The COVID-19 pandemic sent shockwaves through the charity sector. Previous ways of working and fundraising weren’t viable anymore. But fewer than 20% of charities felt they were ready to fundraise effectively online. When it came to digital transformation, it was now or never.

Fast forward a few years and we’re coming out of the pandemic and learning to go back to how it used to be. But that doesn’t mean we have to leave everything behind. Digital transformation has its benefits beyond the pandemic. So now those tools are in place, you can make the most of in-person and digital methods of fundraising.

What digital transformation ideas are here to stay? Which of them can enrich your offering and allow you to have the greatest impact on your beneficiaries? Let’s take a look…

Cashless donations

Physical currency became a bit of a risk during the pandemic, so many charities leaned away from it. It’s part of a wider trend away from cash in general, with the use of cash machines dropping by 38% in 2020.

How does this work for charities? It can come about in numerous ways. Online fundraising is a big one. Either directly through their own website or using a platform such as JustGiving. You can also have contactless points in store or even out in town and city centres. It’s a more convenient way for people to donate their money without inconveniencing them with cash.

Moving online

During the pandemic, two-fifths of charities said they had found alternative ways of delivering their service. And a quarter had found new ways of reaching their beneficiaries. They noted that they had to change how they deliver value to their causes.

Zoom became the default for many, and charities were no different. They even added a donation button to the video-conferencing software so charities could find new ways of fundraising. Beyond that, many charities also created an online marketplace either on their own website or on an ecommerce platform such as eBay.

Finding younger audiences

They say to be the most effective online, you have to meet your audience where they’re at. For any charity hoping to engage younger generations, they have to go to social media and video games. TikTok specifically has a page for those looking to do some good. Even then, raising your online profile at least creates awareness.

There are a couple of ways you can utilise video games. One is by partnering with charity bundles that sell an entire collection of games with the goal of raising money for good causes. Humble Bundle is an example of this. Then there are the people who play games for a living. Many livestreamers do charity streams to raise funds. Partnering with one of them could help you reach a whole new audience.

Updating your software

Digital transformation doesn’t just exist online. There are ways to bring it into your store beyond something like contactless payment. It’s worth looking at the systems you have in place and asking how they can better suit your needs.

If your current EPoS isn’t intuitive enough for your volunteers, or if the upfront cost of upgrading seems too exorbitant, SaaS can be a great solution. It gives you the benefit of a modern system without the steep fees. Look for something that works for all of your staff and volunteers. One that’s easy enough for anyone new to pick up.

Embracing digital transformation is a net-positive for your charity. You can stay at the top of your game and lead the way in technology and innovation. Now is the perfect time to make the most of it. If you do, you set yourself up for long-term success.

If you want a fresh EPoS that’s intuitive, feature-rich, and available on a simple monthly cost, get in touch with us. Our team has over 15 years in the charity retail sector and is here to help you be your best. Reach out on 01204 706 000.