FAQs

The National Funding Scheme is a registered charity (charity no: 1149800 and SC045106) set up in March 2013 with a clear objective - to enable any organisation with a charitable purpose to fundraise using digital technology. The NFS has developed a national tool of mobile giving - DONATE - which any organisation can adopt, thereby totally transforming the way the public can give to charitable causes. DONATE was originally launched across the arts sector and has over 350 partners in museums, galleries, heritage sites, theatres and performance centers. The NFS now supports charities from all sectors be it a school, church group, hospital, voluntary organisation or football team.

DONATE is the mobile platform and the public-facing brand of the NFS. Wherever people see the DONATE sign, asking them to support a particular campaign, they can easily make a donation through digital channels using their mobile device (phone or tablet). DONATE combines SMS texting, Near Field Communication, QR code and web apps into one simple platform meaning people can donate through one recognised brand via multiple channels.

Organisations place DONATE signage in their venue, at performances, on websites, in print programmes, outdoors etc. People can give in three ways using these signs:

• Sending a text message via their mobile using the specific code that appears on signage
• Accessing the DONATE website via their mobile device by entering a web address or hovering over the QR code on signage (if they have installed a QR scanner app)
• Holding a mobile device over the ‘Touch’ symbol on signage if their device supports contactless Near-Field Communication (NFC)