Contactless Fundraising Payments & Online Donations

How Digital Payment Devices Are Helping Charities Recover & Generate Extra Revenue

The COVID-19 pandemic brought about unprecedented challenges across all sectors, but none felt it more than charities. As a result of lockdowns, event cancellations, and social distancing measures, many charities faced severe disruptions to their fundraising efforts. In-person events that typically brought in donations were no longer feasible, and the shift toward digital interactions led to a sharp decline in face-to-face contributions. As a result, charities have found themselves grappling with shrinking funds at a time when the demand for their services has increased.

The Decline in Charity Revenue :

Before the pandemic, charities relied heavily on traditional fundraising methods such as galas, charity auctions, and donation boxes at events. However, as COVID-19 forced the world to rethink social gatherings, these sources of income were immediately cut off. According to a report by the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF), UK charities alone lost an estimated £10 billion in 2020 due to the pandemic’s restrictions. This was largely due to event cancellations and a decline in in-person donations.

Digital Payment Devices :

As the world went virtual, charities quickly realized that they needed to innovate and adjust to the digital age. While some had already begun incorporating online donation platforms, the shift to digital payment devices accelerated during the pandemic. From contactless payment systems to QR codes and mobile donation apps, these digital solutions have provided charities with a way to reach donors in a safe and convenient manner.

Here’s how digital payment devices are helping charities generate extra revenue :

Increased Donor Convenience and Engagement The appeal of digital payment devices lies in their ease of use. Traditional methods of donation, such as cash or cheque, often require more time and effort from the donor. However, digital payment methods allow individuals to give quickly and seamlessly via their smartphones or credit/debit cards. For example, charities can set up contactless donation devices at physical locations (like in shopping malls, train stations, or museums), where people can tap their cards or phones to contribute a small amount. These "tap and donate" systems are simple, quick, and require little effort from donors, which leads to higher donation frequency and overall revenue.

Enhanced Security and Trust Digital payments are often perceived as more secure than traditional payment methods. Donors may feel more confident contributing online or through digital devices because these platforms are encrypted and provide receipts or acknowledgments of their donation. The added layer of security encourages donors to contribute more often, which helps increase revenue. Furthermore, by eliminating the need for cash handling, charities reduce the risk of fraud and theft.

Flexible Donation Amounts With digital payment devices, charities can offer flexible donation options. For example, a donor could easily choose to contribute a one-off amount, set up a recurring donation, or participate in a charity auction—all through a secure digital platform. This flexibility not only attracts a broader range of donors but also allows for more consistent revenue streams through recurring donations.

COVID-19 has undoubtedly reshaped the charity sector, forcing many organizations to rethink their fundraising strategies. However, by embracing digital payment solutions, charities are finding new ways to generate revenue, engage with donors, and continue their work. Whether it’s through contactless payments, QR codes, these digital tools are helping charities recover lost income and reach a wider audience. In a world where cash is becoming less common and digital transactions are the norm, charities that adapt to these changes will not only survive but thrive.