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The shifting tides: Why traditional fundraising needs a digital boost
Cash use in the UK has dropped significantly in recent years. According to UK Finance, only 14% of all payments were made in cash by 2022—a steep decline from 55% a decade earlier.1 For charities, this shift presents clear challenges. Traditional fundraising methods such as street collections, event-based buckets and donation tins rely heavily on loose change. With fewer individuals carrying physical money, such efforts often fall short.
Donor habits are changing, too. The modern supporter seeks speed, ease and digital convenience. Mobile wallets, debit cards and quick tap-to-pay options are now standard. Charities must adapt or risk losing vital spontaneous contributions.
Understanding contactless payments: A lifeline for modern charities
Contactless technology enables fast, secure payments using debit cards, credit cards or digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay. In charitable contexts, this technology transforms giving. Contactless card readers for charities allow instant tap-to-donate options—perfect for public events, charity shops and street campaigns.
Unlike cash, card payments provide better traceability and reduce security risks. Volunteers no longer need to carry or manage physical donations, easing concerns around theft or human error. Mobile card readers for charities also open opportunities to collect donations wherever the campaign takes place, without the need for fixed infrastructure.
Clover to the rescue: Tailored contactless solutions for a good cause
Clover’s range of smart, mobile-friendly card readers is well-suited to the needs of charities in the UK. Devices such as Clover Flex or Clover Mini offer flexibility, reliability and portability, which are ideal for fundraising on the move.
Clover Flex, for instance, is lightweight, features a long battery life and supports tap, chip and PIN payments. It’s easy to operate, even for volunteers with limited tech experience. Clover Station Duo is better suited for charity shops, enabling seamless sales alongside donation collection.
Crucially, with their advanced functionalities, Clover POS systems are among the best card readers for charities, helping remove common barriers to charitable giving. Donors no longer need to carry coins or ‘the right amount’ of cash. A simple tap is enough, boosting the chance of spontaneous, higher-value donations.
Making the move to contactless: Simple steps with Clover
Many organisations hesitate to embrace new tech due to fears over cost, complexity or training. Clover simplifies the transition. Devices arrive ready to use, and charities benefit from intuitive setup processes, dedicated UK support and integration with accounting and fundraising platforms.
Transaction fees are transparent and competitive, making them suitable for charities managing tight budgets. Mobile connectivity means charities can collect donations anywhere, whether on high streets, at festivals or during campaigns in remote locations. With inventory and employee management tools included, these systems also bring wider operational benefits.
Conclusion: Empowering charities’ futures with contactless giving
The decline of cash highlights a clear truth: modern fundraising demands modern tools. Card readers for charities offer an effective way to keep donations flowing in a digital-first society. With contactless card readers for charities, organisations adapt easier to supporter preferences and raise more funds while streamlining operations.
Clover provides the best card readers for charities seeking user-friendly, portable and secure solutions. Whether managing a charity shop or engaging with donors at live events, mobile card readers for charities from Clover enable greater reach and flexibility.
By adopting contactless card readers for charities, UK organisations are helping shape a more modern donation culture across the country and Europe. Explore available management tools from Clover or contact us today for tailored advice on how Clover POS systems support fundraising success.
Bibliography: 1 UK Finance. UK Payment Markets Summary 2023.
