Charity Wishlists: How to Ask for Donated Items Online
By Stuart · Published 28 Sept 2026 · Reviewed 7 Nov 2026
A request page lets a charity, school or community group list exactly what it needs, tell supporters where to send it, and see which items are already covered.
Plenty of people would rather buy a charity something specific than hand over cash. They like knowing their tenner became a bag of compost or a pair of gloves. The trouble is the usual way of asking: a Facebook post with a list of items, a poster in the window, a spreadsheet nobody updates. People buy the same thing twice, the useful but unglamorous items get missed, and nobody is quite sure where to drop things off.
What a request page is
A request page is a WantThis gift list with an organisation profile attached. On one public page, supporters see:
- Who you are: a short bio, your website and, if you have one, your registered charity number.
- What the request is for: the project in your own words, such as "we are rebuilding our raised beds this spring".
- The items you need, with product links, checked pictures and buying notes. Supporters should confirm current prices and availability at the retailer.
- Where to send gifts: your organisation's address or drop-off point, plus delivery times.
- A "Donate money instead" button, if you link your JustGiving, GoFundMe or own donation page.
See a live example
Bedford Academy is building an outdoor learning and growing space, with a greenhouse, raised beds and rainwater harvesting. Their request page lists exactly what the project needs, so supporters can pick an item and see what is already covered.
The Roots Project at Bedford Academy →Why it works better than a list in a post
Help buyers coordinate. Supporters can reserve an item before buying it. Ask them to keep their status up to date and release reservations when plans change. A reservation does not confirm payment or delivery and cannot guarantee there will be no duplicates.
Different shops, one list. Mix a tool set from a DIY chain, a hose from Amazon and seeds from an independent garden centre on the same page. You share one link everywhere, and the QR code works on posters and newsletters.
Findable. Make the list publicly discoverable and it can appear on our Discover page and in search results, so people looking for a local cause to support can find you.
How to set one up
- Create a gift list. Sign up free and create a list named after the project, for example "Community garden makeover".
- Add the items you need. Add product links and a note explaining how each item will be used. Check imported titles and pictures, and fill in missing information manually. Confirm current prices at the retailer; WantThis price tracking and alerts are currently unavailable.
- Turn on the request page. In Edit list, switch on "This is a request page for an organisation" and add your bio, what the request is for, and where gifts should be sent.
- Make it discoverable and share it. Make the list publicly discoverable, then share one link on social media, in newsletters and on posters with the QR code.
- Watch items get covered. Ask supporters to reserve what they intend to buy and update their status if plans change. A reservation helps coordination but is not proof of purchase or delivery.
Practical tips for your request page
- Mix price points. A few £5 to £10 items, such as gloves, seed packets and paint, let far more people join in than a list of £200 items.
- Say how each item will be used. "For the Tuesday youth group" turns a product into a story people want to be part of.
- Be specific about delivery. Opening hours, who signs for parcels and whether there is a suitable delivery point help supporters arrange delivery.
- Say thank you publicly. Post a photo when the project is done and share the list link again for the next one.
Frequently asked questions
Is a charity wishlist free to set up?
Yes. Creating and sharing a list is free for charities and individuals. Product details may need to be entered or corrected manually.
Do we have to be a registered charity?
No. Schools, PTAs, sports clubs, food banks, animal rescues and community projects can all use a request page. If you are a registered charity you can add your charity number so supporters can check it. A request page is not verification of charity status by WantThis.
How do supporters know where to send the items?
The request page has a "Where to send gifts" section. Put your organisation or drop-off address and any delivery times there. It is public, so never use a home address.
Can people donate money instead of buying an item?
Yes. Add a donation link, such as your JustGiving or GoFundMe page or your own donate page, and the list shows a "Donate money instead" button. The linked provider handles the payment; WantThis does not process that donation.
Can we claim Gift Aid on donated items?
Buying an item for an organisation does not itself create an eligible Gift Aid cash donation. Qualifying money donations require the relevant charity or CASC and donor conditions to be met. Separate rules apply when a charity sells goods on behalf of a donor and receives the proceeds as a donation. Check HMRC guidance for your arrangement.
For Gift Aid eligibility and the separate rules for selling donated goods, see HMRC’s guidance on what charities can claim.
Set up your organisation's request page. It's free.
Create a request page