Ideation

Kuja is a platform that connects nonprofit organizations with funding opportunities (grants), promoting a more equitable distribution of resources within the third sector. Unlike other platforms, Kuja focuses on highlighting and supporting organizations that operate with limited budgets but generate high social impact.

Communication Strategy

We defined Kuja as a social network-style platform, where both organizations and funding entities can create profiles, share updates, apply for or publish grants, and build connections. We designed an experience that prioritizes transparency, recognition of on-the-ground work, and equity in the distribution of opportunities.

UX Process

From the beginning, we worked with a user-centered methodology. Through 12 interviews with NGOs, foundations, and grantmakers, we identified common needs: difficulty accessing funds, lack of visibility, and low interaction between ecosystem actors. These interviews guided our decisions regarding information architecture, key features, and communication tone.

Results

The platform was validated with 18 key users across 3 rounds of usability testing using interactive prototypes. Task completion on the grant application flow improved from 41% to 83% between the first and final iteration. We also observed a 67% reduction in navigation errors within the discovery section. Users rated the overall experience 4.4 out of 5, with clarity of the application flow and direct interaction between organizations and funders as the highest-scoring aspects.