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Tag: digital fundraising

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Growing Together: How Dona’s Donation Machines Keep Improving Performance

Best donation machines for charities in 2025 - performance data by Dona donations

Growing Together: How the Performance of Dona Donation Machines Keeps Improving

April 2025

Comparing the fundraising data of charities in their first 6 months with Dona: how each generation of Dona donation machine performed.
Best contactless fundraising machines for charities rely on continuous improvement - see Dona data

At Dona, everything we do starts with one goal: helping charities fundraise more. When we first launched the Digital Collection Plate (DCP), we knew it had the potential to transform giving. But we also knew that listening, learning, and improving alongside our partners would be key to making it truly powerful.

From Version 1 to Version 2: Smoother, Smarter Giving

When we first moved from Version 1 to Version 2, we made what might sound like a small change: removing an unreliable Bluetooth connection.

But the impact was huge. With a smoother, more reliable donation process, charities saw an average of 49% boost in donations raised over their first first six months of fundraising, compared with charities using the version 1 devices.

From Version 2 to Version 3: Donations Anytime, Anywhere

The next step was even more exciting. By switching from SumUp to Stripe as our payment provider, we were able to launch offline mode — meaning charities could accept donations even without WiFi or 4G.

That freedom led to a 21.8% increase in donations for charities fundraising on Version 3 compared to Version 2, in their first six months with Dona. For more data on the impact made by Offline Mode, see this blog.

Best donation machines for charities in 2025 - performance data by Dona donations

The Bigger Picture: 81.4% More Raised Since the Start

Looking back at the journey so far, the difference is clear. Organisations now raise on average 81.4% more in their first six months with Version 3 compared to those who started out with Version 1. That’s not just an upgrade in tech — it’s a real difference in the funds reaching charities and communities, through all the amazing work our partners do.

Powered by Feedback, Built for You

None of this would be possible without the feedback we receive from the charities we work with. Our UK-based support team makes sure every insight is heard, and our in-house development team turns those ideas into new features and improvements. Together, we’re building technology that grows with your needs.

Looking Ahead to 2025-6

The journey doesn’t stop here. We’ve got new innovations on the way in 2025 that we believe will make an even bigger impact. We can’t wait to share them with you — so watch this space.

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Dona Donations Nominated for Barclays Innovation in FinTech Award

Innovation in Fintech Award for Dona Donations - Barclays recognition of best donation systems for charities

Dona Donations Nominated for Barclays Innovation in FinTech Award

April 2025

A Recognition of Excellence
Innovation in Fintech Award for Dona - recognition by Barclays of best donation machines for charities

We are thrilled to share that Dona Donations has been nominated for the Innovation in FinTech Award, sponsored by Innovate Finance, at the 2025 Barclays Entrepreneur Awards.

This nomination is a significant recognition of the hard work, creativity, and dedication by the Dona team, for all that has gone into building a platform that provides genuine support and growth for the UK charity sector.

Championing Innovation in Fundraising

At Dona, innovation has always been at the heart of what we do. Since our foundation in 2020, we’ve been proud to create solutions that make giving simpler, smarter, and more impactful:

  • £50 million raised across 2,000+ UK charities, helping vital causes thrive (figures as of September 2025).

     

  • Streamlined Gift Aid collection, making it easier and faster for charities to claim, with an average of 40% of donations given with added Gift Aid on Dona, as well as the ability to collect Historic Gift Aid.

     

  • Boosting average donations by enhancing the donor journey and making generosity effortless. The average donation on Dona is £12, and the average amount that charities fundraise in their first 6 months with Dona has increased by 81.4% from version 1 (2020) to version 3 (2024) as a result of technical product development and innovation.

     

  • Smarter giving data management, empowering charities with clear insights and faster HMRC reporting.

In 2025, we’ve taken another step forward with the introduction of our AI-powered Virtual Fundraising Assistant, Antonia, delivering tailored insights and recommendations based on personalised historical data, to help charities maximise their future fundraising and plan ahead more effectively.

In 2025, we’ve also demonstrated our ongoing commitment to excellence, by becoming ISO certified for Quality Management and Information Security Management. Learn more about how Dona ensures security here.

A Proud Moment for the Team

Being nominated for this award is not just a milestone for our product — it’s a celebration of the people behind it. From our product developers to our customer support teams, every member of Dona has played a role in shaping a platform that’s trusted and loved by charities across the UK.

Innovation in Fintech Award for Dona - recognition by Barclays of best donation machines for charities

Looking Ahead

Recognition at the Barclays Entrepreneur Awards reminds us why we started: to empower charities with innovative tools that make fundraising easier, faster, and more rewarding. And this is only the beginning.

We’re excited to keep building, keep innovating, and keep helping charities make a bigger difference.

Thank you to Innovate Finance and Barclays for this honour — and thank you to our charity partners for trusting us on this journey.

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Why Schools, Colleges and Universities are Embracing Digital Fundraising Solutions

Why Schools, Colleges and Universities are Embracing Digital Fundraising Solutions

April 2025

The Digital Fundraising Revolution

For so long, fundraising in educational institutions has been associated with cash collection at cake sales, sponsored walks, and rattling collection tins. While these traditions hold a special place in our hearts and memories, they often struggle to keep pace with the demands of the twenty-first century. In an increasingly cashless society, where convenience is king, schools and universities that rely solely on traditional methods can be missing out on valuable donations. Schools, colleges and universities are embracing the digital revolution, with award winning solutions like Dona, and the benefits are game changing.

Dona isn’t just another digital payment system; it’s a comprehensive fundraising solution designed to help educational establishments streamline their operations, maximise donations, and reduce the administrative burden that so often plagues fundraising efforts. By integrating Dona’s innovative donation machines, QR codes, and free donation webpage, you can transform the way your school or university connects with its community and secures vital funding for the future.

Where to Place Your Dona Machines for Maximum Impact

Dona’s physical donation machines are designed to be placed in high-traffic, communal areas where they are easily accessible to students, staff, parents, and visitors. Imagine a Dona donation device strategically located:

  • In communal areas and assembly halls: During school assemblies, performances, parent-teacher evenings, or university open days, these machines offer a simple, frictionless way for people to contribute.
  • By canteens and cafes: When students or staff are purchasing their lunch, a quick tap of their card or phone at a Dona machine is a natural and convenient action.
  • At community and school events: Whether it’s a sports day, a school play, an arts exhibition, or a university gala, having a Dona machine on hand at your event ensures you can capture more generous donations on the spot, without the need for cash.
  • When parents visit: A prominent Dona device in the reception area provides a constant, visible reminder of ongoing fundraising campaigns and offers parents a fast, convenient and discreet way to donate during school visits.
  • At drop off and pick up: Print posters with your QR code and attach them to the school gates. Parents, carers and passers-by can donate on the fly. 

This strategic placement ensures that your fundraising is not limited to a single event but is an ever-present part of school life, making it easier than ever for your community to support your mission.

Streamlining Administration and Maximising Donations

One of the most significant advantages of using a platform like Dona is the dramatic reduction in administrative burden. The endless counting of cash, reconciling bank deposits, and issuing receipts manually are time-consuming tasks that take valuable staff time away from more important work. Dona handles all of this automatically.

  • No more cash: In a world where fewer people carry physical money, relying on cash donations is a surefire way to miss out on potential funds. Dona’s card and contactless payment options cater to modern donors, ensuring you can accept contributions from everyone, regardless of their payment preference.
  • Automated reporting: Dona provides real-time data on donations with its AI driven management portal, allowing you to track the progress of each campaign instantly. This eliminates the need for manual record-keeping and provides a clear, transparent overview of your fundraising efforts. Include progress easily in your monthly school newsletter or student bulletin. 
  • Stress-free fundraising: By automating the most tedious parts of fundraising, Dona takes some of the stress out of the experience. The donation terminals are also self-service. It frees up teachers, staff, and volunteers to focus on what they do best: building relationships and engaging with the community, rather than worrying about logistics.

Safe and secure: No more worry about missing cash, someone having to pop to the bank or the risk of fraud/theft. Dona has industry leading security and data protection protocols in place.

Modern Fundraising Makes Sense

The world has changed, and fundraising must change with it. The days of solely relying on cash and paper are coming to an end.

Using Dona as your fundraising partner you will not only increase your donations and streamline your processes but also send a powerful message: that your institution is a modern, dynamic place that values innovation. Together we can grow the next generation. 

Download our Education Brochure

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Boost Your Summer Fundraising

Child on summer holidays looking at an exhibit at a museum

Boost Your Summer Fundraising

April 2025

Digital Income Strategies for UK Museums & Visitor Attractions
Child on summer holidays looking at an exhibit at a museum

The summer period, with its longer days and increased visitor numbers, presents a golden opportunity for UK museums and attractions to make the most of donors’ generosity. In an increasingly cashless society, embracing digital fundraising is the perfect solution.  

Some museums or attractions are FREE to enter and rely entirely on money from trusts, funds and public donations; others charge an entry fee and ask for donations to supplement their work, which can account for between 10 and 40%*of total income for larger museums and attractions. 

*https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/total-income-of-dcms-funded-cultural-organisations-20222023/total-income-of-dcms-funded-cultural-organisations-202223-headline-release

The Digital Shift in UK Giving

Charitable giving in the UK is continually evolving, with a trend towards digital and cashless transactions. While cash donations still exist, contactless payments and online giving are becoming the preferred donor choice. Museums and attractions must therefore adapt their fundraising strategies to meet these needs. The 2024 Annual Museum Survey noted an encouraging 27% increase in donations since 2019/20, showing the potential for growth with the right approach.

See how the Gurkha museum uses their Dona donation machines for fundraising success.

Embracing Self-Service Donation Terminals

Dona Donations’ Digital Collection Plates (DCPv3) provide a seamless and secure way for visitors to contribute. These terminals accept:

  • Contactless payments (tap-and-go) even offline
  • Mobile wallet transactions
  • Traditional Chip & PIN card payments

Main advantages:

  • Ease of Use: Quick and user-friendly for donors.
  • Self-service: They can operate without constant staff or volunteer supervision, freeing up your team for other roles.  
  • Offline Capability: Can accept donations even without an internet connection. Ideal if your attraction is a cave, in a gorge, or particularly remote.
  • Low Fees and Automatic Updates: Ensuring cost-effectiveness and up-to-date technology.
  • Security and Compliance: Fully GDPR and PCI DSS compliant, reassuring both your organisation and visitors. 

When placing the terminals, think strategically about high-traffic points within your attraction, such as entrances/exits, popular exhibition areas, or near the gift shop and cafe. Provide information where queues may form about how much donations make a difference to the museum or attraction.

Dona card terminals can be wall-mounted, positioned on a countertop or floor-standing, providing flexible options.

Museum exhibits with visitors browsing

Leveraging QR Codes and Dedicated Web Pages

Beyond physical terminals, digital touchpoints like QR codes and dedicated web pages are essential.

  • QR Codes: These codes are scannable with a smartphone. Place them prominently on:
    • Exhibition signage
    • Information boards
    • Visitor guides and maps
    • Cafe tables
    • Membership desks
    • Marketing materials and flyers When scanned, a QR code should immediately direct visitors to your dedicated online donation page.
    • Anywhere where the public are gathering or likely to be spending ‘dwelling time’ during their visit. 
  • Dedicated Web Pages: Your website should feature a clear, compelling, and easy-to-navigate donation page. This page should:
    • Be Mobile-Optimised: Most visitors will access it on their smartphones.
    • State the Impact: Clearly articulate how donations will be used with several options available for donors to choose the fund they would like to support. Dona donation machines offer up to 20 personalised fund options. 
    • Offer Varying Amounts: Suggest different donation tiers – test different options to see which tiers resonate best for your visitors, this can be amended on different donation machines so can be specific to the exhibit or area that it is placed. 
    • Be Secure: Display trust badges and clearly communicate data security measures.
    • Offer the option to register for Gift Aid if eligible. Can be switched on or off on Dona card machines.  
  • Encouraging Donors:
    • Compelling Storytelling: Use evocative language and imagery to explain why donations are needed. Highlight specific projects, conservation efforts, or community programmes that rely on visitor support. 
    • Show Impact: Instead of just asking for money, explain what a donation will achieve. Visuals, like a “thermometer” or “target” showing progress towards a fundraising goal, can be highly motivating.
    • Subtle Reminders: Staff and guides can be trained to gently encourage donations, perhaps by mentioning the reliance on public support during interactions.
    • Promote Gift Aid: For eligible UK taxpayers, ensure it’s easy to add Gift Aid, which increases the value of their donation by 25% at no extra cost to them.

Inspiring Donors and Amplifying Impact

Beyond the immediate transaction, it’s vital to inspire a deeper connection and amplify the impact of every donation.

  • Donor Recognition: Acknowledge donations, even small ones. A simple “Thank You” message on the digital terminal screen, followed by an email receipt and a more personal thank you if details are provided, can foster goodwill. 
  • Showcasing Missions: Use your digital platforms to regularly update donors on how their contributions are making a difference. Share photos, videos, and stories of the projects funded by donations. 
  • Social Media Amplification: Encourage visitors to share their experience and support on social media. Run campaigns that highlight your fundraising missions and the tangible benefits of donating. Include hashtags that can be used to group social posts. 
  • Membership Integration: Promote membership programs as a way for dedicated supporters to provide ongoing support with added benefits.

Looking Ahead: Continuous Innovation

The summer offers a unique window to maximise your fundraising potential. By integrating modern digital tools like Dona Donations’ self-service terminals with well-placed QR codes, compelling web pages, and emotive storytelling, UK museums and attractions can significantly boost their donation income. Remember to continuously evaluate what works best for your audience and adapt your strategies to ensure sustained support for your invaluable cultural and heritage missions.

Find out more about Dona’s donation machines, management portal and new AI-driven virtual fundraising assistant.

If you would like to contact us – Please choose your preferred method below or tap our live chat on the bottom right …

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How can Funeral Directors collect contactless donations?

Funeral service long candles at a church

How can Funeral Directors collect contactless donations on behalf of their mourners?

January 2025

Funeral service long candles at a church

Many people like to leave a legacy to local or national charities or organisations close to their heart when they pass. One thing they might also share is the desire to have donations instead of floral gifts at their funeral. For the family, it is a time when they would generally like the process to be easy and hassle free.

At Dona we offer a service for Funeral Directors so they can accommodate the families’ needs in a professional way, with a service that they can provide to ease the burden at a difficult time. 

Having card donation machines available at a funeral mass, burial, cremation or wake, either near the entrance or in the room used to congregate, can be a useful way for mourners to give. 

Dona donation machines empower funeral directors to allocate donations directly to the charity chosen by the deceased, so that the family can be confident their last wishes are being honoured.

Beautifully decorated white coffin with lots of flowers at a funeral

Features

  • Total of donations raised will be available and shared with the family
  • A QR code can be included to the order of service and on a dedicated webpage so that mourners can use their phone to scan and donate. 
  • Funeral Directors can provide this service as an extra feature. 
  • Donations can be taken by debit or credit card.
  • A list of donors and the gifted amounts can be made available after the service to be sent to the family.

Benefits for Funeral Directors and Attendees:

  • Convenience: Contactless payments are quick and easy, meaning no cash handling needed.   
  • Choice: The family or deceased can choose the charity that they wish donations to be made to.
  • Efficiency: The terminal streamlines the donation process, reducing wait times and improving the overall experience.  
  • Security: Contactless payments are secure, minimising the risk of theft or fraud.
  • Trust: Donors can clearly see exactly where their donation is going and will be updated after with the amount donated.

Additional Considerations:

  • Accessibility: Ensure the terminal is accessible to people with disabilities by using Dona’s height-adjustable stand.
  • Staff Training: Train staff to assist attendees with the donation process if needed.
  • Marketing: Promote the availability of contactless donations on the funeral home’s website, social media, and other communication channels.
  • Data Privacy: The management portal already adheres to data protection regulations when handling donor information.
Black writing of gift aid logo for charity fundraising
  • Gift Aid: Donations can be amplified with the use of Gift Aid forms on the terminals and the donation website page. 

By implementing contactless donation terminals, funeral directors can provide a modern and convenient way for attendees to honor the deceased and support charitable causes.

How Contactless Donation Terminals Work:

  1. Setup:

     

    • Choose Charities: Select the charity relevant to the deceased or the family’s wishes.
    • Configure Terminal: Program the terminal with the chosen charity set up as an individual fund for each funeral for the coming day.
    • Choose set donation amounts ahead of time for ease of donating. Custom options will also be available. 

2. Placement:

 

      • Visible Location: Place the terminal in a prominent location, such as near the exit, entrance or reception area. Sometimes it is a good idea to have the terminal in the area where refreshments are served. 
      • Clear Signage: Use clear signage to direct attendees to the donation terminal and explain its purpose.
      • In the Order of Service. Print clear instructions in the Order of Service on where to find the terminals. 
      • Mentioned briefly during the service introduction.
    •  QR code on a mobile phone being held by a person

 

  • QR Code: Add this to the Order of Service to enable mourners to donate at their leisure when they return home. This can also be shared on the funeral home webpages (sometimes offered as part of the funeral package), or on the deceased or family’s Facebook page so donations can be made by those unable to attend on the day.

Funeral Directors’ Considerations

Funeral Directors are required to keep donation records for 7 years. The Dona Donations management portal is set up to comply with all HMRC data reporting needs.  

The portal can also provide a list of names and total donation amounts.

A general guide for best practice management of donations for funeral directors can be found here

If we can help in any other way please contact our Sales team with any new terminal enquiries on 0203 488 5038

Alternatively please do complete our enquiry from to request a copy of our latest brochure. 

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