Many people don’t realise that fundraising platforms take a cut of the money raised says Kieron James, founder of Manchester-based non-profit fundraising platform Wonderful.
James discusses the issue in our podcast ahead of the company’s inaugural Wonderful Week, a virtual fundraising drive which runs from 2nd-10th September. All profits from the week raised through non-profit Wonderful will go to the charities.
“People are surprised to see how much is taken out when they give to charity,” says James.
“For example, if someone is training for a marathon the last two miles, which are very tiring, aren’t going to charity at all.”
The company ensures that all money raised goes to charities through enlisting the help of corporate sponsors.
However this means there is little available for a marketing budget, so has launched Wonderful Week as a way for fundraisers to get involved no matter where they are and what they want to do.
“It’s not just about running and cycling or swimming – you can do pretty much anything you want and it doesn’t need to be a formal charity event,” says James.
“We don’t have the budget to put on the Great North Run, for example, and my daughter in Paris can do a 50 mile walk around the city during the week.
“We’re not only trying to raise awareness of doing wonderful things but put a date in the calendar to raise awareness of what we’re doing.”
Hear about the celebrities involved in the week and the craziest fundraising activity that’s taking place in the podcast.