How to Set Up Contactless Donations for Your Charity

At a Glance

As 77% of UK debit card payments go contactless, charities must adapt quickly. KindLink’s Contactless Fundraising App makes donating simple and secure via cards, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. With Gift Aid automation, CRM integration, and GDPR compliance, it empowers staff and boosts donations while helping charities engage modern donors seamlessly.

Contact-Free Technology and Charities

We’re living in an age powered by digital tech, allowing us to complete tasks with a swipe or a click. At the same time, the seamless way contactless technology works has made it possible to go cashless, powered by our phones and internet connectivity. What was once the preferred mode of transaction of the younger demographics is now far more common, with almost everyone embracing contact-free payments.

With more charities adopting new technology to complement traditional fundraising, it makes sense that charities go contactless in collecting donations too.

This technology is not only simple and easy to implement but also incredibly convenient for donors. In this blog post, we explore the growing importance of contactless donations and the steps to set up a contactless giving method for your charity.

Why Contactless Giving Is Essential Today

Since the pandemic opened digital channels, consumers now actively use cards and other contactless payment methods to complete purchases instead of carrying cash. With fewer people making cash-only payments, businesses are steadily adapting to a more cashless approach. While publicly available statistics on contactless charity donations in the UK are not widely known, according to The Money Charity, in September 2025, contactless payments accounted for 67% of credit card payments and 77% of all debit card payments.

According to the UK Giving Report 2024, only 50% of people give to charity, with only 36% of 16-to-24-year-olds donating. This concerning decline doesn’t point to a single reason, but does highlight the change in the way people give.

This shift presents an opportunity as well as a challenge for UK charities. Non-profits find themselves with an opportunity to tap into donors who prefer contactless giving over traditional giving methods. This also comes with a challenge to modify their current donation process and upgrade to contact-free donations.

This is where KindLink’s contactless fundraising system can help.

Understanding Different Contactless Donation Methods

It’s possible for donors to donate to charities using contactless methods. Here’s how:

Credit and Debit Cards

Widely accepted, credit or debit cards help make payments directly to the charity’s bank account. 

Direct Debits/ Standing Orders

Setting up a Direct Debit system or giving standing orders allows donors to conveniently donate a fixed amount of money regularly. 

Bank Transfers

Another popular method is to securely transfer funds from the donor’s bank account to the charity’s bank account.

Digital Wallets

Digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay allow donors to make payments and complete transactions quickly and securely. 

Chip and PIN

Donors can use a Chip and PIN device to make payments directly to the charity’s bank account. This method is secure and allows for detailed tracking of donations. 

App-Based Contactless Giving

These methods can provide flexibility and convenience, and make it easier for donors to support their favourite causes. However, more modern solutions make digital fundraising easier for both donors and charities.

People are comfortable using smartphones for completing contactless transactions daily, and this can also extend to donating to charities, doubling up as a reliable way for charities to collect donations. Not only does it reduce dependency on handling cash, but it also opens opportunities for charities to connect with contributors who may have second thoughts about donating if cash were the only option.

Step-by-Step: Setting Up Your Contactless Donation System

With KindLink’s Contactless Giving App, your charity can start collecting donations in minutes.

All you need to follow are these 3 steps from setup to accepting your first contactless charity donation:

Step 1: Download & Setup

• Install the app, securely log in, and choose the charity and project you wish to fundraise for.
• Select Your Campaign

Step 2: Tap to Give

• Let the donor choose an amount from the pre-set, customisable options and simply ask them to tap their contactless card or phone to receive the donation.
• Enter the Amount

Step 3: Thank and Repeat

• Ask the donor to boost the donation with Gift Aid and send a receipt with a single click. The app is immediately ready for the next donation.

KindLink’s Contactless Donation App for Charities

KindLink makes contactless donations for charities simple, secure, and integrated. Our Contactless Giving App is not only a payment processor, but a modern way to raise funds for charities of all sizes.

Its features include:

Tap to Pay

No card readers needed. Donors tap to pay while you accept using NFC technology.

Accepts Multiple Contactless Modes

Receive donations from contactless credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.

Integrates with KindLink CRM

Track and record every donation you receive in our CRM and reduce manual data entry.

Unified Campaign Reporting

Every contactless donation is instantly linked to the correct campaign and automatically recorded in your KindLink CRM for reporting needs.

Automate Gift Claims

Eligible UK donors have the flexibility to add Gift Aid by selecting a checkbox. Also, automate the claim process with HMRC.

Secure Donor Data Capture

Collect donor data securely and in compliance with GDPR.

Empower Your Staff

Encourage your volunteers and staff to securely accept donations on their own phones without accessing the main account.

Get started with our app. Sign up your non-profit today.