Toucan is a London-based initiative aimed at revolutionizing the way people donate to charities. With a strong belief in harnessing technology to bridge the gap between donors and causes, Toucan is designed to modernize charitable giving. Established in 2021, Matt Crate saw the urgent need for small charities to have a more comprehensive digital donation platform, leading to the conception of the Toucan app.
Why was Toucan founded?
Recognizing a pivotal moment in society where individuals increasingly desire to address significant global issues, Matt Crate envisioned Toucan to make charitable donations more intuitive and user-centric. The essence of Toucan lies in its commitment to creating a world where giving is ingrained in everyday life. Matt stresses that the primary motivation behind Toucan is to establish a world “in which giving is second nature”. By developing an intuitive platform, the hope is to seamlessly connect individuals with causes that resonate deeply with them.
How does the Toucan app work?
The functionality of the Toucan app is one of its distinguishing features. Users can create a customized portfolio where they select up to three charities. What’s unique is that they can allocate a singular monthly donation, which will then be split amongst their chosen organizations. This provides a dynamic approach to giving, allowing users to support the same charities continuously or rotate them monthly, granting them a tailored and flexible giving experience.
Who are the key players behind Toucan?
Several brilliant minds have come together to bring the vision of Toucan to life. Founder Matt Crate spearheaded the idea, but he did not do it alone. Recognizing the importance of collaboration, Matt approached John Barrett, a former Chief Executive of the Small Charities Coalition, who now serves as the Chief Operating Officer for Toucan. Additionally, with the goal of ensuring the app delivers an unparalleled user experience, Melody Truong was integrated into the team as the Chief Product Officer, offering her profound expertise in mobile app design.
Why is now the right time for a platform like Toucan?
The challenges precipitated by the COVID-19 pandemic have left many charities grappling to recover. This, coupled with the digital era we are in and the growing desire among individuals to actively engage in societal change, creates a ripe environment for disruption in the charitable sector. John Barrett, Chief Operations Officer, emphasizes the importance of such platforms by stating the need to simplify the connection between donors and charities. Particularly, platforms like Toucan can uplift smaller charities, amplifying their significant contributions to communities across the UK.
What impact is Toucan aiming to have on younger generations?
As a purpose-driven startup, one of the principal goals of Toucan is to influence millennial and younger generations. The current digital age means these generations are already attuned to technology and its potential impact. By integrating charity and technology, Toucan hopes to usher in a new era where younger individuals are not just generous but also consistent in their charitable donations. The overarching aspiration is to instill a culture of giving that becomes a hallmark of upcoming generations.
Toucan is more than just an app; it’s a movement aiming to redefine charitable giving in the digital age. By prioritizing user experience and providing a platform for smaller charities, it positions itself as a game-changer in the realm of philanthropy.
