The British Red Cross has launched a new fundraising scheme, inspired by crowdfunding, where donors choose a specific Red Cross project to support, and receive regular updates on its success.

The scheme, ‘Give to a Special Project,' asks donors to contribute to specific Red Cross humanitarian projects, both in the UK and overseas, with the aim of raising between £1,000 and £8,000 for each. Donors have access to background information on projects, as well as maps, videos and images online, before selecting a project to fund.

Once someone donates, they receive regular email updates on the impact of their donations from the field.

Natalie Parker, assistant digital fundraising manager at the Red Cross, said: "We have found that our supporters increasingly want to feel more personally connected to our work and to see exactly where their money is going. We're in a position to do that because the Red Cross is part of such a huge global humanitarian network.  

“This project allows us to communicate regularly with our donors by giving them updates from the field so they can hear directly from the people their money is helping whether they are in the UK or overseas."

The concept means donors can contribute to the charity’s UK based projects, such as a Teeside women’s support group, a Fire and Emergency Support Service in south Essex and the renewal of wheelchair stock in Lancashire.

International projects which supporters can donate to include an initiative in Bangladesh that prepares communities for natural disasters and the provision of traditional tents, known as gers, for vulnerable families in Mongolia.