Fundraising app wins prestigious Third Sector Award

A fundraising app which supports East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) has been announced as the winner of a ‘Digital Innovation of the Year’ award. It was developed and launched by experts at Lancaster University. The ‘Missions’ app was recognised at the 20^th anniversary of the Third Sector awards, which took place on Friday 20 September at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London.

The app was developed by ‘If Give’, a technology business building on research by computer scientists at Lancaster University.

EAAA is a charity providing advanced critical care 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to the most seriously ill and injured people in the region by air and road. The app uses real-time data to enable supporters of EAAA to give micro-donations each time the crew are tasked to somebody experiencing a medical emergency. This includes cardiac arrests, medical emergencies and road traffic collisions. 

The Third Sector Awards recognise UK-based registered charities, social enterprises and not- for-profit organisations. There are also a number of categories open to communications agencies, law firms and corporates who support the sector.

Simon Judd, Head of Individual Giving and Supporter Engagement at East Anglian Air Ambulance said: “We are thrilled and humbled that 'EAAA Missions’ has been recognised as the Digital Innovation of the Year at the 2024 Third Sector Awards. Working alongside If Give to launch the app and provide supporters of EAAA with a more immersive experience, where they can follow the impact of their donations, has been an exciting development for the charity and our supporters.”

The If Give team’s data capturing algorithms can turn each mission into an opportunity for donors to make automatic micro-donations through the EAAA Missions app, ranging from as little as 10p. The service exceeds expectations in an era when donors demand more personalised and impactful experiences. It transforms routine mission data into compelling stories that resonate with supporters. It enhances the link between the supporter and the crew and brings to life the difference their donation makes.

This innovation enhances donor satisfaction and sets a new standard for the entire sector. By integrating If Give’s cutting-edge technology with their fundraising strategies, EAAA is demonstrating how the third sector can adapt and thrive in a digital age. The smart donations model showcases the future of fundraising, where technology and empathy intersect to create powerful and lasting impact.

Simon continues: “EAAA receives no regular government funding and relies almost entirely on the kind support of the public. Their contributions, no matter how small, have a significant impact on our ability to save lives."

Ludwig Trotter, Founder of If Give and a PhD researcher at Lancaster University, said: “In today's changing consumer landscape, brands and services focus on technology to offer personalisation, convenience and responsiveness. Today's charitable donors expect the same level of personalised service and responsiveness and seek meaningful connections and tangible impact from the causes they support. We are delighted that the app has won a Third Sector Award for Digital Innovation.”

The EAAA Missions app can be downloaded from Google Play and Apple Stores.