What is SnapDonate?
A logo-recognition app designed for charities and their supporters. Point SnapDonate at a charity logo and the app instantly detects which charity this represents, so that people can give on the go. The idea is it makes it easy for people to make quick, one-off donations to their choice of charity even if they have no cash on them.
How does it work?
The app is simple but uses sophisticated image-recognition technology. It knows which cause the user wants to support when the phone camera is aimed at a charity logo. There are no text messages or QR codes needed. People merely ‘snap’ a logo, then give as much as they like (minimum £2) via JustGiving.
Does the charity have to be registered with JustGiving?
Yes, JustGiving handles all the transactions. SnapDonate can automatically recognise dozens of charity logos but can also send a donation to any of the 13,000 or so UK charities registered on JustGiving – these can be selected with the app’s search tool. SnapDonate deducts nothing from each gift, but JustGiving does charge the same handling fee (5%) as if this was made on its own website
How will it change fundraising - in particular street fundraising
In truth, physical money makes up around one-sixth of all donations (£1.6bn) given to charities in Britain each year – but cash is no longer king. Charities need new ways for people to donate on impulse and SnapDonate provides this. The app works everywhere: in the street, on a train, or on the sofa – even if the phone is not online. It enables people to dig deep at the moment they are inspired to give and brings charities the added bonus of automatic Gift Aid with each donation
How can other charities get involved
We’ve been inundated with hundred of requests from charities since the app was launched earlier this week. As a result, we have decided to release a new version very soon. To get involved, any UK charity can register its interest at SnapDonate.org
SnapDonate is free to download now on the Google Play Store and the iTunes App Store.
Mark Warrick is the founder of SnapDonate.
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