Our monthly round-up of the latest technology developments and partnerships affecting the charity sector.
News highlights
Marie Curie’s website was unavailable for more than a day this week and is thought to be one of a number affected by an “unprecedented electrical surge” experienced by its IT partner. The charity’s online services include information and support for people affected by terminal illness, an online chat service and donation functionality. Read the full story.
The Phone-paid Services Authority (PSA) has published the special conditions for organisations wishing to enable people to enter society lotteries by text message. It held a consultation earlier this year and the new conditions will come into effect on 1 October. A new shortcode, beginning 72, has been created for society lotteries, which will be exempt from VAT. Read the full story.
Human rights group Amnesty International has revealed that one of its staff have been targeted with malicious spyware, in what it believes is an attempt by a hostile government to spy on its work. The organisation said the attack was not successful on this occasion, but showed the threat faced by campaigners and charities in the UK. Read the full story.
Latest partnerships
World Vision Switzerland and SIX Payment Services
World Vision Switzerland is the first charity to start using a new recurring donation solution from SIX Payment Services that can set up a recurring donation with one tap of the donor’s contactless credit card or mobile device.
Bernhard Metzger, chief executive of World Vision Switzerland, said: “We are happy that by cooperating with SIX Payment Services we can offer our donors a modern and convenient payment solution. This helps us to optimize our processes and to reduce administrative effort in Switzerland, which means that even more cents of every donated dollar will reach one of the 80 projects we have in 29 countries. Thus SIX Payment Services indirectly supports us in pursuing our mission of helping disadvantaged children in need even more efficiently and effectively. ”
London’s Air Ambulance and Zeal
London’s Air Ambulance has appointed digital agency Zeal to produce a new campaign ahead of National Air Ambulance week in September. The campaign will use video to raised awareness of the charity and aims to increase its following on Facebook and LinkedIn.
The Wildlife Trusts and CTI Digital
CTI Digital has been working with The Wildlife Trusts to build a platform that can be used to run each local website, but which will also make it easier to share content across the different sites. It launched the main site in June and plans to roll it out to 30 regional sites in the coming months.
The aim was to make it easier for people to find the information that they are looking for and to donate online.
Mayhew and adaptable
London-based animal welfare charity, Mayhew, has launched a new website to improve its engagement with people online. It worked with the digital agency adaptable to build the new site.
Ahead of starting the project it carried out research which found that 29 per cent of people had heard about the charity through online channels, which led it to conclude that digital was a key part of its future.
Mayhew’s chief executive, Caroline Yates, said: “At Mayhew we recognise that digital is a force for good and our website is our number one tool for brand awareness and growth. It allows us to be accessible from anywhere at any time, strengthens relationships with our supporters, and gives us a central hub to showcase the work that we do. Our website is the first port of call for many of our supporters and therefore it is incredibly important that it reflects us accurately and positively.
Our new website has helped us to portray our proactive approach to tackling companion animal welfare issues and will hopefully show people that we are more than just an animal shelter.”
Special Needs And Parents (SNAP) and Blue Serif
Special Needs And Parents (SNAP), which is an Essex charity supporting families and young people with disabilities has launched a new website. It worked with a local digital agency Blue Serif to build the new site to offer a better user experience and showcased the charity’s core values and sense of fun.
Insights
Kirsty Weakley summarised the findings from this year’s Global NGO Technology Report. Read her article here.
Andrew O'Brien offers his thoughts on the debate about whether JustGiving, and other online giving platforms, should continue charging fees. Read his article here.
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