Oxfam has launched a mobile app which aims to give supporters more control over their relationship with the charity, including the ability to instantly “dial-up or dial-down” how much they give.
The app, My Oxfam, is available on Android and Apple devices, and enables users to see how they money is being spent, change how much they give, and manage how Oxfam communicates with them.
Oxfam believes this is the “first app of its kind for a charity” and hopes it will improve the relationship it has with supporters.
Last year a number of charities were criticised over how they use supporter data and approach potential supporters, and the sector is now under pressure to reform its practices. Oxfam says it will not share its users’ data.
Paul Vangas, head of public fundraising, said: “Charities are striving to meet the public’s demand for a closer, more modern and responsive relationship with the charities they support. Oxfam’s personalised app is another step towards that.
“My Oxfam provides a window onto the lives changed by our supporters’ generosity and allows users to control their giving from the palm of their hand. The app gives them complete control of their support anytime anywhere and allows them to experience the impact of their generosity.
“Our supporters are the lifeblood of our organisation and their donations make a massive difference to millions of people around the world. We want to make giving easy and rewarding.”
Features include regular updates on the charity’s work and being able to follow situations in real-time with alerts and video footage from on the ground.
Users can also alter regular monthly donations at any time or make one off donation from the app. Donations can be made by credit card, Paypal or text message.
It also includes access to Oxfam’s online shop.
Vanags added: “We’ve strived to make everything easy, transparent and interesting for supporters. We want to say thank you and show people the impact of their ongoing support.
“Never before has Oxfam offered so much control and convenience; from the changeable monthly gift, to the contact preference toggles, to the gift history of when someone supported and how their donation has made a difference. We hope this engages people and brings them closer to the work they make possible.”
