Donated Technology
for UK Charities
Scottish charities place emphasis on internet donations
Written by Isabel Griffiths
One part of the UK where online charity fundraising seems to be really taking hold is Scotland, as new research has suggested many not for profits north of the border are eager to maximise the donations they receive via the world wide web.
Carried out by Virgin Money Giving, the study revealed more than half the good causes in the nation are putting plans in place in order to up the amount of money-generating they achieve through the internet.
However, it appears these groups are after all the help they can get when it comes to better understanding and unlocking the potential of the web for their money-raising needs.
Indeed, most of the charities questioned in the survey admitted they would like to receive more training and advice on how to improve their online charity fundraising.
It was found that 56 per cent of the 389 organisations across the nation believe there is not enough support available externally in order for them to make the most of the web-based options available.
However, it seems many groups are already starting to feel the benefit of adopting digital fundraising techniques.
The study revealed just eight per cent of the bodies quizzed have not adopted this strategy in one way or another, while only 11 per cent of respondents claimed they do not believe generating cash through the internet is important.
Jo Barnett, executive director at Virgin Money Giving, said: "The online giving market is growing rapidly and charities and fundraisers benefit from using online giving services as they are more efficient and improve Gift Aid uptake."
The industry figure added: "However, charities need support and advice on maximising the amounts raised and on the techniques to use. Virgin Money Giving has run workshops across Scotland and has more planned as part of its commitment to help charities."
It was demonstrated that around 56 per cent of the groups polled are hoping to increase their use of fundraising websites and to recommend these portals to supporters, with an additional 33 per cent claiming they already visit and donate via these channels extensively.
The investigation also looked into the most popular ways charity fundraising is carried out via the world wide web.
It was shown that Facebook is the route most favoured by users, with 41 per cent of charities turning to the social network medium to heighten awareness.
A further 37 per cent of those quizzed revealed they mainly make use of online donation services.
In addition, 33 per cent of respondents noted they employ internet-based fundraising pages to meet their potential, with 32 per cent using microblogging site Twitter and 7.5 per cent making progress through text messaging and short message services.
Virgin Money Giving - which is part of the Virgin brand first conceived by entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson with a record shop on Oxford Street, London - was launched in October 2009 and has so far raised around £75 million.
The group explained that for every £10 donated through its service, £12.15 will be handed to a good cause, as long as donors sign up to the Gift Aid scheme.
One part of the UK where online charity fundraising seems to be really taking hold is Scotland, as new research has suggested many not for profits north of the border are eager to maximise the donations they receive via the world wide web.
Carried out by Virgin Money Giving, the study revealed more than half the good causes in the nation are putting plans in place in order to up the amount of money-generating they achieve through the internet.
However, it appears these groups are after all the help they can get when it comes to better understanding and unlocking the potential of the web for their money-raising needs.
Indeed, most of the charities questioned in the survey admitted they would like to receive more training and advice on how to improve their online charity fundraising.
It was found that 56 per cent of the 389 organisations across the nation believe there is not enough support available externally in order for them to make the most of the web-based options available.
However, it seems many groups are already starting to feel the benefit of adopting digital fundraising techniques.
The study revealed just eight per cent of the bodies quizzed have not adopted this strategy in one way or another, while only 11 per cent of respondents claimed they do not believe generating cash through the internet is important.
Jo Barnett, executive director at Virgin Money Giving, said: "The online giving market is growing rapidly and charities and fundraisers benefit from using online giving services as they are more efficient and improve Gift Aid uptake."
The industry figure added: "However, charities need support and advice on maximising the amounts raised and on the techniques to use. Virgin Money Giving has run workshops across Scotland and has more planned as part of its commitment to help charities."
It was demonstrated that around 56 per cent of the groups polled are hoping to increase their use of fundraising websites and to recommend these portals to supporters, with an additional 33 per cent claiming they already visit and donate via these channels extensively.
The investigation also looked into the most popular ways charity fundraising is carried out via the world wide web.
It was shown that Facebook is the route most favoured by users, with 41 per cent of charities turning to the social network medium to heighten awareness.
A further 37 per cent of those quizzed revealed they mainly make use of online donation services.
In addition, 33 per cent of respondents noted they employ internet-based fundraising pages to meet their potential, with 32 per cent using microblogging site Twitter and 7.5 per cent making progress through text messaging and short message services.
Virgin Money Giving - which is part of the Virgin brand first conceived by entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson with a record shop on Oxford Street, London - was launched in October 2009 and has so far raised around £75 million.
The group explained that for every £10 donated through its service, £12.15 will be handed to a good cause, as long as donors sign up to the Gift Aid scheme.
