8 May 2012

Cash machines set to encourage charitable giving

Individuals will soon be able to make charitable donations when using a cash machine, under new plans to encourage philanthropic giving.

From this summer it will be possible to donate between £1 and £250 when using a debit or credit card at a cash point.

It is hoped the facility, which is expected to be available on more than 12,000 ATMs nationwide, will make it easier for people to donate small amounts of money to charity.

‘By making it possible to add donations at cash points we can make an even greater difference to other people's lives,’ said Nick Hurd, minister for civil society.

‘It's important that as a government we bring public sector bodies, businesses and civil society organisations together to find new ways to support charitable and voluntary action.’

Independent operator Bank Machine said it had received registrations of interest from around 550 charities.

‘We have asked an independent panel to decide which charities will participate as we want to ensure that as many worthy causes as possible are able to take part,’ spokesperson Melanie Knight said.

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