How to start a donations platform: helping charities and causes get paid
By SendPay Business · · 2 min read
Charities, places of worship, schools and community groups all need simple ways to take donations. Many pay high fees or use tools not built for them. A donations platform focused on a sector you know, such as faith groups or grassroots sports clubs, can win customers by being simpler, cheaper and more trusted.
What causes need
- Donation links and QR codes they can share anywhere.
- Monthly giving that runs by itself.
- Clear reports for trustees and accounts.
- Low, easy-to-explain fees.
Gift Aid in the UK
UK charities can claim Gift Aid from HMRC on eligible donations from UK taxpayers, adding 25p for every £1 given. A platform that collects the donor's declaration and keeps good records makes claiming much easier for its charities.
Building trust
Donors want to know their money reaches the cause. Show who you are, how fees work and when charities receive funds. Only onboard causes you've checked, such as registered charities.
Where SendPay fits
SendPay lets you launch your own platform under your brand, with GBP, EUR and USD accounts, transfers, branded Visa cards, payment links, invoices and subscriptions, powered by licensed partners. SendPay isn't a bank and doesn't handle Gift Aid claims.
Build it
Create your own financial platform.
Pick a template, name it, brand it, preview every page before you pay. Your brand, your users, your fees.
Build my platform →Questions people ask
How do I start a membership platform?
Charge members a regular fee for access or perks.
Membership platforms →How do I start a money app for my community?
Launch accounts and cards for a group you already know.
Community money app →Read next
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. SendPay Business is a technology company, not a bank, and does not take deposits; regulated services on the platforms are provided by licensed partners. PayPal, Patreon and Substack are named as reference points only and are not affiliated with SendPay Business.