BT’s fundraising platform MyDonate is winding down towards closure in June 2019.
The platform, which was the first commission-free fundraising service when it launched in 2011, is winding up as a result of fierce competition within the sector.
“Fundraising technology has evolved significantly in the last eight years, bringing many alternative fundraising platforms, including several fee-free offers, to the UK,” a BT spokesperson said.
“In light of this, we have taken the tough decision to close MyDonate at the end of June 2019 and re-focus our outreach initiatives, which include helping people of all ages across the UK develop essential technology skills and supporting national education programmes such as Barefoot.”
BT has said it instead aims to refocus its community investments on helping its customers and communities to “get the most out of the digital world, with a major new investment in digital skills planned to launch across the UK later this year”.
“Our number one priority is to make sure that fundraising activities continue with as little disruption as possible.”
The MyDonate website will close on June 30, 2019, by which time 70 per cent of the pages currently live will have expired naturally.
Donations made up to midnight 30 June 2019 will reach charities within 30 days. BT said it is currently working with HMRC to make sure all Gift Aid is paid as quickly as possible. Accounts will stay open for all users to access their data.
It has said charities will still get the Gift Aid they’re due in the normal timescales.
