Comic Relief Extends The GoCardless Partnership for Year-round Donations
Amidst the challenges of an ever-changing world, Comic Relief and GoCardless have reaffirmed their commitment to making a difference. This enduring partnership, extending until 2026, is poised to transform the landscape of charitable giving, enabling Comic Relief to seamlessly collect recurring donations throughout the year with the help of GoCardless’ Direct Debit service.
Embracing a Prolonged Commitment to Charitable Endeavours
We've extended our relationship with @comicrelief ❤️
Since 2019, we've enabled the UK charity to collect more donations outside of its yearly Red Nose Day fundraising campaign.
The collaboration between GoCardless, the prominent bank payment company, and Comic Relief, the cherished UK charity, has thrived since its inception in 2019. Comic Relief is equipped to broaden its horizons beyond its iconic Red Nose Day fundraising campaign as the partnership extends. This extension signifies a monumental leap in enhancing accessibility and convenience for those who wish to support the causes closest to their hearts.
Generosity Prevails in Challenging Times
The timing of this announcement is particularly poignant, given the ongoing cost of living crisis. Astonishingly, despite financial pressures, 37% of respondents in a survey conducted by GoCardless expressed their unwavering commitment to donating to charity. Moreover, 52% affirmed they would be more inclined to contribute if the donation process were swift and uncomplicated.
Endorsements from Key Figures
Georgina Persson, the Executive Director of Operations at Comic Relief, enthusiastically embraced the partnership’s extension. She emphasised the importance of simplifying the online donation process for Comic Relief’s generous supporters. Persson expressed her optimism, stating, “We are delighted to be able to continue working with GoCardless to ensure making online donations to Comic Relief is as simple and seamless as possible.”
The Power of Recurring Donations
Pat Phelan, the Managing Director of UK & Ireland and Chief Customer Officer at GoCardless, echoed the sentiments of commitment and support. He underscored the significance of recurring donations during financial uncertainty, highlighting how Direct Debit empowers donors to give regularly, amplifying their contributions’ overall impact.
Comic Relief’s influence transcends its annual Red Nose Day event. In 2023, the charity managed to raise an impressive £35,310,407, thanks to individuals’ and businesses’ unwavering generosity. A pivotal component of this success lies in the ease with which ordinary people can set up affordable, recurring donations through GoCardless. This approach ensures a steady flow of funds, reducing the charity’s reliance on a single fundraising event—a strategy fraught with risk, especially given the current economic climate.
Resilience in Charitable Giving
Recent research underscores the resilience of charitable giving, with 37% of individuals committed to sustaining their contributions despite economic uncertainties. However, there has been a slight dip, with 45% of respondents indicating regular donations in 2023, down from 49% in the previous year. Nevertheless, an encouraging 63% of consumers have continued to donate to charity in some capacity over the past year.
Streamlined Donations for Maximum Impact
Comic Relief’s partnership with GoCardless for Direct Debit streamlines the process of setting up recurring donations, allowing maximum contributions throughout the year. The importance of convenience cannot be overstated, with 52% of survey respondents affirming that they would be more likely to donate if the process were fast and hassle-free.
Innovation Extending Beyond Charity
This extension of the partnership between GoCardless and Comic Relief is just one facet of GoCardless’ commitment to transformative payment solutions. Earlier this month, GoCardless solidified its position as JustGiving’s exclusive open banking payment provider, replacing American Express. With the introduction of its Instant Bank Pay feature, GoCardless is poised to revolutionise the donation experience, simplifying transactions for donors and potentially saving charities up to 56% in administration costs.
A Brighter Future Through Collaboration
In conclusion, the renewed commitment between GoCardless and Comic Relief is a heartwarming testament to the enduring spirit of generosity in the UK. This partnership ensures a steady stream of support for the charity and exemplifies the power of technology in making charitable giving more accessible and convenient for all. As these two organisations continue to collaborate and innovate, the future looks brighter for those in need, thanks to Comic Relief’s supporters and GoCardless’ unwavering dedication and innovative payment solutions. Together, they embody the essence of philanthropy, demonstrating that even in challenging times, the British spirit of giving remains resolute.
