The future of fundraising: Why contactless giving is here to stay

The rise of contactless giving

The way people donate has changed dramatically in recent years. With fewer people carrying cash, traditional fundraising methods are becoming less effective. Contactless technology offers a simple solution, allowing donors to give quickly and securely with a tap of their card or phone. This convenience is a key reason why contactless giving has become so popular.

Contactless donations are rapidly growing in the UK

Contactless donations are rapidly growing in the UK, driven by increased card usage and a decline in cash, making it a vital tool for charities to reach donors. While specific, recent, publicly available statistics for donations directly through contactless remain limited, broad contactless payment trends show high adoption rates. For example, contactless made up 67% of credit card and 77% of debit card transactions in May 2025, according to UK Finance. Charities across the country are also reporting significant growth in their own cashless strategies, underlining just how critical contactless has become for sustainable fundraising.

How charities benefit from contactless giving

For charities, contactless giving provides a reliable and modern way to collect donations. It reduces reliance on cash handling, improves security, and makes it easier to track contributions. Most importantly, it opens up opportunities to connect with supporters who may not otherwise have donated if cash was the only option.

The role of businesses in driving change

Businesses have a unique opportunity to support charities by adopting contactless donation tools. Whether through in-store donation points, workplace fundraising initiatives, or national campaigns, businesses can help create meaningful impact. This not only benefits charities but also strengthens brand reputation and community engagement.

Why contactless giving is here to stay

The shift towards a cashless society is accelerating. Consumers are comfortable using contactless payments in their everyday lives, and this behaviour naturally extends to charitable giving. With proven results and widespread adoption, contactless giving is no longer a trend but a permanent feature of modern fundraising. The continued growth of contactless payments across the UK reinforces this point and shows that donors expect charities to meet them where they are — in a digital-first world.

How GoodBox supports contactless giving

At GoodBox, we make giving simple, secure, and impactful. Our technology has already helped raise millions for UK charities, and we continue to work with both small businesses and large organisations to expand the reach of contactless donations. With your support, we can empower even more charities to thrive in the digital age.

Discover how GoodBox can help you support charities through contactless giving: www.goodbox.com