The digital wish list for 2025

When investing for success, charities are thinking about what they need to overcome risks, support beneficiaries, and fundraise effectively.

 

Digital tools are often the solution. Here we look at the best tech available, with an overview of wish list items that can help you make 2025 a success.

 

 

AI fundraisers

 

Artificial intelligence (AI) tech can’t be ignored and more and more charities are dabbling into how it works. Topping the list here are the various AI fundraising tools. DonorSearch offers AI-powered data mining, searches, and content customisation. Once donors are identified, the platform helps to engage and retain revenue generating opportunities.

 

Top tip: Explore AI fundraising tools not only with donors, but with beneficiaries.

 

 

Multi-factor authentication

 

Cybersecurity tools take up a few of the items on the list. Unsurprising, given how prevalent attacks are. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) tech and implementation beefs up personal logins and protects charity data from intrusion.

 

Top tip: Ensure there’s more than one way to access MFA to avoid user frustration.

 

 

The latest hardware for VR

 

For those charities on the cutting edge, a little bit of fun might be warranted. The Meta Quest Pro VR Headset might be just that. The headset layers virtual with reality. Users can play games or experience nuances to reality, all from the comfort of their living rooms.

 

Top tip: Check out Charity Digital Exchange discounts.

 

 

On-the-go payment tech

 

While payment tech has been around for a while, those with bricks-and-mortar stores appreciate smooth transactions. The best payment systems offer tap and card payments.

 

Top tip: Charities running events will also want to investigate apps that take payments directly from mobile phones.

 

 

The latest cybersecurity software

 

Each successful cybersecurity attack costs an average of around £10,000 to resolve, according to Howden Insurance – a potentially devastating sum for smaller organisations. Make sure that you install anti-virus software to avoid financial and reputational fallouts. Industry leading software providers include Avast, Norton, and Bitedefender.

 

Top tip: Check out our alternatives to Symantec.  

 

 

Phishing training

 

One of the best ways to train staff to recognise phishing is to test them. Microsoft offers simulation training. The programme regularly sends ‘real’ phishing emails to staff so that they are aware of the look and feel. Then, they are asked to report attempts as part of the training.

 

Top tip: The services keep on top of how phishing has evolved.

 

 

High-end AI content writer

 

Empower your content creators to skip steps. Rather than write and then edit for SEO, AI content writers do the grunt work and sprinkle in SEO words to enhance visibility. This leaves producers with more time to be creative. To get a taste of what AI could do, check out HubSpot’s free writer.

 

Top tip: Find an AI tool that not only produces content but can edit for grammar and language.

 

 

Social media manager

 

Shifting from X, to Facebook, to Instagram, and lurching to LinkedIn with different messaging, deadlines, and content can prove challenging. You should consider social media management platforms. For charities, both Hootsuite and Buffer work well to manage accounts.

 

Top tip: Both platforms offer free trials. Try before you buy.

 

 

High-end hardware

 

Producing high-quality content without the use of professionals is a must. Charities sharing authentic films and photos should invest in professional lights, cameras, and recording devices. Green screens work well for YouTube videos.

 

Top tip: Affordable kits can be purchased online.

 

 

Quality editing tools

 

Polish off any look with digital editing tools. Most charities start with the basics, like Canva. The platform has templates which can be customised for circulars, social media posts, and more. For charities who do more than graphics, VEED offers video editing tools on a shoestring budget.      

 

Top tip: Make the investment and take on video editing tools.

 

 

Upgraded VPN

 

Closely related to cybersecurity, a virtual private network (VPN) is a must and needs to be upgraded given some of the malicious actors out there. VPNs secure access, encrypt data, and protects the IP addresses that your staff use.

 

Top tip: VPN is essential for hybrid working environments.

 

 

Sustainability platform

 

Getting serious sustainability goals is a material concern for charities. While there are top tips for greening the office, digital platforms take a holistic approach. Platforms house policies and goals, then chart progress. Greenly helps charities to reduce emissions by first baselining activities, then setting goals against reduction.

 

Top tip: Check out our review of sustainability platforms.