Shopiago, a company that allows people to donate to charity online, reported a 151% rise in sales between February and July this year. 

This welcome rise represents an effort from retail charity shops to cover the losses suffered during the pandemic. New data from the Charity Retail Association's (CRA) quarterly report indicate that retailers lost out on an estimated £366m during the third lockdown at the start of this year. Data from January to March shows the average charity shop lost out on £33,150 following the closure of non-essential stores by the government. There are 11,041 charity shops active in the UK, and previous estimates suggested charity shops lost £285m during the first national lockdown between March and June in 2020.

The CRA said that charities had turned to online sales during the pandemic, in an effort to minimise losses, and many had been successful. Popular products sold online include pet supplies, baby products and sporting memorabilia and most of the sales are made through eBay which allows charities to sell without fees.

If you'd like to consider new approaches to funding, our Fund It! 2021 conference is designed to give you insights and new ideas.