Canadian Tech Startup Helps Charities keep up with our cashless society

By Chris Greenfield, Founder, and CEO of tiptap

The second holiday season of the pandemic is here, and more Canadians are filling the streets again to enjoy the colorful lights and decorations, shop for gifts, and other festivities this time of year has to offer. The spirit of the holidays also boosts Canadians’ giving nature. Charities across the country have been deploying their volunteers to collect in-person donations, whether at popular shopping malls, holiday markets, or on the street.

The problem is, our society has been becoming increasingly digitized over the past few years, and the pandemic further accelerated a shift toward a cashless society. In 2020 alone only 17 percent of all transactions were fulfilled in cash, and contactless payment increased by 13 percent this year.

With fewer Canadians carrying cash, this cultural change created significant fundraising challenges for charities that have historically relied on these in-person donations, as they have been left behind in our increasingly digital economy. Most Canadians no longer reach into our pockets, grasping at whatever loose change to make small contributions for those in need. This trend partly contributed to a 55 percent reduction in funds raised by Canadian charities last year.

 To help charities keep up with this change, Canadian startup tiptap is partnering with organizations like The Salvation Army and The Canadian Legion to secure touchless, digital donations using its devices. In 2018, tiptap was founded to introduce an easy, secure way for Canadians to tap to give™ with devices that each has a predetermined fixed contribution amount, from as low as 2 dollars, which makes the transaction process fast, simple, and secure: what you see is what you pay. Donors can easily tap their card or e-wallet on their phones. Removing the barrier to give has proven to be a seamless way to boost fundraising.

The technology was invented to help those who are helping others, and the funds being raised through the devices are supporting initiatives that feed the hungry, shelter people experiencing homelessness, and provide care to the unwell. When partnering with those charities, tiptap sees itself as an extension of those organizations, thinking and delivering on the potential of its technology and ways to maximize contributions. One of these ways is through its dashboard feature where the charities can monitor donations in real-time. Having access to the average payment amount, the locations of high-performing devices and the times of transactions allow organizations to make better-informed decisions.

The pandemic has deeply affected the disadvantaged members of society, and they need our generosity now more than ever. People and organizations are expected to play roles in bettering their communities through giving. As we get to experience the holidays the way they’re intended, Canadians should keep an eye out for donation spots on the street using touchless devices. In less than a second, a single tap can go a long way to make someone’s life a little bit brighter.