Have your say on the future of cheques

A call to all Institute of Fundraising fundraisers

Rapidata is working with the Institute of Fundraising to explore the issues and challenges facing charities in their fundraising and receipt of donations by cheque.

In 2011 the Institute of Fundraising campaigned successfully to stop the abolition of the cheque in 2018. Even so, use of the cheque as a payment mechanism is in natural decline. In the UK, 11 million cheques were used each day in 1990 compared to just 3.5 million a day in 2009; and usage continues to fall, currently by 10% per year. It’s important we acknowledge this natural decline and that consequently cheques are unlikely to remain a viable payment mechanism for ever.

The Institute of Fundraising has today asked for all its members to complete a short survey. Your responses will be kept anonymous.

It is important that fundraisers give an account of their experiences and take a few minutes out to complete this survey. The aim is to report the findings to the Payments Council and relevant Government Departments to ensure that charities and their needs are recognised in the management of the cheque going forward, and in the development of future giving methods.

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Whats new in the January 2012 online fundraising release

We’re excited to tell you about about the upcoming release of the Artez online fundraising system.

This update is full of new web, social and mobile fundraising features to enhance your online fundraising.

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Rapidata Team take part in Movember

Throughout November, three of the Rapidata team have been growing moustaches, much to the amusement of others, as part of Movember.

On this the final day of Movember, a big congratulations to Scott, Daragh and Adam for raising over £300 and to all those that supported their efforts. Rapidata will be matching the donations bringing the actual total to over £600!! The money raised goes towards Prostate Cancer and Testicular Cancer initiatives.

“This is the first time I have grown a moustache and possibly my last! It was however great to be part of a huge fundraising effort and I am very happy the Rapidata team reached it’s personal £300 goal.”

Scott Gray

“A Great cause supported, good laugh and impressive team result!
Though I think I can speak for all three of us when I say, we are looking forward to the shave tonight!”

Daragh Everett

“I’m very pleased with the effort and it’s been fun (and itchy) raising money this Movember. I can’t wait to have a good shave later. You know what they say, hair today, gone tomorrow…”

Adam Denman

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What’s new in the September Online Fundraising release?

It’s always great to report on what’s new in the Artez Online Fundraising Service released in September 2011 (release 150).

Here are some of the main highlights:

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Skydiving for Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust

On Sunday, the 26th of June, Daragh and I threw ourselves out of an aeroplane strapped only to a skydiving instructor to raise money for Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust. It was an awe inspiring experience. If not eye watering! After a short, but thorough training session at Headcorn Airfield, we adjourned to our picnic table to wait for the weather to clear. After an hour of pacing, the sun came out and the first skydivers took off! Daragh and I were one of the last groups to go and lucky for us we went with a group of very experienced skydivers. Their calm confidence definitely helped to soothe my nerves!

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New Mobile Fundraising App opens channel for UK charities

+++Press Release+++

LONDON, June 1st 2011 – Regular giving specialist Rapidata Services plc, announces the UK general release of a new Mobile Fundraising App – the first branding customisable app for iPhone and Android mobile phones – that provides an easy way for any charity, large or small, to break into mobile giving.  The roll out follows its successful pilot for Comic Relief’s Red Nose Day that saw over 3,700 participants download the iPhone app.  The Prince’s Trust is among several UK charities now trialling the app.

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What’s new in the Artez Spring release?

The Artez Spring release (release 150) is now live. If you haven’t already seen the latest and greatest tools inside your Artez account, then login and check out the updates today.

There are lots of exciting goodies, but we’re especially excited about all the enhanced Facebook Connect and mobile web pages for your runs, walks, rides and campaigns.

What are the new features?
- Upgraded Facebook Connect tools
- Facebook “Like” button on your Artez pages
- Enhanced mobile event and donation pages for Smartphone browsers
- Enhanced E-Card layout options
- New donor management tools for administrators

To see a full list of enhancements, please check your inbox for the latest release notes or login to the Artez Client Resource Centre.

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A Canadian affair…Rapidata visits Artez Interactive

Our support team paid a visit to our friends at Artez Interactive last week. It was a jam packed training session that ran the gamut from Google Analytics to Webservices and Mobile Apps. All in all a fantastic week. Most importantly Daragh got to meet the team who make all the magic happen. Later today we’ll be posting details about the latest Artez release, so watch this space! In the meantime, check out the fantastic group photo below:

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Artez Webinars – Catering to Corporates

Our friends at Artez are offering a great line up of free seminars this Spring.

These fast-paced 30 minute sessions are focused on bringing you ideas and resources to help you become a better fundraiser.  Artez’s webinars offer expert interviews, how-to sessions, trends, news, ideas, opinions and much more.

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Gift Aid is changing on the 5th of April 2011

On the 5th of April 2011, Gift Aid transitional relief is coming to an end. As a result the Gift Aid that your organisation can reclaim on donations is dropping to 25p per every £1 raised.

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