FIA Article Published December 2009
It all started over a box of chocolates three years ago. Founding Directors John Lavender, David Easthope and Craig Josic got together for a barbeque on the back deck. David and Craig had travelled to the small country town of Kilcoy where John lived with his family. John’s kids went to the local school and they had a box of chocolates to sell for fundraising. Problem was every kid in the street and district went to the school so the out of town guests were suddenly prime customers. The conversation moved to the search for an alternative fundraising concept, and Swipe2give was born.
In a time poor world where intense competition for the charity dollar means organisations have to spend huge dollars to develop and implement innovative fundraising strategies - Swipe2give is a timely solution. The program gives rise to endless opportunities for businesses and organisations to build dependent relationships, and it resolves two major challenges in fundraising activities. Firstly, the economical limit of individual, business and corporate sponsors. Secondly, the effort and risks associated in organising fundraising events and activities.
Swipe2give supporters each receive a card with their organisation logo. After cardholders make their usual purchases at participating businesses, they swipe their card through the existing eftpos system sending an automatic contribution from the business to the organisation. The business determines the amount of contribution so it’s a win –win for everyone.
If anyone is tired of sizzling sausages or driving dozens of lamingtons, pies or chocolates, but happy to shop and pay bills as part of fundraising efforts then consider this. One thousand cards swiped just once a week can turn into an estimated $50,000pa, and swiped twice a week can return $100,000.
Extensive research conducted on fundraising markets and online advertising has resulted in the development of proven systems driving the program. The business model is based on strategic alliances and partnerships with high profile organisations such as Australia Zoo and Scripture Union to the local grocery store. No matter what size business an attractive feature is free advertising in the Swipe2give online directory at www.swipe2give.com.au
Based on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, the company is currently concentrating efforts in South East Queensland. However the sustainability and ease of the program has attracted interest from interstate and overseas with programs ready to launch before the end of 2009 in NSW, Vic and WA. In 2010 Swipe2give will be launched in New Zealand in response to increasing demand from our cross-Tasman friends.
Organisations will enjoy the benefits of sustainable contributions 365 days of the year, more mutual relations between members and the business community and most importantly more time for members to focus on organisational goals. Numerous business benefits include increased customer loyalty, and the ability to identify target markets using measureable marketing responses via on line reporting systems linked to the existing eftpos system. Local businesses are reporting new customers aligned with the program therefore increasing the triple bottom line.
What was an idea on the back deck is rapidly growing into a national and global trend in fundraising. Building stronger communities will build a better world through a sustainable program with the capacity to emulate the benefits on a local, regional, national and global scale for charities, churches, schools, clubs and supporting businesses.