Charity Wishlists: How to Ask for Donated Items Online
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, from any UK shop, with pictures and current prices.
- 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.
Why it works better than a list in a post
No duplicates. Supporters reserve an item before they buy it, so everyone else can see it is covered. You get one of each thing you asked for, not five wheelbarrows and no compost.
Any shop, one link. 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. Paste product links from any UK shop. Titles, pictures and prices fill in automatically. Add a note on each item saying how it will be used.
- 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. Supporters reserve an item before buying it, so you do not receive five wheelbarrows and no compost.
Tips from organisations that do this well
- 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 safe place stop gifts going astray.
- 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 a list, adding items from any shop and sharing it costs nothing, for charities and individuals alike.
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.
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.
Can we claim Gift Aid on donated items?
No. In the UK, Gift Aid applies to donations of money from UK taxpayers, not to donated goods. Money given through your donation link may be eligible, depending on the platform and the donor.
Set up your organisation's request page. It's free.
Create a request page