Last year The Shooting Star Children’s Hospice saw a 62% rise in the amount of money raised online via Justgiving. It benefited from receiving funds in its bank account straight away, as well as getting Gift Aid without having to do hours of paperwork.
The hospice, in Hampton, Middlesex, actively promotes Justgiving to all its fundraisers.
"Whenever we send out sponsorship packs we include a sheet on how to go to Justgiving to set up a page. We always recommend Justgiving in emails and verbally."
Karen Peffer, Challenge Events Coordinator
That promotion has paid off. In 2005/6 Shooting Star raised £91,580 and in the financial year ended April 2007 this rose by 62% to £148,480.
"It’s easier for fundraisers because they don’t have to do as much paperwork themselves. It encourages people to sponsor because it’s easier for them. And it’s better for us - because we get the money directly there isn’t such a delay, particularly from challenge events", Peffer continues.
"We might not receive money for six months for the London marathon, but with Justgiving it comes in two weeks, so we earn interest on it straight away."
Peffer said Shooting Star was unable to claim Gift Aid on around a third of the donations made to their fundraisers, because sponsors hadn't put their home address on the form, despite being asked to. Receiving Gift Aid on every donation is a great plus for the charity.
As for people raising money in memory of a loved one, Peffer believes it's easier for many people to send a request by email rather than asking in person. It’s one step removed for the people who are donating - they don't have to respond face to face to someone who has suffered a loss, which can sometimes be quite difficult. The comments on the fundraising pages also provide a valuable record for the family when they have lost somebody.
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