Tap to donate – as productive as a gold coin donation?

Tap to donate devices are popping up in many locations. I have recently seen tap to donate devices in the Virgin Australia Lounges, the Qantas Lounges, and other high-end venues. The devices are asking for a $5 or $10 donation for charities like Cure Cancer Australia and Starlight Foundation.

Is tap to donate – as “productive” as a gold coin donation?

As a fundraiser myself, I am never against a non-profit raising money. And, offering donors a menu of convenient options to give is certainly top of any charity’s list. But, I have always criticised gold coin donations because, while they offer a quick way to raise money and awareness, they do not allow the charitable organisation to collect contact details to engage the donor further. Likewise, known tap to donate devices, do not allow non-profits to collect contact details of donors.

The tap to donate machines are placed in convenient locations. In the Qantas Business Lounge, the device is placed on the bar and near the barista. While waiting in line, it is very easy for passengers to tap their debit or credit card and to donate to a charity they may otherwise have overlooked. I have also seen these devices placed in high traffic areas, such as pedestrian walkways. Donors walking by simply walk up and tap to donate.

Your thoughts

So, what do you think?

Is your non-profit organisation looking to adopt tap to donate technology in 2019?

Are you able to locate a supplier which shares the contact details of the debit or credit card holder so your organisation may cultivate an enhanced relationship with the new donor? Does such a supplier arrangement exist?

Are you bothered by the fact you cannot even send a receipt to the donor unless he or she contacts you to request one? Do you see the benefits outweighing the negative points I have included above?

Let me hear your thoughts by voicing them below.