If you are looking for Virgin Money Giving to start a new fundraiser or make a donation, you may have noticed that the platform is no longer active. In late 2021, the service officially closed its doors to new donations and fundraising pages. This change left many charities and individual fundraisers looking for a new home for their digital campaigns.
Understanding where to go next is essential for anyone wanting to support a cause or organize a challenge. While the platform was a staple for major events like the London Marathon, several reliable alternatives have stepped in to fill the gap. This guide will help you navigate the current landscape of online giving and find the best tool for your needs.
What Happened to Virgin Money Giving?
Virgin Money Giving was launched in 2009 as a non-profit alternative to other fundraising sites. It successfully helped raise over #900 million for various charities over its twelve-year history. However, the parent company decided to close the service in November 2021 to focus on other areas of their business.
Because the platform is permanently closed, users can no longer log in to view old fundraising pages or download historical data directly from the site. If you were a previous user, your data was handled according to their closing procedures, and most active fundraisers were encouraged to migrate to new platforms before the final shutdown date.
Top Alternatives for Online Fundraising
When one door closes, others open. There are now several high-quality platforms that offer similar, if not better, features for both individual fundraisers and registered charities. Here are the most popular options available today.
JustGiving
JustGiving is perhaps the most well-known fundraising platform in the world. It offers a very user-friendly interface and supports a massive range of charities. It is often the first choice for people running marathons, doing bake sales, or participating in personal challenges.
- Wide Recognition: Most donors feel comfortable and safe using this platform.
- Gift Aid: They automatically process Gift Aid, which adds 25% to eligible donations.
- App Integration: You can easily track your fitness progress through apps like Strava and post updates directly to your page.
Enthuse
Enthuse has become a major player in the UK, especially after becoming the official fundraising partner for the London Marathon and other large-scale events. They focus on providing a “white-label” experience, meaning the charity’s branding stays front and center rather than the platform’s branding.
- Official Partnerships: Many large-scale organized events now require you to use Enthuse.
- Charity-First Approach: They offer tools specifically designed to help charities build long-term relationships with donors.
- Simple Interface: The donation process is streamlined to reduce the number of clicks required to give.
GoFundMe
While GoFundMe is often associated with personal causes (like medical bills or community projects), it is also a powerful tool for charity fundraising. It is highly social-media friendly and makes it very easy to share your story across Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).
- Flexibility: Great for both registered charities and individual needs.
- Speed: You can set up a page and start receiving donations in just a few minutes.
- Trust & Safety: They have a robust system for verifying organizers to prevent fraud.
How to Choose the Right Platform
Selecting the right platform depends on your specific goals. Not every site is built the same, and the fees or features might make one a better fit for your specific situation. Consider the following factors before you sign up.
Fee Structures
Most platforms have moved away from charging a flat monthly fee for charities. Instead, they usually operate on a commission basis or a “voluntary tip” model. In the tip model, the donor can choose to give a small extra amount to the platform so that 100% of your intended donation goes to the cause.
Ease of Use
If you are asking friends and family to donate, the process needs to be simple. Test the donation flow on your mobile phone. If it takes too long or requires too much personal information, some donors might get frustrated and leave before completing the transaction.
Reporting and Data
For those running a large campaign, having access to data is vital. You want to know who donated, how they found your page, and when they gave. Platforms like Enthuse and JustGiving provide detailed dashboards to help you track your progress against your goal.
Tips for Successful Online Fundraising
Once you have chosen your new platform, the next step is to make your page stand out. Digital fundraising is competitive, and a well-crafted page can make a significant difference in the amount you raise.
- Tell a Personal Story: Explain exactly why the cause matters to you. Personal anecdotes are much more moving than generic statistics.
- Use High-Quality Photos: A clear photo of yourself or the work the charity does creates an immediate emotional connection.
- Post Regular Updates: Don’t just set it and forget it. Post updates on your training or your progress toward the goal to keep donors engaged.
- Ask More Than Once: People are busy and might forget to donate the first time they see your post. It is okay to send a friendly reminder as your deadline approaches.
Getting Started with Your New Campaign
Starting a new fundraising journey can feel daunting after a platform you used for years disappears. However, the current tools available are more powerful and social-media integrated than ever before. Whether you are supporting a local animal shelter or a national health charity, your efforts make a real difference.
To get started, visit one of the alternative sites mentioned above and look for the “Start Fundraising” button. Most will guide you through a simple step-by-step process to link your page to your chosen charity. Once your page is live, share the link widely and watch your community come together for a good cause.
If you found this guide helpful, you may want to explore our other articles on managing digital accounts and finding the best online services for your daily needs.