Online giving

For fundraisers and online platforms

Online giving platforms can help you to collect income. This may come directly into your charity’s bank account, or through fundraisers who collect donations before passing them on.

Campaigns with regular updates provide donors with a sense of impact, increasing engagement with the cause. Online giving also allows donors to donate to emergency and disaster appeals as they unfold. This helps to get money where it is needed as quickly as possible.

For this reason, it is important that fundraising platforms and fundraisers are clear about where the money is going so that donors have all the facts they need to make an informed decision to give.

Charities working with volunteers fundraising online should be aware of the standards about volunteer fundraisers to minimise risk. Definitions of ‘in aid of’ and ‘on behalf of’ fundraisers are important in managing online fundraisers. You can find out more in section 5 of the code.

For the public

Donors can support a range of causes through online giving platforms. Campaigns may be linked to a charity directly or support the personal causes of individuals. Online giving provides a way of quickly getting money where it is needed in a national disaster or emergency.

Sometimes money raised goes to an individual rather than a registered charity. While the majority of these personal campaigns are legitimate, only give to causes you trust.

Platforms often charge fees for processing donations to cover their costs. The platform should be transparent about fees and tell you what they are before you donate.

If you are concerned about the legitimacy of a campaign, you should report it to the online giving platform in the first instance. If you are in any doubt about a campaign for a registered charity, you can also contact the charity directly to confirm legitimacy or donate directly.

For more information about donating online, please see our online guidance.