A social enterprise based in Leeds is transforming how charities think about fundraising; by giving them the tools to increase their donations online.

Charity Box, owned by Matt Saunders, is a local startup, which has been created exclusively to help charities.

The web developer from the area, explains: “There are so many small and medium-sized charities in the area who carry out invaluable work on a daily basis. But often they don’t get the exposure and support they need because they aren’t able to make the most of modern technologies. Our service is here to fix this.” says Matt.

Research has shown that only 20% of charities are on the cusp of achieving full “basic digital skills”.

Furthermore, the data shows that charities who are digitally engaged are more likely to increase donations, grow their supporters and save costs.

Skills Platform also have research, which shows that 45% of charities don’t have a digital strategy and digital strategist Zoe Amar, writing for the Guardian, indicated there is a growing awareness within the sector to urgently “get to grips” with digital technologies in order to keep valuable supporters, as well as staff.

Charity Box work with many smaller charities who may not have large budgets and tech savvy, so can see a big improvement through the adoption on online fundraising. “Why should the largest charities be the only ones to benefit from intuitive design and the latest web technology?”, he says.

The service, which offers website design, consultation and support plans to be serving hundreds of small-medium sized charities across the UK within three years.