# Charities turning to tech to help safeguard future, finds report

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2023/08/16/charities-turning-to-tech-to-help-safeguard-future-finds-report/
- Published: 2023-08-16T11:39:17+01:00
- Author: Melanie May

**Charities are adopting new technologies to raise funds and fill staff shortages
as they strive to survive the ongoing financial crisis, according to a new report
from Endsleigh.**

The _Rewarding Industries 2023 _report surveyed over 300 financial decision makers
across charities, social enterprises, and not-for-profit organisations, to analyse
how the third sector is responding to the challenges faced in today’s climate. 

Of those surveyed, nearly half (45%) said their financial situation was worse now–
due to the cost-of-living crisis – than it was during the height of the Covid-19
pandemic. Over two fifths (43%) fear their charity is at risk of closure due to 
financial challenges.

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#### Seeking new income streams

The report highlights growing use of gamification for raising funds, with 58% of
charities surveyed saying they had used the metaverse, augmented or virtual reality,
online games or partnered with gamification providers to encourage donations, in
the past year. These range from live streaming, quizzes and interactive games in
digital fundraising. Some charities are also looking into ways to secure more regular
donors as part of a ‘subscription service model’ of fundraising.

Around a third of organisations have also increased their use of social media channels,
such as TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat, to extend marketing activities in the last
12 months. Alongside this, the same amount said they were now partnering with influencers
to raise awareness and help increase donations online.

#### Streamlining business processes

Charities are also increasingly using technology to streamline business processes,
reduce costs and increase revenue – 29% are using AI tools to fill talent gaps within
the industry.

However, with greater reliance on tech comes increased risk of cybercrime, with 
the report finding that 26% of organisations were a target of cyber fraud in the
last 12 months.

Alison Meckiffe, [Endsleigh Insurance](https://www.endsleigh.co.uk/) CEO, said: 

> “The cost-of-living crisis has put even more pressure on charities, social enterprises,
> and not-for-profit organisations. While the report highlights the financial threat
> many organisations face, it also highlights the resilience of the industry, with
> many identifying ways to evolve their ‘business’ model to continue to support 
> those most in need.”