If you’re looking to raise money for a charitable cause via your Trials & Tribulations adventure, several platforms can help you reach potential donors. Here’s a look at some of the main ones, each with its own advantages and drawbacks.
JustGiving
JustGiving is one of the most well-known and widely used fundraising platforms in the UK, trusted by millions of users.
Pros
- Wide reach: Because it’s so popular, there’s a good chance potential donors are already familiar with JustGiving.
- Customisable pages: Users can personalise their fundraising pages with photos, stories, and updates.
- Automated gift aid: JustGiving automatically collects gift aid on eligible donations, adding an extra 25% to the donation for UK taxpayers.
Cons
- Platform fees: JustGiving takes a percentage from donations, along with processing fees. This means charities receive slightly less than the full donation amount.
- Additional fees for withdrawing funds: For some users, withdrawing funds from JustGiving can incur an extra fee.
GoFundMe
GoFundMe is another popular option, known for its flexible and user-friendly approach. It’s widely used not only for charity fundraising but also for personal causes.
Pros
- No platform fees for charity: For UK and EU users, GoFundMe does not charge a platform fee for charity fundraisers, though processing fees still apply.
- Social media integration: GoFundMe makes it easy to share your campaign on social media platforms, helping to increase visibility.
- Quick setup: It’s simple and fast to set up a campaign, making it appealing for time-sensitive causes.
Cons
- Primarily for personal causes: Although GoFundMe can be used for charities, it is more commonly used for personal fundraisers. This can make it a bit harder to stand out in a crowded space of non-charity causes.
- Withdrawal process: Some users find the process of withdrawing funds to be slower than on other platforms.
Virgin Money Giving
Virgin Money Giving is a charity-focused platform, designed to support both charity and individual fundraisers.
Pros
- Charity-focused: Virgin Money Giving is specifically for charity fundraisers, so users can feel confident their donations are going to good causes.
- Gift aid collection: Like JustGiving, Virgin Money Giving collects gift aid on behalf of charities.
- Detailed statistics and tracking: It provides in-depth analytics on donations, which can help charities track and understand their donors’ habits.
Cons
- Platform fees: Virgin Money Giving charges a small percentage fee on donations, though this is often less than JustGiving’s.
- Requires charity registration: To use Virgin Money Giving, charities must register with the platform, which may not be feasible for smaller organisations.
Wonderful.org
Wonderful.org prides itself on being entirely free, with no fees taken from donations or hidden costs, as it’s funded by corporate sponsorships rather than donations.
Pros
- No fees: Wonderful.org does not charge any fees to donors or charities, meaning every penny goes directly to the cause.
- Transparent and ethical: The platform’s ethos is focused on transparency and ensuring donations go directly to the charity.
Cons
- Limited reach: Wonderful.org is less known compared to JustGiving or GoFundMe, which can make it harder to attract donors.
- Dependence on corporate funding: As Wonderful.org is reliant on corporate funding, it may not have the same financial stability as platforms that take fees from donations.
Charity-specific platforms
Some charities, like Islamic Relief and Crisis Aid, have their own donation and fundraising platforms available directly on their websites.
Pros
- Direct donations: By donating directly through a charity’s own website, all donations go directly to the organisation without third-party fees.
- Customised experience: Charities can provide a tailored experience for donors, including campaign updates and other specific information.
Cons
- Limited exposure: These pages are only accessible through the charity’s website, so you’ll need to drive donors there yourself, rather than benefit from a platform’s pre-existing audience.
- Fewer sharing tools: Charity websites may not offer the same easy social sharing tools available on larger fundraising platforms.
Choosing the best platform for your cause
Each of these fundraising platforms has its strengths and limitations. When choosing a platform, consider the following:
- Audience reach: Platforms like JustGiving and GoFundMe offer high visibility but come with fees.
- Charity-specific focus: Virgin Money Giving and Wonderful.org may appeal if you’re raising money exclusively for a charity.
- Fee-free options: Wonderful.org or direct charity websites ensure all funds go directly to the cause, but they might require more effort in promoting.