Red Noses Clowndoctors: Bringing laughter and raising donations with myPOS

Founded in 2010, the Lithuanian Raudonos Nosys is part of the global Red Noses Clowndoctors organisation, which operates in over 10 countries. With a deep belief in the healing power of laughter, their team uses humour and clowning to create emotional change for people facing difficult circumstances, whether it’s children in hospitals, elderly residents in care homes, or others in vulnerable situations.

Like many charities, the Red Noses rely on public generosity to keep their operations going. Finding effective and convenient ways to collect donations became especially crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic when traditional cash donations fell by the wayside. This is where myPOS came into play. The company shifted to contactless donations and saw a significant increase in funds raised.

Transitioning to digital fundraising with myPOS

When the pandemic hit, Lithuania went into strict lockdown and cash payments declined sharply. As people became more accustomed to contactless payments, Raudonos Nosys saw the need to update their traditional fundraising tools – like donation boxes, and switch to digital approach.

“People were using only card payments during the quarantine,” recalls Sandra Masevičienė, Head of Fundraising. “We started looking for an alternative to the old-school donation boxes, and myPOS card readers had the perfect specifications for our needs.”

Raudonos Nosys’ partnership with myPOS began five years ago. What stood out about myPOS was the ability to generate a fixed donation amount on the card reader. This allowed the organisation to place the card machines in various locations where donors could simply tap their card and donate quickly, without needing to enter any additional information. The simplicity of this solution allowed the organisation to operate independently at partner businesses, without requiring extra staff or setup.

With almost 40 myPOS devices in use, myPOS card readers have become an integral part of Raudonos Nosys’ fundraising toolkit. Whether collecting donations at events or through their network of business partners, the myPOS terminals provide a reliable way to raise the funds needed to continue their important work – bringing smiles, laughter and hope to those who need it most.

Simple solution, big results

One of the most successful placements of the myPOS terminals has been in coffee shops. 

“Clients of coffee shops are usually in a more relaxed mood compared to other places, like petrol stations or postal offices. That’s why they’re more inclined to donate,” explains Sandra.

In just one year, with little more than the myPOS machines and a simple visual, the company collected an impressive amount from coffee shop donations alone. They’ve since experimented with placing the machines in other high-traffic areas like gas stations, cosmetic shops and even corporate offices, though the coffee shops remain the top performers.

Technology beyond fundraising

The shift to digital fundraising isn’t the only way Raudonos Nosys has embraced technology. In fact, the organisation has fully digitised many of its operations, cutting down on the need for physical paperwork, mail campaigns and more. Not only does this help save time and resources, but it also supports Raudonos Nosys’ commitment to sustainability.

“Our team isn’t as tired during peak campaign periods and they can now run multiple campaigns thanks to working 90% digitally,” says Sandra. “It’s also allowed us to increase our fundraising results year over year.”

The future of fundraising

Looking ahead, Raudonos Nosys will keep refining and expanding its approach to digital donations. After all, the future of fundraising belongs to those who stay nimble, adopt new technologies and allow people to donate easily with just a tap.