Picture this: someone at your bake sale says 'I'd love to donate, but I haven't got any cash.” You hand them your phone. They tap their card. Done. The donation is on your Fundraising Page before they’ve finished their brownie.

That’s exactly what our free Tap to Donate app makes possible - no card reader, no hardware, no faff.

What is the Tap to Donate app?

The Tap to Donate app turns your smartphone into a contactless donation terminal. Supporters tap their card, phone or digital wallet against yours, and the donation lands on your Fundraising page instantly.

It works wherever you are - at events, in workplaces, at schools, out in the community. It’s available on iOS and Android, and it takes about two minutes to set up.

Why contactless donations?

Fewer people carry cash these days. If you’re only set up to accept notes and coins, you’re leaving money on the table. Contactless giving removes the friction - no more “I’ll donate to your page later” promises that get forgotten. When it’s easy to give, people give more. It really is that simple.

How to get started in four steps:

1. Create your Fundraising Page on Give as you Live Donate - you can support up to 6 charities at once.
2. Download the Tap to Donate app for free from the App Store or Google Play.
3. Log in using the same details you used to set up your account
4. Select your Fundraising Page, and you’re ready to start collecting contactless donations.

That’s it. You’re ready to go.

See it in action: real fundraisers, real results

The best way to understand how powerful this is? See how our members are already using it:

Jude held a bake sale for East Anglian Air Ambulance. Rather than passing around a tin, she passed around her phone and raised over £300. See Jude’s page here.

Margaret wanted to raise money for Dementia UK. Her Soup and Pudding fundraiser brought the community together. With the Tap to Donate app ready on her phone, no one had to worry about having the right change. She raised over £1,000. See Margaret’s page here.

Kelly organised a charity quiz night, auction and raffle to support Motor Neurone Disease research. On the night, a tap was all it took to help her raise over £500. See Kelly’s page here.

A soup lunch. A bake sale. A pub quiz. Three very different events, one very easy way to collect donations.

It’s not just for big events

You don’t need to be running a sponsored marathon to make the most of this. The app works just as well for smaller, everyday moments:

• Collecting sponsorship after a training session
• Taking donations at school pick-up
• Raising funds at a community club or faith group
• Accepting last-minute donations from friends and family

How will it work on my phone?

The app uses NFC (Near Field Communication), which is the same technology that lets you tap your own card at a till. It’s built into most modern smartphones already, and it’s what makes the tap-to-donate experience possible. The app is available on iOS and Android.

Not sure if your device is compatible? Get in touch with our team, and we’ll point you in the right direction.

Is it safe?

Yes. All payments are processed securely through Give as you Live Donate. Supporters can give using contactless debit or credit cards, Apple Pay or Google Pay, and every donation goes directly to your Fundraising Page. We’re registered with the Fundraising Regulator, so you and your donors can give with complete confidence.

Supporters can also add Gift Aid to their donation when they tap, meaning charities can claim an extra 25p for every £1 given, at no extra cost to the donor.

Ready to start collecting contactless donations?

If you already have a Give as you Live Donate Fundraising Page, you can be up and running in minutes. Download the Tap to Donate app, log in, pick your page, and start collecting.

No hardware. No complicated setup. Just you, your phone, and a lot more donations.

The post Collect Contactless Donations From Your Phone appeared first on Give as you Live Donate Blog.

If you could add extra donations to your Fundraising Page without spending anything extra, you would, right? Well, there’s an easy way to do it.

When you create a Fundraising Page with Give as you Live Donate, you can also use Give as you Live Online to raise free donations when you shop online.

What is Give as you Live Online?

Give as you Live Online lets you raise free donations when you shop with over 6,000 retailers, including John Lewis, eBay, Tesco, Booking.com and many more.

The retailer pays the donation, so your shopping costs you nothing extra. And instead of raising for a charity directly, you can choose your own Fundraising Page, meaning the free donations you raise from your everyday shopping can be added to your fundraising total.

How to raise donations on your page

Getting started is easy: first log in to Give as you Live Online using the same login details you use for Give as you Live Donate.

1. Go here and select 'Support a Fundraising Page'.
2. Find and select your Fundraising Page.
3. Visit Give as you Live Online via our website, app, or Donation Reminder when you shop
4. The retailer will pay a donation towards your page.

That’s it! From your weekly shop and holidays to clothes, gifts, homeware and more, your everyday online shopping could help you get closer to your fundraising target.

Make it even easier

You don’t have to remember to visit Give as you Live Online every time you shop.

Download the Donation Reminder to get a handy reminder when you visit a participating retailer on your computer, so you don’t miss the chance to raise a free donation.

Prefer shopping on your phone? Download the Give as you Live app to find participating retailers and raise donations while you shop on the go.

Every free donation adds to your fundraising total, so start shopping and see how much extra you can raise for your page!

The post How To Raise Free Funds For Your Fundraising Page appeared first on Give as you Live Donate Blog.

Woohoo! If you’re reading this guide, you’ve most likely set up a Fundraising Page through Give as you Live Donate.

We’re here with you every step of the way, so we’ve put together some of our top tips to help you get the most from your Fundraising Page, with real-life examples from our fundraisers along the way.

1. Set yourself a fundraising target

If you haven’t already, we always recommend setting a target for your Fundraising Page. From the pages we’ve seen, those with a fundraising target usually raise 2x more!

Having a target gives your supporters something to rally behind and lets them see the progress you’re making. It can be particularly motivating when you’re close to reaching your goal – if you’re just £20 away, someone may be encouraged to help get you over the line.

Adrian set himself a £1,500 target for his Land’s End to John O’Groats cycle, with the goal of raising £1.50 for every mile. He reached his target before he had even completed his challenge, thanks to his clear target and regular updates.

2. Make your Fundraising Page personal

People want to know the story behind your fundraising, so make sure your page answers a few simple questions:

• Who are you and what are you doing?
• Who are you supporting?
• Why does the cause matter to you?

Your page title is important too, as it’s often one of the first things people will see. Rather than something generic like ‘Amy’s fundraiser’, think about a title that tells people what you’re doing or makes them want to find out more.

Here are some examples:

Don't forget to add images to your page too. Choose something that makes your fundraiser instantly recognisable and personal to you.

3. Get your first donation

Getting that first donation can help get the ball rolling. In fact, people who make a donation to their own Fundraising Page raise up to 86% more.

Once you've got started, share your page with your immediate friends and family and encourage them to share it with their networks too.

It's also worth speaking to the charity you're fundraising for. They may be able to share your Fundraising Page with their supporters. If there are relevant groups or communities connected to your fundraiser, consider sharing your page there too.

4. Share your page far and wide

The more people who see your Fundraising Page, the more opportunities you have to receive donations.

You can easily share your page through social media, WhatsApp, email, SMS and more directly from your Fundraising Page. You can also download your Fundraising Page QR code and add it to posters, clothing or other materials, so people can simply scan it to donate.

But don't just share a link. Tell people what you're doing and why it matters to you. On social media, you can also tag the charity you're supporting – they may even share your post with their wider audience.

5. Keep your Fundraising Page updated

Your Fundraising Page doesn't have to stay the same from the day you launch it. Keep it updated as your fundraiser progresses by sharing photos, videos and updates. If you're taking on an event or challenge, you can also connect platforms such as Strava or Twitch to bring your progress to life.

Regular updates give your supporters another reason to visit your page – and another opportunity for you to share it.

You could share:

• Training or preparation updates
• Photos and videos
• How close you are to your target
• A countdown to your event
• Milestones you've reached
• A reminder just before the big day

6. Celebrate your fundraising milestones

Don't wait until you've hit your final target to celebrate. Whether you've raised your first £100 or reached 25%, 50% or 75% of your target, every milestone gives you something new to share with your supporters. If you have a target set up, we email you when you hit these milestones, so you don’t miss them.

It's also a great opportunity to thank everyone who has donated so far and remind others that there's still time to get involved.

7. Go beyond online donations

You don't have to rely only on online donations. With our Tap to Donate app, you can collect contactless donations in person using your phone, with donations going towards your Fundraising Page – ideal for fundraising events or while you're out promoting your challenge.

You can also link your Fundraising Page to Give as you Live Online to raise free donations when you, your friends or family shop with participating retailers, at no extra cost.

8. Make one final fundraising push

Finished your challenge? Your fundraising doesn't have to end there.

Share photos and updates from the day, tell your supporters how it went and remind anyone who hasn't donated that there's still time.

You might be surprised by how many people were waiting to see you complete your challenge before donating!

Once you're finished, don't forget to thank everyone who donated, shared or supported your fundraiser and let them know the final amount you raised.

The post 8 Tips From Our Fundraising Experts appeared first on Give as you Live Donate Blog.

If you notice that your Stripe account is restricted, don't worry – this is usually straightforward to resolve.

At Give as you Live Donate, we sometimes see Stripe Connect accounts restricted when they can't complete the verification checks required by financial regulations. Below are five common reasons restrictions happen and how to fix them.

Contents:

• 2026 Updates
• Missing verification document
• Stripe requires personal identification
• Required sections are incomplete
• Restricted jurisdictions
• Additional compliance checks

📢 2026 Compliance Update

Stripe regularly reviews its verification requirements. In 2026, Stripe updated its Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements to stay compliant with financial regulations and reduce fraud. If your account is affected, you will receive an email from us asking you to update your information. This is a routine compliance update and does not mean your charity has done anything wrong.

What happens if I don't update my information?

If the required information is not provided by Stripe's deadline, your account's ability to make payouts may be temporarily paused. To avoid any delays to your charity's payments, we recommend completing the verification as soon as possible. If you're unsure what's required, you can check your Stripe authorisation form or contact our charity team for support.

1. Verification document is missing or rejected

Stripe must verify your organisation to receive payments. To do this, you will need to share a document that confirms your charity name and address. You can upload this to the 'Business details' section on your Stripe authorisation form. This will look like this:

Why verification documents can be rejected:

Stripe may reject documents if:

• The document has expired
• The organisation name does not match the name used on your Stripe account exactly
• The document is cropped or incomplete
• The file is a screenshot rather than the original document
• The image is unclear or unreadable
• The file format is incorrect (documents should be PDF, JPEG or PNG)
• Only one side of a document was uploaded when both sides are required
• Ensure the charity name, registered address and trustee details match your official Charity Commission or Companies House records exactly.

Source: https://stripe.com/docs/acceptable-verification-documents

2. Stripe requires personal identification

Stripe must verify the identity of at least one individual connected to your charity. This is required under anti-money laundering regulations (KYC – Know Your Customer).

In most cases, Stripe only requires information from the nominated account representative. However, it may request details from additional trustees or directors if needed. This will usually be:

Accepted ID types:

Stripe accepts the following:

• Passport
• Driving Licence
• National ID
• Government-issued ID that shows your face

If you have already uploaded your ID, it is possible that it could not be verified. If this is the case, you will see the following once you click on the individual under ‘Management and ownership’ on the Stripe form:

Source: https://stripe.com/docs/connect/identity-verification

3. Required sections of the Stripe form are incomplete

Stripe might restrict an account if required sections of the authorisation form are missed. Even small details can trigger a restriction.

Common sections that can be missed include:

• Charity number – You can upload this in the CRN box within the 'Business details' section
• Personal ID – Stripe requires at least one person to be assigned to the account to upload their ID
• Job title – Stripe needs this to verify the individual's role within your organisation
• Address - Stripe needs this to verify an individual's address

If required information is missing, Stripe will mark the section as incomplete until the information is provided, e.g.:

If you do not see sections showing as incomplete, please check each section to see if you have missed uploading an ID or a company verification document. If you are unsure, you can reach out to our charity team for support.

4. Your charity is linked to restricted jurisdictions

Stripe operates under international financial regulations and sanctions rules. Because of this, Stripe does not allow accounts connected to certain high-risk jurisdictions.

If Stripe sees references to these regions on your website or activities, your account may be restricted.

Examples include:

• Cuba
• Iran
• North Korea
• Syria

You can find the full list here: https://stripe.com/gb/legal/restricted-businesses

Restrictions may apply if your charity operates in these regions, sends funds to these regions or promotes activities connected to them.

5. Stripe needs additional compliance checks

In some cases, Stripe may request additional information before allowing payouts. This is part of Stripe’s compliance checks to prevent fraud and financial crime.

Examples include:

• Additional documentation confirming the organisation
• Verification of individuals associated with the charity
• Clarification of your charity activities

These checks are standard for payment platforms handling financial transactions.

Source: https://stripe.com/docs/connect

What to do if your Stripe account is still restricted

If your charity account is restricted, you can usually resolve the issue by completing the missing verification steps:

1. Go to your Stripe authorisation form
2. Check each section for missing information
3. Upload any requested verification documents
4. Submit the form again for Stripe review

Stripe typically reviews submissions within 2–3 business days. Once Stripe can verify the information, the restriction will usually be lifted. If your account remains restricted after following these steps, please reach out to our charity team here.

The post What To Do If Your Charity Stripe Account Is Restricted appeared first on Give as you Live Donate Blog.

As the cost of living continues to rise across the UK, food banks provide essential support for those struggling to afford food. This guide will help you understand how to effectively support your local food bank through donations, volunteering and raising awareness.

The importance of food banks:

Food banks provide emergency food supplies to individuals and families facing financial hardship in the UK. There are currently over 1,300 food bank centres offering support, with many seeing record demand in recent years.

According to The Trussell Trust, 3.1 million emergency food parcels were distributed by their food banks in 2023-2024. This has increased by 94% over the last five years, and more than 1.1 million of these parcels were distributed to children.

Each of these food banks relies heavily on community donations and volunteer support to meet this growing need. Here at Give as you Live, we offer alternative ways you can support your chosen food banks by raising free donations via your online shopping, direct donations or Fundraising Pages.

What your food bank needs most:

Every food bank has a list of needed items to create their food parcels. While specific needs may vary between locations, these items are typically most requested:

To stay up to date with what your food bank needs the most, you can download the BankTheFood app and follow your local food bank for real-time updates of which items they need.

How to find and support your local food bank:

Locating and supporting your local food bank can be done in many ways:

1. Find your nearest centre: Use The Trussell Trust's food bank finder or search "local food bank near me" to identify locations in your area.
2. Supermarket collection points: Many major supermarkets like Sainsbury's, Tesco and ASDA have collection points where you can donate items to food banks while you shop.
3. Direct donations: Most food banks accept donations directly at their premises during operating hours.
4. Community collection points: Churches, community centres and schools often act as collection points for food banks, especially during special drives.
5. Fundraise for them: You can make a direct donation or set up a Fundraising Page for your local food bank through Give as you Live Donate.

Volunteering at food banks:

Food banks rely on volunteers to operate effectively. Donating your time can be just as valuable as food donations. Volunteer opportunities typically include:

• Sorting and organising donations
• Assisting with food parcel preparation
• Helping with distribution
• Administrative support
• Driving and delivery services
• Fundraising activities

Most food banks also offer flexible volunteering schedules to accommodate various availability. Contact your local food bank directly to learn about their specific volunteer needs and application process.

How businesses can support food banks:

Organisations and businesses can make a significant impact by supporting a food bank through:

• Organising workplace food collection drives
• Sponsoring food bank programs or events
• Offering matched giving for employee donations
• Providing volunteer time off for employees
• Creating long-term partnerships with local food banks

You can also set up a corporate fundraiser to support your chosen food bank via Give as you Live Corporate here.

How to start supporting your local food bank:

Supporting your local food bank doesn't mean you have to volunteer every week or donate items every day. Even small, regular donations can help provide vital services for people around the UK!

Here are three ways to start:

1. Find your nearest food bank centre through The Trussell Trust website or independent food bank directories
2. Check their specific needs and donation guidelines
3. Start with whatever level of support you can provide - whether that's volunteering weekly or raising free donations from your online shopping via Give as you Live Online.

Supporting your local food bank is a great way to help those in need within your community. Whether you donate food or raise free donations from your online shopping, your contributions play a vital role in providing essential support to families in need.

What is Give as you Live?

Since 2010, Give as you Live has helped raise over $grandTotalRound for UK charities through online shopping, Fundraising Pages, direct donations and more. Get started now and turn your everyday actions into free donations.

The post A Guide To Supporting Your Local Food Bank appeared first on Give as you Live Donate Blog.

If you’ve been hearing about AI and wondering if it could help your charity, you're not alone. While it might sound technical, there are many AI tools charity teams can use to make tasks like writing content, designing graphics, and saving time on admin easier. The best part? You don’t need a big budget or tech background to give these AI tools a go.

There are some brilliant free tools and guides available to help you get started, including Give as you Live’s AI Hub in your Marketing Toolkit. In this blog, we’ve rounded up our top picks so you can explore what works for your charity.

Contents:

• What is AI, and why are charities using it?
• 3 AI tools your charity should consider
• Useful AI guides for charities
• Give as you Live's free AI Hub
• AI Prompts to try
• Make the most of Give as you Live

What is AI, and why are charities using it?

Put simply, artificial intelligence (AI) is technology that can help you complete tasks faster or more creatively, like writing, planning, analysing or designing.

For charities, that could mean:

• Drafting supporter emails or social posts
• Coming up with ideas for a new campaign
• Summarising a report or funding application
• Automating small admin jobs

You don’t need to be technical to try it - just open to experimenting with the right tools. For more information, be sure to check out our free practical guide to AI.

3 AI tools your charity should consider

These free or discounted digital tools for charities can help you explore AI safely and productively, even if you're just getting started.

1. Canva

2. ChatGPT

Great for: Writing emails, campaign ideas, and supporter messaging.

ChatGPT is a tool that can generate copy, suggest campaign themes, and help brainstorm ideas. Nonprofits can get up to 50% off premium plans, giving you access to more powerful features and faster responses.

3. HubSpot

Great for: Donor management, email campaigns, supporter journeys.

HubSpot’s CRM includes automation, AI marketing tools, and analytics, and charities can save 40% on all products. It’s ideal for managing supporter relationships and boosting your digital comms.

Useful AI Guides for Charities

Whether you're brand new to AI or looking to expand how you use it in your charity comms, fundraising or admin, these resources are packed with practical advice, examples, and easy-to-follow support.

🔗 Charity Digital: AI Resources
Case studies, guides, and tools tailored to the third sector.

🔗 CharityComms: AI Hub
A brilliant roundup of articles, expert insights, and ethical AI discussions.

🔗 Give as you Live: Useful Links & Resources
A free collection of training links, tools, and articles to help your charity explore AI confidently.

Our free AI Hub, built for charities like yours

We’ve created our own AI Hub - a free space inside your charity account packed with everything you need to explore AI with confidence.

Inside the Hub, you’ll find:

• A simple guide to using AI in your charity
• Real prompt examples you can copy and tweak
• A jargon-free glossary of common AI terms
• Links to free AI training and articles
• A guide to avoiding bias and using AI ethically

Whether you’re curious or confident, either way, it’s a great place to learn, explore, and use AI for good.

Make the most of Give as you Live

Whether you're already signed up or just getting started with digital fundraising, here are a few tips to help you get the most from your account, including more ways to access our AI hub and free resources.

Download the Tap to Donate App

Collect donations in person at events, in the office, or on the go - no kit required. Available for you and your supporters to use, for free.

Download Now >

Subscribe to our Fortnightly Resources

Get fresh marketing resources, handy guides and webinar invites sent straight to your inbox. Subscribe for updates!

Subscribe >

Browse your Charity Toolkit

From social posts to ready-made fundraising assets - spend 5 minutes exploring your toolkit and discover time-saving resources.

Browse Now >

Customise your Donate Button

Add a branded donate button to your website to take one-off or repeat donations, all tracked and secure.

Add Now >

AI can help any UK charity work smarter – from writing content to managing comms and saving time on admin. With the right AI guides and tools, it’s easier than ever to get started. That’s why we’ve built the Give as you Live AI Hub – packed with resources, tips, and real examples to help your charity explore AI with confidence.

The post Free AI Tools And Guides Every UK Charity Should Know About appeared first on Give as you Live Donate Blog.

What Hope & May want charities to know:

Understanding your legal requirements

Hope & May work with charities and not-for-profits that are deeply committed to making a difference, but often uncertain about their legal responsibilities under UK GDPR. One key question they help many organisations answer is:

Does your charity need a DPO?

According to official guidance from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), if your organisation engages in certain types of data processing activities, you are required to appoint a DPO. This isn't just a recommendation - it's a legal requirement.

When must charities appoint a DPO?

The ICO states that organisations must appoint a DPO if any of the following apply:

1. Your core activities involve large-scale processing of special category data
2. Your core activities require regular and systematic monitoring of individuals on a large scale.

Charities may often fall into one or both of the above categories.

Examples that require a DPO appointment:

You would be required to appoint a DPO if your organisation carries out activities such as:

• Tracking behaviour on your website or through digital fundraising tools
• Operating CCTV or surveillance systems at scale
• Maintaining large databases of service users, volunteers, or donors
• Collecting and storing special category data (such as health, ethnicity, or religious beliefs)
• Running long-term support, casework, or programme monitoring involving personal data
• Processing personal data across multiple locations or at high volume

If you answered “yes” to any of these, the ICO response is as follows: “Your organisation will need to appoint a data protection officer.” Based on the answers given, you probably need to appoint a data protection officer (DPO).

The full guidance is available on the ICO’s website, but for most charities, the message is simple: a DPO may not be optional, and should be appointed for good governance in the organisation.

Why it matters

Having a qualified DPO in place helps your organisation:

• Stay legally compliant and avoid regulatory fines
• Protect sensitive data relating to supporters, beneficiaries, and staff
• Manage risks with confidence
• Respond effectively to Subject Access Requests and potential data breaches
• Demonstrate accountability and good governance to funders, partners, and the public

Hope & May: DPO Services for Charities

Hope & May specialise in outsourced DPO services for charities, foundations, and community organisations across the UK. Their tailored support means you get:

✅A named expert acting as your official DPO
✅Ongoing guidance and hands-on support
✅Policy reviews, risk assessments, and compliance checks
✅Staff training and process improvement
✅Peace of mind knowing you’re fulfilling your legal obligations

Need help determining your status?

If you're unsure whether your organisation’s activities meet the threshold, or you're ready to appoint a DPO but don't know where to start, Hope & May are here to support you.

Contact the team at Hope & May today for expert guidance at info@hopeandmay.com.

Give as you Live's Trusted Partners

Give as you Live's Trusted Partners connect charities with vetted, expert-led businesses that understand the sector. Whether you need legal support, digital tools, or fundraising services, Give as you Live's partners are here to help you thrive.

The post Does Your Charity Need A Data Protection Officer? appeared first on Give as you Live Donate Blog.

Winter may bring colder weather, but it also warms hearts with its spirit of giving. The festive season provides excellent opportunities for charity fundraising, while January and February offer chances to capitalise on New Year’s resolutions and Valentine’s Day.

At Give as you Live Donate, we help charities make the most of seasonal fundraising with tools and platforms that simplify donations and boost engagement. Whether you're planning a festive fundraiser or looking for creative ways to inspire supporters in the new year, we’re here to support you. Here are some winter fundraising ideas to keep your supporters engaged during the chillier months.

December

• Festive Market: Host a festive market with local vendors, food, and seasonal activities. If you’re worried about resources to organise your own event, why not partner with a venue already hosting a festive market, and appeal to them to donate a portion of the proceeds? You can even use our free Tap to Donate app to take contactless donations on the go!

• Christmas Jumper Competition: Host a festive jumper contest where participants compete for titles like "Most Creative" or "Most Festive" with an entry fee donation. You can create multiple categories to encourage diverse participation. Approach local businesses to sponsor prizes for different categories.

• Santa Fun Run: Organise a 5K run where participants dress as Santa Claus. Provide hats with registration. Choose a route through populated areas to attract attention and potential spontaneous donations. Consider a shorter distance option for families with young children.

• Christmas Carolling: Arrange for groups to sing carols or festive classics door-to-door or at local shopping centres.

• Gift Wrapping Station: Set up a gift-wrapping service at a shopping centre or a market during the festive season.

January

• New Year's Resolution Challenge: Launch a month-long challenge tied to common resolutions (fitness, learning, etc.) where participants gather sponsorships. You can create weekly check-ins to maintain momentum and engagement. Offer small prizes for milestone achievements to keep motivation high during a traditionally difficult month.

• Quiz of the Year: Host a quiz focusing on events from the previous year to test who was paying attention! If you’re not able to host the quiz yourself, why not partner with a local pub and ask them to donate a portion of the proceeds from the evening?

• Winter Warmer Event: Host a soup kitchen or hot chocolate stand to bring warmth to your community while raising funds. Partner with local cafés or restaurants to donate ingredients or expertise. Create a digital recipe book of the soups served as an additional fundraising item.

• New Year Clear-Out: Encourage supporters to declutter after Christmas and donate quality items. Supporters can donate items in person, but also get involved online by selling their items on Vinted or eBay.Provide guidelines on what can be donated and arrange collection services for larger items. Share upcycling ideas for unwanted Christmas gifts.

February

• Valentine's Day Bake Sale: Organise a sale of heart-shaped and romance-themed treats. You could ask any baking enthusiasts in your community to help, or partner with a local bakery and ask them to donate a portion of the proceeds from Valentine’s treats.

• Random Acts of Kindness Day (17th February): Challenge supporters to perform and document random acts of kindness while collecting sponsorships. Quick and easy ideas include calling a friend, sending flowers, picking up groceries for an elderly neighbour, offering to babysit for friends and family, spending time with animals, or taking items to a charity shop.

• Winter Charity Walk: Arrange a winter walking event through scenic landscapes (weather permitting). Don’t forget, there’s a ready-made Walking Challenge campaign available to download from your Marketing Toolkit!

• Indoor Games Tournament: Host charity board game competitions, quiz nights, or indoor sports events to bring people together during the cold months.

Winter fundraising often happens in challenging weather conditions, making digital tools essential. Online ticketing simplifies management for events like the Indoor Games Tournament. For sponsorship activities like the Santa Fun Run, Fundraising Pages allow supporters to gather pledges without braving the cold. Contactless donation is particularly valuable at Festive Markets and Gift Wrapping Stations, where people may not carry cash but still wish to support your cause.

New to Give as you Live?

Since 2010, we’ve helped raise $grandTotalRound for UK charities. Our platform is completely free to use, and gives you access to:

Give as you Live Online: Earn free donations when your supporters shop online at over 6,000 retailers.

Give as you Live Donate: Take direct donations, create Campaign Pages, and collect in-person donations with our Tap to Donate app.

The post Winter Fundraising Ideas For Charities appeared first on Give as you Live Donate Blog.

As the leaves change colour and temperatures cool, autumn provides a cosy backdrop for community-focused fundraising activities. This season of harvest and tradition offers numerous opportunities to bring people together for your cause.

At Give as you Live Donate, we help charities make the most of seasonal fundraising with easy-to-use tools and platforms that boost donations. Whether you're planning an Autumn event or looking for creative ways to engage supporters, we're here to support you. Here are some Autumn fundraising ideas to inspire your charity’s efforts.

September

• Back-to-School Supplies Collection: Collect essential school supplies and donations to support children in need at the start of the school year. Create specific "shopping lists" of needed items at different price points. Partner with local schools to identify genuine needs in your community.

• World Book Day Alternative: Host a book swap and reading event to coincide with the start of the school year, encouraging literacy and recycling. Sort books by age group and genre to make browsing easier. Create themed reading corners with volunteers doing storytelling sessions.

• Harvest Festival: Host a harvest-themed event with local produce, crafts, and seasonal activities. Incorporate apple bobbing, pumpkin carving, and other traditional harvest activities. Invite local food producers to showcase their Autumn offerings.

• Autumn Charity Auction: Host an auction featuring donated items, experiences, or services as families prepare for the new season. You could do this in person or as a virtual event!

October

• Halloween Party: Throw a spooky celebration with costumes, games, and themed refreshments. You could host a costume competition with various categories to encourage participation from all ages. Consider a family-friendly early session and an evening event for older children/ adults.

• Seasonal Webinars: Create an Autumn-themed educational webinar on topics like seasonal cooking, getting the house ready for winter, or craft projects. You could even do a whole series!

• Pumpkin Carving Contest: Run a competition for the best-carved pumpkins with entry fees and prizes. Display entries in a public space to attract attention to your charity. Offer templates for beginners and hold short workshops for children.

• Combined Sponsored Walk: Organise a community-wide sponsored walk where participants collectively aim to walk the equivalent of a significant distance. This event could be hosted in person, or as a virtual challenge – check out the free Walking Challenge campaign in your Marketing Toolkit for inspiration and ready-made assets!

• Charity Haunted House: Create a spooky experience in a suitable venue and charge admission. If there’s a local venue already hosting a Haunted House event, you could appeal to them to donate a portion of their ticket sales.

November

• Bonfire Night Event (5th November): Host a Bonfire Night celebration with food stalls, games, and supervised fireworks. Like the Haunted House idea back in October, this idea could work even with limited resources - try partnering with a local venue already hosting a fireworks event and ask them to donate a portion of their ticket sales to your cause.

• Autumn Craft Fair: Host an early Christmas market with local artisans selling handmade items.Offer gift-wrapping services for an additional donation. Provide artisans with charity information to share with customers.

• Winter Preparation Challenge: Challenge supporters to prepare for winter (home insulation, garden winterising, etc.) while raising sponsorship money for those who can't afford winter preparations.

Autumn events often require more complex administration, so having free tools and resources in one place is essential. Online Campaign Pages can effectively tell seasonal stories for Back-to-School collections or Winter Preparation challenges. Fundraising Pages work well for sponsor-based activities. For larger events like Harvest Festivals or Autumn Craft Fairs, combining ticket sales with contactless donations maximises revenue opportunities while providing a smooth experience for attendees who increasingly prefer cashless payments.

New to Give as you Live?

Since 2010, we’ve helped raise $grandTotalRound for UK charities. Our platform is completely free to use, and gives you access to:

Give as you Live Online: Earn free donations when your supporters shop online at over 6,000 retailers.

Give as you Live Donate: Take direct donations, create Campaign Pages, and collect in-person donations with our Tap to Donate app.

The post Autumn Fundraising Ideas For Charities appeared first on Give as you Live Donate Blog.

Summer offers the perfect opportunity to take your fundraising outdoors. With longer days and warmer weather, people are naturally more inclined to participate in community events.

At Give as you Live Donate, we provide charities with the tools and platforms to maximise their fundraising efforts, making seasonal campaigns even more effective. Whether you're planning an outdoor event or looking for easy ways to collect donations, we’re here to help. These summer fundraising ideas will help you make the most of the season while raising vital funds for your cause.

June

• Summer Fête: Organise a traditional summer fête with stalls, games, and entertainment that brings the whole community together.Approach local businesses for raffle prizes 6-8 weeks in advance, offering recognition in event programs and social media in return for their support.

• Father's Day Golf Tournament (3rd Sunday in June): Organise a charity golf tournament with an entry fee, refreshments, and prizes for participants. You can create fun categories beyond the traditional scoring, such as "most improved" or "best sporting attitude" to engage players of all skill levels.

• Summer BBQ Fundraiser: Encourage supporters to host summer BBQs for friends and family, collecting donations per plate served. Provide hosts with digital invitation templates, suggested donation amounts, and simple recipes.

• Summer Solstice Celebration (21st June): Mark the longest day with an outdoor evening party featuring music, food, and activities. Consider hosting a sunset yoga session or a midnight feast to make the most of the extra daylight.

July

• Charity Dog Walk: Organise a sponsored walk specifically for dog owners and their pets. Consider adding a pet costume contest or agility demonstrations. Check out your Wagathon campaign in your free Marketing Toolkit for ready-made social media posts!

• Outdoor Movie Night: Set up an open-air cinema screening in a park or garden. Charge admission and sell refreshments. Choose family-friendly classics that appeal to a broad audience. Offer blanket and chair rentals for an additional donation.

• Car Wash Fundraiser: Organise a charity car wash during the summer when people are more likely to want their cars cleaned after dusty summer drives. Create an efficient system with separate stations for washing, rinsing, and drying to minimise wait times. Offer refreshments for sale to waiting customers.

• Mini Music Festival: Arrange performances by local musicians at an outdoor venue. Sell tickets and refreshments. Approach music schools for young performers who would appreciate the exposure. Create different "stages" or performance areas to accommodate various music styles.

August

• Craft-Making Workshop: Host summer-themed craft workshops teaching skills like flower pressing, natural dyeing, or outdoor photography. Provide take-home materials so participants can continue practising their new skills. Consider a follow-up exhibition of created works to showcase participants' achievements.

• Community Sports Day: Host a day of traditional sports day activities like sack races, egg-and-spoon races, and tug-of-war competitions. Create team categories for families, businesses, and community groups to encourage group participation. Offer a trophy for the most spirited team to encourage friendly competition.

• Sponsored Cycle Ride: Set up a cycling event with routes of varying difficulties. Participants can collect sponsorships based on their chosen distance and track their progress using fitness apps like Strava. Don’t forget, there’s a ready-made Cycling Challenge campaign available to download from your Marketing Toolkit!

• Charity Ice Cream Stand: Run an ice cream stand at local events or parks during hot weather. Or, partner with a local ice cream vendor willing to donate a portion of each sale on the day!

Summer events benefit from mobile-friendly tools. Digital ticketing solutions work well for larger events like the Father's Day Golf Tournament or Mini Music Festival. For community events like the Sports Day or Cycle Ride, Fundraising Pages allow supporters to collect sponsorships easily. Contactless giving via Tap to Donate is perfect for outdoor venues where taking card payments might be challenging.

New to Give as you Live?

Since 2010, we’ve helped raise $grandTotalRound for UK charities. Our platform is completely free to use, and gives you access to:

Give as you Live Online: Earn free donations when your supporters shop online at over 6,000 retailers.

Give as you Live Donate: Take direct donations, create Campaign Pages, and collect in-person donations with our Tap to Donate app.

The post Summer Fundraising Ideas For Charities appeared first on Give as you Live Donate Blog.