Scheme to turn Nectar loyalty points into donations gets underway

A scheme where customers using the Nectar loyalty scheme can turn points earned into donations has launched this week.

The Nectar Donate scheme involves a link-up between Nectar and online fundraiser Crowdfunder and was first revealed last summer.

Now five months on the scheme has launched. From Monday customers can donate points to the charity of their choice by logging into the Nectar app and clicking on a link to Crowdfunder.

Charities will now be eligible for donations from £250m worth of loyalty points accumulated by Nectar’s 18m UK customers.

Nectar is used by customers of among other Sainsbury’s and Argos.

The minimum donation is 200 Nectar points, the equivalent of £1.

Nectar and Crowdfunder have stressed the donations are aimed at both small local good causes and larger national charities.

Among charities involved is Alzheimer’s Research UK.

“We’re delighted that people can now support the important work of charities like Alzheimer’s Research UK through Nectar Donate,” said the charity’s chief executive Hilary Evans.

“Despite the challenges of the last two years, we continue to be humbled by the generosity of the British public. 1 in 2 people know someone affected by dementia, so now more than ever, that support will help drive our research towards breakthroughs that change lives.”

Crowdfunder creative director Simon Deverall added: “Nectar Donate gives charities the opportunity to benefit from Nectar customers donating their points to good causes.

“At a time when charities have suffered massively due to the pandemic and donors have felt the pinch, this amazing partnership creates an entirely new way for people to give to, and fundraise for, the causes they care about.

“We're really excited about this revolutionary new approach to charitable giving, and we're so pleased to add this innovation to our suite of products."