact angel investor.
Managing Director at Investec Investment Banking.
Founder and board president of the National Christian Foundation of South Florida.
GivenGain Foundation Switzerland · CHE-114.835.299 · GivenGain Foundation USA · EIN 86-3651579 · GivenGain UK Foundation · Charity No. 1204486