Loading organizations...
Key people at Localgiving.
Localgiving operates as a digital platform providing comprehensive fundraising tools, grant opportunities, and AI-powered assistance to UK grassroots charities and community groups. It offers a robust ecosystem for organizations to secure online donations, leverage crowdfunding, and efficiently manage Gift Aid, while also supporting individual fundraisers and facilitating grant distribution for larger funders. The platform’s technical approach focuses on simplifying the fundraising process and enhancing the digital capabilities of smaller non-profits.
The organization was founded by Marcelle in 2009, stemming from the observation that many local UK charities lacked access to effective digital donation services and a meaningful online presence. This insight underscored a significant gap in the charitable sector, where smaller entities struggled to compete with larger organizations in the digital fundraising landscape. Localgiving was established to democratize these essential tools, empowering local causes to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
Localgiving primarily serves thousands of UK-based charities and community groups, alongside individuals seeking to fundraise for causes they care about, and institutional grant makers looking to efficiently allocate funds. The company's vision is to foster a vibrant local charitable sector by equipping grassroots organizations with the resources and support needed to connect with donors, secure funding, and amplify their impact within their communities.
Key people at Localgiving.
Localgiving is a UK-based membership network and online fundraising platform dedicated to supporting local charities and community groups. It provides digital tools, training, and advice to help grassroots organizations diversify their income through online fundraising, connect with supporters, and improve their digital skills. Localgiving serves thousands of small and local voluntary groups across the UK, enabling them to raise funds, access grants, and build sustainable community impact. The platform has facilitated the raising and distribution of millions of pounds to local causes, helping to strengthen the local voluntary sector and address community needs effectively[1][2][3][5].
Localgiving was founded in 2010 with the mission to offer digital donation services and an online presence to UK charities, especially those local and community groups that traditionally lacked access to such resources. The founders recognized that many grassroots organizations were excluded from the benefits of emerging online fundraising technologies. Since its inception, Localgiving has grown into a nationwide community platform, supporting thousands of charities and partnering with major UK grant makers. The organization is owned by the charitable Localgiving Foundation and operates as a social enterprise, reinvesting profits to fund charitable work. Key early milestones include launching regional development programs, such as the Wales Development Programme in 2016, which helped hundreds of organizations raise millions through online fundraising[1][2][3].
Localgiving rides the trend of digital transformation in the nonprofit sector, addressing the gap in technology access for small and local charities. The timing is critical as digital fundraising and online engagement have become essential for charity sustainability, especially post-pandemic and amid economic challenges like the cost of living crisis. By providing tailored digital tools and training, Localgiving helps local groups leverage technology to increase funding and community impact. This approach aligns with broader market forces emphasizing community resilience, digital inclusion, and the democratization of philanthropy. Localgiving also influences the ecosystem by advocating for local charities, raising awareness of their unique challenges, and fostering innovation in nonprofit fundraising[1][2][3].
Looking ahead, Localgiving is likely to continue evolving its platform with advanced technology integrations, such as AI, to further empower local charities. The organization’s focus on addressing geographical inequality and supporting pioneering local initiatives positions it well to contribute to the UK’s "levelling up" agenda. Trends shaping its journey include increasing digital adoption in the nonprofit sector, growing public interest in local impact philanthropy, and the need for sustainable community funding models. Localgiving’s influence may expand by scaling its successful models to other regions and historic community sites, reinforcing its role as a vital enabler of grassroots charity sustainability and local social innovation[1][3].
