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Community
Best payment systems for charities
Best payment systems for charities
06 OCT 2021BYÂ CHRISTINE CHIU
We explore the best options for processing payments online and by card
It’s broadly accepted that card payments trump cash. Even before the pandemic, more than half of all payments in the UK were completed by cards, according to the BBC.
Many more customers are also making purchases online. Statista records that, in February 2021, a whopping 71% of UK customers were buying more online than prior to the pandemic.
Clearly, the pandemic is hastening the shift towards a cashless society. Not only are cards convenient, but contactless payments reduce the possibility of virus transmission.
Charities who have not invested in the tech to accept card payments are missing out. Taking stock of the best payment systems, we go over how the card systems work and what the advantages are.
Stripe
Stripe offers the entire suite of options for sophisticated and simple operations. The payment system has two main components which are useful for charity businesses. It can take card payments from both digital and physical infrastructure. The advantage here is that Stripe can provide charities with point-of-sale (POS) machine rentals as well as support for online transactions.
Pricing:Â Non-European cards processing start at 2.9% of the amount plus 20p per transaction in a pay-as-you-go format.
Opayo
Opayo processes online and physical transactions. In addition to mainstream payments, Opayo can also deal with payments made over the phone. The main benefit for charities is its ability to link up with existing Sage platform accounts (Opayo is the rebranded version of SagePay). Invoicing and cash flow tracking is made easier through the linkage.
Pricing: Flexible pricing plans start at £25 per month.
PayPal
PayPal offers services to accept fundraising donations. PayPal accounts allow charities to accept payments but they are not linked to operations. The services are best for purchases made over the internet or singular events rather than wholesale operations.
Pricing:Â Discounted rates are available for charities. Payments are accepted at a rate of 1.4% on the amount plus 20p per transaction.
Square
SquareÂ’s payment system offers the latest technologies for charities. Payments can be completed via traditional card insertion, contactless tap, online, key-in, and through invoicing. The software system also transforms desktop computers into a payment terminal. Additional hardware can also be rented from Square.
Pricing:Â Fees vary by plan, but start at 1.75% of the transaction amount and go up from there.
LibertyPay
The main benefit of using LibertyPay is its customised features for charities. The payment platform has ready-to-use donation boxes, in addition to payment processing for online and retail payments. LibertyPay also operates a credit and debit card gateway provider CharityGateway, whose profits are donated to charity.
Pricing:Â Charities can negotiate bespoke plans based on requirements.
Banked
Banked is the new kid on the block in terms of e-commerce payment options. Unlike the more traditional providers of hardware, Banked is an API software intermediary that can be tacked onto charity websites. The payment platform uses real-time bank account data to complete transactions. Charities could benefit from the platformÂ’s ability to process high-value transactions.
Pricing:Â Charities can request more information.
WorldPay
Among the more traditional payment systems, WorldPay’s platform works for both simple and complex operations. The ‘checkout’ features for online payments integrate directly with websites through the API. One of the main benefits of this platform is its dashboard, which can help teams monitor transactions and prevent fraud.
Pricing: Plans start at £19 per month and include a minimum contract term.
Adyen
Adyen works for both online and physical card payments. POS machine rentals are available for charities with retail outlets. AdyenÂ’s additional services differentiate it from competitors. The payment platform has a customer insight section which allows users to compare payment methods and gather intelligence on transactions. This could be a powerful analytical tool for charities.
Pricing:Â Unlike the other pricing models, Adyen offers a mix-and-match approach. Charities choose which card payments are acceptable and are charged on that basis.
Zettle
YouÂ’ve probably seen street vendors and market merchants use the Zettle card reader for on-the-go payments. This platform is great for charities looking to maximise retail space in a fast-paced setting. The little reader and accompanying till devices look sleek and donÂ’t take up a lot of space. Zettle can also complete gift card and refund transactions, making it a good retail option.
Pricing:Â Card transactions incur a 1.75% charge on the transaction amount.
Payoneer
Payoneer caters to small businesses and freelancers. The payment platform manages payments from other internet services like AirBnB, Fiverr and Upwork. Charities need to have a bank account to move funds in and out of. Charities with international operations should check this one out, as cross-border payments can be made here.
Pricing:Â Credit card payments incur a fee of 3% of the transaction amount. Payments between Payoneer clients are free of charge.
Microsoft Excel Basics
12th October – 10:30 to 12:00  – Microsoft Excel Basics – Creating, Formatting and Printing a Workbook
JMD Training and Consultancy
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/164864428945
Have you the need to set up spreadsheets for storing text and numbers either as a data list or to do simple calculations?
Do you need to use Excel for everyday tasks such as setting up a budget, maintaining an address list, or keeping track of a list of to-do items?
Microsoft Excel Basics is an effective workshop giving plenty of hands-on experience. It will enable you to have the confidence and skills to create, format and print an Excel workbook.
Audience: This session will be of benefit to anyone who wants to learn the basics of Microsoft Excel.
Objectives:
- Create an Excel workbook
- Format an Excel workbook
- Edit an Excel workbook
- Print preview a workbook
- Print an Excel workbook
Impact:
- Confidence to create an Excel workbook
- Ability to edit, format and print an Excel workbook
Session Length: 1.5 hours
19th October – 10:30 to 12:00 – Basic Formulas – Getting to grips with Excel calculations
JMD Training and Consultancy
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Would you like to be able to use simple calculations?
Do you need to be able to quickly add up columns of figures?
Basic Formulas is an effective workshop giving plenty of hands-on experience. It will enable you to have the confidence and skills to do basic calculations in Excel, including addition, subtraction, multiplication and division and using the AutoSum button to create totals, averages, counts, maximums and minimums.
Audience: This session will be of benefit to anyone who wants to learn how to do simple calculations using Microsoft Excel.
Objectives:
- Add, subtract, multiply, divide numbers in an Excel workbook
- Use the Excel AutoSum feature to total, average or count a range of numbers
- Use the Excel AutoSum feature to find the maximum or minimum of a range of numbers
Impact:
- Confidence to do basic calculations in Excel
- Ability to rely on Excel rather than a calculator when faced with many calculations
Session Length: 1.5 hours
26th October – 10:30 to 12:30 - Basics of Microsoft Word
JMD Training and Consultancy
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/3-basics-of-microsoft-word-tickets-164870348651
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Creating and Formatting Simple Documents:
Would you like to be able to create Word documents rather than handwriting all the time?
Would you like to be able to edit documents and format them so they look professional?
Creating and Formatting Simple Documents is an effective workshop giving plenty of hands-on practice. It will enable you to have the confidence and skills to create, edit and format Microsoft Word documents.
Audience: Those who have never had formal training in Microsoft Word and those who learnt some time ago but are not comfortable with the package.
Objectives:
- To create simple Word documents
- To format simple Word documents
- To spellcheck a document
- To create bulleted and numbered lists
- To select text
- To move and copy text
- To print preview and print
For those who have never had the opportunity to have professional training in using Microsoft Word or those who learnt a long time ago, being asked to create or edit documents can be a daunting experience. This workshop will give the confidence to be able to do so.
Impact:
- Confidence to create Word documents
- Creation of professional looking reports, letters and business plans with ease
Session Length: 2 hours
2nd November – Explorers
Zoom https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/digital-explorer-network-digital-challenges-in-the-community-sector-tickets-168078157293
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A network for the CVS in Hounslow to discuss all things digital
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3rd November – Improved Digital Working for Community and Voluntary Sector Groups   – CAP Enterprise (Kent) cic
- Digital explained
- Why digital can help
- A digital customer journey
- Digital self-assessment exercise
- Digital action plan – how to be more digital
9th November 10:30 – 14:00 – Social Media for Community Voluntary Sector Groups – Aliya Zaidi
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https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/digital-explorer-network-social-media-training-tickets-168078215467
Agenda
Introduction and arrival
Introduction to digital pt 1.
Questions (15 minutes)
10.30 – Â 12pm – Break for 30 minutes – rejoin at 12:30pm
12:30 – Start of session pt 2.
Questions (15 minutes)
2.00 – End of session and close.
Structure
-Â Why Social Media / Introduction to Social media
– What is inbound marketing (explained in simple terms)
– Social media strategy
– Goals and objectives
– Activity for charities / small organisations
– How to set a strategy
– Understanding your audience
– Overview of social media channels
-Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, SnapChat, TikTok
– Think about your messaging
– Honesty and transparency
– Memes
– Story-telling
– Free tools
– What is crowdfunding?
– Influencers
– Reputation Management
– Case Study
10th November – Digital Techniques for Engaging and Supporting Clients for Community and Voluntary Sector Groups – CAP Enterprise (Kent) cic Â
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86457771516?pwd=SkdQMnkveGJ6Y29oMDlhRUlrVmlqUT09
- Websites
- Social Media
- Blogs and Vlogs
- Videoconferencing
- Mailing
- Chat
- AI
- GDPR
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16 November  – Digital Explorers Network
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              A network for the CVS in Hounslow to discuss all things digital
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17th  November – Digital Monitoring, Evaluation and Data-led Management
– CAP Enterprise (Kent) cic
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-look-at-improving-digital-capacity-tickets-182710791897
- Websites
- Social Media
- Blogs and Vlogs
- Videoconferencing
- Mailing
- Chat
- AI
- GDPR
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23rd November  – 10:30 to 12:30 – JMD Training and Consultancy
Working with Word Tables – Laying Out Information with Microsoft Word
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/164871738809
Would you like to be able to format text rapidly and organise it into neat columns?
Do you need more appropriate ways to lay out Word text?
Are you currently pressing the SpaceBar key several times to get text lined up?
Working with Word Tables is an effective workshop giving plenty of hands-on experience. It will enable you to have the confidence and skills to create, edit and format Word tables.
Audience: Those who have never had formal training in Microsoft Word and those who learnt some time ago but are not comfortable with the package. This session will be of benefit to anyone who wants to be able to layout text in appropriate ways. Sometimes although people have used tables for some time, they are not aware of techniques such as getting two or more columns to be of equal width. Anyone who uses tables but feels they are not using them to their full potential should also attend.
Objectives:
- To create Word tables
- Format tables
- Insert and delete rows and columns
- Adjust column widths, row heights
- Merge cells
- Split cells
- Add or remove borders and shading
- Sort data within a table
- Splitting tables
- Showing column headings on each page of a long table
Impact:
- Confidence to create Word tables
- Creation of professional looking reports, letters and business plans with ease
Session Length: 1.5 hours
30th November – Deter, Detect and Delete – GDPR and Cyber SecurityÂ
10th December Explorers – the future of Digital support
An open discussion about what kind of support groups need in future
FREE Upcoming Parenting Programmes-ParentingU
Every parent needs a little help from time to time. We’re on hand, in communities and online!
| Every parent needs a little help from time to time. We’re on hand, in communities and online!
We know that supporting parents means better outcomes for the child. We’ve seen the difference this support can make. ThatÂ’s why we offer help and guidance, in person and through our online services. Our parenting programmes support families and care-givers around the UK. They’re designed to help parents and children bond, learn, or overcome difficulties. If you havenÂ’t already, explore below our free events for this autumn such as Family Links Nurturing, a guide to setting loving limits during those trying toddler moments. This programme is particularly aimed at parents, grandparents or carers with children under five. It’s for those who are looking for tools to help them handle challenging behaviour, and discover some great strategies for creating and maintaining boundaries. Even if this event is not for you, there are lots more on offer in our autumn line-up. With anything that is precious to us, we do all that we can to help it thrive so we hope these events will strengthen your family for the journey ahead. Please find the leaflets below if you feel you would like to refer any parent/family please complete the form: https://forms.gle/8UwjddeU7nvtpda49 The ParentingU Team |
PHE WomenÂ’s Recovery Coordinator-RSDAT: EALING RISE
Apply Now : PHE WomenÂ’s Recovery Coordinator
 Hours Per Week: 37.5
Salary: £23,218.59 – £26,983.44 per annum plus Outer London Weighting: £1,996.23
Fixed Term Contract Until March 2023
Do you have a special interest in working with vulnerable women? Could you help them to access services, advocate for them and support them get to where they want to be in life? Would you like to join our highly motivated and supportive team in Ealing as our WomenÂ’s Specialist Recovery Coordinator?
The purpose of the role is to improve the health and wellbeing of all women rough sleepers with complexities linked with homelessness such as substance misuse, mental health, exploitation, sex working and poor health. The suitable candidate will have some knowledge of working in one or more of these areas.
You will need to record information about what you do, so enjoying a bit of paperwork and attention to detail is important.
The RSDAT team comprise of substance misuse clinical and mental health practitioners, specifically assembled to meet the complex needs. The Women’s Recovery Worker is an essential element of this.
Our work is mostly provided out in the community, taking the treatment to where the women are, where they feel safe and better able to engage. We enjoy working with people from all backgrounds making a difference to their lives. Smaller caseloads enable staff to support the Women at their pace and take the time to build trusting relationships.
No two days are the same; we span our activity across the day with early and late shifts. We treat every person who comes into our service as an individual so being flexible, curious and a good listener are key.
If this sounds like an opportunity for you, apply now via the link below
It is a Genuine Occupational Requirement under the Equality Act 2010 for the applicant to be female.
Apply Here ?
Generating free funds with easyfundraising
Free webinar: Tap into free funding income Â
Come along to this informal lunchtime drop in session to find out your voluntary group, CIC, social enterprise, church, school, sports club or charity can benefit from unrestricted funding.
Becky from easyfundraising will talk through how your volunteers, staff and supporters can use the easyfundraising platform to raise donations for your organisation when they shop with thousands of leading retailers. Becky will demonstrate how it works, show you how to get started and answer any questions you might have. With the Christmas shopping period just around the corner, this is a good opportunity to boost your funds. Easyfundraisign is free to use and is trusted by 170,000 good causes around the UK.
Places are limited so book your attendance now:
When: Monday 18th October
Time: 12.30
Register at: http://efraising.org/Au2BwAh6ZJ
Pitchwestlondon.org – a new signposting and housing campaigning website
We are pleased to announce EHCVS has launched a new housing support and campaigning website www.pitchwestlondon.org  The website contains a huge amount of housing information relating to Ealing and Hounslow, as well as training videos and details of key housing contacts across the two boroughs. The website has been developed to provide everything community groups and local residents need to campaign for better community housing. The main objective is to empower and support the voice of BAME and vulnerable groups in Ealing and Hounslow. Key BAME community groups are currently being trained in advocacy and housing campaigning and will be featured on the site over the forthcoming months. The website is very user friendly and has been designed to be used on a phone to ensure the website is of use to local residents as well as community groups. This initiative is part of the EHCVS housing campaigning project funded by Trust For London. For further information contact toby@ehcvs.org.uk
Supporting Parents at Work Find Out More-11:30 am Wednesday, 29 September ZOOM SESSION
Belina GRoW will be hosting a FIND OUT MORE session for our new Parental Employment Program funded by the Mayor of London
The project is here to help smaller employer’s support parents at work
We will be able to advise you on how to support your employees with childcare and also how to make the best of hybrid and flexible working and we will introduce you to the Mayor of LondonÂ’s Good Work Standard.
You also be able to link to a network where you will you get lots of information on topics like menopause policies, supporting staff members facing domestic violence and how best to help lone parents at work.
Book on to this 30 minute session using this Eventbrite link
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/employers-parental-employment-programme-tickets-173534003877
Please click here for the Flyer and to know more GRoW Employer’s leaflet- 3
Please also complete this short survey
Survey link
