Report urges greater focus on digital donations

The arts sector needs to use digital technology to present its case for support to potential donors, according to a new report into Digital Giving, commissioned by the DCMS and written by the chair of the Community Foundation, Matthew Bowcock . The last of three Government reports into different areas of philanthropy, it makes ten recommendations include setting up a forum on creating structured online giving, introducing matched online donations, and launching a digital education programme offering best practice advice. The report acknowledges that the digital skills deficit in the sector is a challenge to fundraising, suggesting that trustees with digital giving knowledge should be recruited and staff from all areas of an organisation should be involved in cultivating philanthropy, not just fundraising and marketing personnel. It also examines how institutions can use crowdfunding sites, text and website donations, and looks at live streaming as an engagement tool. A raft of smaller measures is also suggested, such as offering free WiFi access in venues and the creation of creative apps. Culture Secretary Maria Miller welcomed the report, saying that she shared the desire to “democratise” giving, and to use digital technology as one of the means to that end.