Small Steps, Big Leaps: Step by Step Embraces Contactless Fundraising

Step by Step is a youth charity dedicated to supporting vulnerable young people across South Central England. Through a combination of safe accommodation, emotional wellbeing support, and practical guidance around education, employment and life skills, they help young people overcome challenges and move towards independent, stable futures.

Like many charities, Step by Step has faced increasing challenges in maintaining consistent fundraising income. With fewer people carrying cash, traditional donation methods have become less effective. In response, the team recognised the need to be more strategic in their approach - focusing on removing barriers to giving and making the donation process as simple and accessible as possible for supporters.

After reviewing a range of providers, Step by Step selected a CollecTin with Give A Little, citing affordability, flexibility, and a strong feature set as key factors. As Nic Goom, Head of Strategic Marketing and External Affairs, explained, CollecTin stood out as “the most flexible and affordable option,” and with the Give A Little subscription model not being tied to individual devices or users - it gives us room to scale its contactless offering over time. 

Step by Step began its cashless journey with the portable CollecTin More and its first outing was at their Sleepout event at Farnborough Business Park. Since then, the charity has embraced the ability to create tailored campaigns for specific events and appeals, such as at co-branded corporate golf days, Christmas markets, The New Forest Show and their Take a Stand at Christmas Campaign. 

The introduction of contactless giving has delivered strong early results for Step by Step. At their first Sleepout event, the campaign designs were an immediate success with Nic noting, “They were all queuing up to donate!” In total, the charity raised over £230 in donations - contributions they believe would have been unlikely without the availability of a contactless option. Since then, they’ve generated around £9,000 over the past year using Give A Little - through the CollecTin, as well as via smartphones and other digital options such as QR codes.

Since partnering with CollecTin and Give A Little, Step by Step has also seen a positive response from donors more broadly. As Nic explains, “Everyone just seems to ‘get it.” With people increasingly accustomed to tapping cards and using digital wallets, the transition to contactless giving has felt natural and intuitive. Nic adds that this shift has not only improved engagement but has also contributed to an increase in average donation value, reinforcing the impact of making giving simpler and more accessible.