Author: Mallory Mahoney — January, 2025
Fundraising can often feel like a full-time job for organizations. However, there’s a more straightforward and cost-effective solution: round-up donations through digital channels. Round-up donations allow guests to round their bill to the nearest dollar, with the extra change going to your nonprofit.
By utilizing kiosks and mobile ordering platforms, organizations can offer guests an effortless way to support charitable causes during transactions, making fundraising seamless, accessible, and impactful.
The Power of Round-Up Donations in Cultural Institutions
Museums, aquariums, zoos, and other cultural institutions are prime examples of places where round-up donations thrive. Kiosks and mobile ordering platforms ask guests to “round up” their purchase total to the nearest dollar, donating the difference to support their favorite institutions.
This method appeals to tech-savvy donors who value convenience and affordability in giving. As Azhar (2024) notes, “The rise of round-up donations is reshaping the traditional philanthropic model, making it more accessible, engaging, and impactful for both donors and nonprofit organizations.”
Transparency further strengthens donor trust. By clearly communicating where funds are directed—such as building a new exhibit or supporting conservation efforts—organizations can address skepticism and build enthusiasm for giving.
Small Donations, Big Impact
While rounding up to the nearest dollar might seem insignificant, these micro-donations add up quickly. For example, Neuman (2024) highlights how The Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals raised an impressive $138 million through 78 point-of-sale campaigns. Similarly, in 2020, over $605 million was raised through round-up charity campaigns (Amrine, 2023).
Such results demonstrate the immense potential of round-up donations at kiosks or mobile ordering platforms to create a steady income stream for nonprofits, enabling them to fund long-term projects, acquire new exhibits, continue to fund research, or enhance guest experiences.
Empowering Donors with Simplicity and Transparency
The simplicity of round-up donations through digital channels creates a positive experience for both donors and organizations. Guests feel empowered knowing that small contributions can collectively drive meaningful change. As Azhar (2024) explains, “This shift in giving behavior empowers donors, creating a sense of ownership and pride in the positive change they can enact through even the smallest of transactions.”
Transparency further strengthens donor trust. By clearly communicating where funds are directed—such as building a new exhibit or supporting conservation efforts—organizations can address skepticism and build enthusiasm for giving. Neuman (2024) emphasizes, “Consumers deserve—and state attorneys general require—transparency and assurance that the donations go where they are advertised and intended.”
Reaching a New Generation of Donors
Younger, tech-savvy visitors are especially drawn to digital platforms for giving. Research shows that they prefer supporting causes aligned with their personal values and lifestyles. Integrating round-up options into kiosks and mobile ordering systems creates a seamless and engaging giving experience. Azhar (2024) notes, “This innovative approach attracts younger generations, aligning with their digital lifestyles and bridging the gap between charitable intent and action.”
Transforming Fundraising for Cultural Institutions
Digital round-up platforms have revolutionized how nonprofits and cultural institutions fundraise. With minimal effort from guests and organizations alike, this method ensures that every transaction contributes to a greater cause. PetSmart, through its digital channels, raised $44 million for animal welfare initiatives through its round-up campaigns in 2020 (Amrine, 2023).
By incorporating kiosks and mobile ordering systems, cultural institutions can unlock a powerful, sustainable revenue stream to continue providing exceptional guest experiences and supporting their missions.
Simplify Giving: Unlock the Power of Round-Ups
Round-up donations are more than just a fundraising tool—they represent a shift toward a more inclusive, accessible, and impactful model of giving. With kiosks and mobile ordering platforms, organizations can empower donors, build trust, and raise the funds needed to thrive. As Azhar (2024) states, “Round-ups have gained popularity primarily due to their simplicity and ease of implementation, offering customers an effortless way to support charitable causes during their routine transactions.”
Cultural institutions now have the opportunity to make giving as memorable and rewarding as the experiences they provide. By embracing digital channels, they can ensure that small acts of generosity make a big difference.
Start making an impact today by rounding up your donations and reaching out to us for more ways to help!
