Supporting your favorite causes has never been easier thanks to digital platforms that bridge the gap between everyday activities and charitable giving. Give as you Live is a leading service that allows individuals to raise funds for charities through online shopping, direct donations, and even business purchases. By integrating philanthropy into your routine, you can provide consistent support to organizations without necessarily spending extra money. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step walkthrough on how to use the platform effectively to maximize your impact.
Understanding the Give as you Live Platform
Give as you Live operates on a simple premise: helping people give to charity in ways that suit their lifestyle. The platform partners with thousands of retailers and charities to facilitate various forms of giving. Whether you want to make a one-off payment or generate funds while buying groceries, the platform provides a centralized hub to manage your contributions.
There are two primary ways to support a cause through this service. The first is through direct donations, where you send money directly to a specific charity via the platform’s secure payment system. The second is through their shopping portal, where retailers pay a commission on your purchases, which is then passed on to your chosen charity at no extra cost to you.
How to Get Started with an Account
To begin supporting charities, you first need to create a personal account. This allows the platform to track the funds you raise and ensures the money reaches the correct organization. The registration process is straightforward and only takes a few minutes.
- Visit the official website: Navigate to the homepage to find the sign-up button.
- Enter your details: Provide your name, email address, and create a secure password.
- Select your charity: You will be prompted to search for the charity you wish to support. You can search by name, category, or location.
- Confirm your email: Check your inbox for a verification link to activate your account.
Once your account is active, you can log in at any time to see your total fundraising balance. You can also change your supported charity whenever you like, giving you the flexibility to support different causes throughout the year.
Making a Direct Donation
If you want to send money immediately to a cause, the direct donation feature is the most efficient method. This is particularly useful for emergency appeals, birthdays, or memorial donations. The platform handles the transaction securely, ensuring the funds are transferred safely to the charity’s bank account.
Steps to Donate Directly
- Log in to your account: Ensure you are signed in so your donation history is recorded.
- Find the ‘Donate’ section: Look for the direct donation portal on the website.
- Enter the amount: Choose how much you wish to give. You can usually select a pre-set amount or enter a custom figure.
- Choose the frequency: Decide if this is a one-time gift or if you would like to set up a monthly recurring donation.
- Complete the payment: Enter your credit card, debit card, or digital wallet details to finalize the transaction.
After the payment is processed, you will receive a receipt via email. This is important for your records, especially if you need to track your charitable giving for tax purposes.
Raising Funds While Shopping Online
One of the most popular features of this platform is the ability to raise money while you shop at your favorite online stores. Over 6,000 retailers participate in this program, including major brands in fashion, electronics, travel, and groceries. When you shop through the platform, the retailer pays a percentage of your spend to your charity as a “thank you” for the referral.
Using the Website to Shop
To ensure your charity receives the commission, you must start your shopping journey from the platform’s website. Search for the retailer you want to visit, click the link provided, and shop as you normally would. The platform uses cookies to track the transaction and attribute the donation to your account.
The Donation Reminder Tool
It can be easy to forget to visit the platform before shopping. To solve this, you can install a browser extension known as a ‘Donation Reminder.’ Once installed on your computer, a small notification will appear whenever you visit a partner retailer’s site. With one click, you can activate the donation without having to leave the retailer’s page.
Supporting Charities Through Mobile Devices
For those who prefer to manage their tasks on the go, there is a dedicated mobile app available for both iOS and Android devices. The app offers the same functionality as the desktop website, allowing you to shop, donate, and track your progress from your smartphone or tablet.
Using the app is often faster for frequent shoppers. You can enable push notifications to receive alerts about special “increased donation” events, where retailers offer a higher percentage for a limited time. This is an excellent way to boost your impact during holiday shopping seasons or major sales events.
Understanding Gift Aid
If you are a UK taxpayer, you can significantly increase the value of your direct donations through Gift Aid. This is a government scheme that allows charities to claim back the basic rate of tax on your donation. For every £1 you give, the charity can receive an extra 25p at no cost to you.
During the donation process, you will be asked if you want to add Gift Aid. If you meet the eligibility requirements, simply tick the box. The platform will handle the paperwork and ensure the extra funds reach your chosen charity. Note that Gift Aid only applies to direct donations and not to funds raised through shopping commissions.
Tips for Maximizing Your Impact
To make the most of the platform, consistency is key. Small amounts raised through regular shopping can add up to a significant total over the course of a year. Here are a few ways to ensure you are raising as much as possible:
- Book travel and insurance: High-value purchases like holidays, flights, and insurance policies often generate the largest donations.
- Check for bonuses: Keep an eye out for “double donation” weeks where specific retailers increase their contribution rates.
- Share with friends: Many platforms offer referral bonuses. If you invite friends to join and they start raising funds, your charity may receive an additional bonus.
- Use it for business: If you buy office supplies or book business travel, using a business account on the platform can turn necessary company expenses into charitable support.
Is My Data and Money Secure?
Security is a top priority for reputable giving platforms. When you make a direct donation, your payment details are encrypted using industry-standard technology. The platform does not store sensitive credit card information on its own servers, instead using secure payment gateways to process transactions.
Furthermore, the platform only works with registered charities. This ensures that the money you raise or donate is going to a legitimate organization that is regulated by the relevant authorities. You can feel confident that your contributions are being handled professionally and transparently.
Conclusion
Using a dedicated giving platform like Give as you Live is an effective way to support the causes you care about without disrupting your daily life. By following the steps to set up an account, utilizing the shopping tools, and taking advantage of direct donation features, you can become a consistent contributor to your favorite charity. Whether it is a few pence from a grocery shop or a larger direct gift, every contribution helps these organizations continue their vital work. To learn more about managing your online services and making the most of digital tools, explore our other guides on practical ways to simplify your everyday tasks.