Kindness pays off for charity tech firm

A Cornwall-based tech-for-good company is set to accelerate its growth following fresh investment aimed at transforming fundraising for small charities.

The Kindness of Strangers has secured a £250,000 loan from the British Business Bank’s South West Investment Fund, delivered through The FSE Group. 

Since partnering with FSE in 2023, the company has launched Cornerstone, a tailored platform now used by more than 1000 Church of England parishes, as well as developing a white-label version in partnership with the Parish Giving Scheme. 

The next phase will see the software rolled out to grassroots charities across multiple sectors.

Bosses say the funding will help the business expand its digital fundraising platform, which gives smaller, volunteer-run non-profits access to affordable technology and expert support.

Mathew Neville, chief executive of The Kindness of Strangers, said: “This new funding is a vital catalyst for our next phase of growth. 

“It will enable us to expand our team and amplify our marketing efforts, ensuring that more small charities gain access to the technology and support they need. 

“As a young business that has focused heavily on technology development, traditional high-street lending isn’t a viable option. 

“This South West Investment Fund loan provides the crucial financial backing to accelerate our mission.”

Rob Ward, investment manager at The FSE Group, added: “The Kindness of Strangers has demonstrated impressive progress in developing platforms that truly address the needs of the non-profit sector. 

“This loan will empower the business to scale its operations, strengthen internal capacity, and fully capitalise on the exciting opportunities ahead. 

“We’re proud to support a company that is making technology accessible to smaller charities and helping them thrive.”

The deal highlights growing demand for digital infrastructure in the non-profit world. 

Valued at around $4.6 billion in 2023, the global charity software market is forecast to almost double by 2032 as charities embrace technology to boost transparency, efficiency and engagement.

The South West Investment Fund offers loans from £25,000 to £100,000, debt finance up to £2 million, and equity investment up to £5 million, helping smaller businesses access funding they might otherwise struggle to secure.

Paul Jones, senior investment manager at the British Business Bank, added: “This

£250,000 South West Investment Fund loan, building on earlier support via our Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Investment Fund, will help The Kindness of Strangers scale a platform that has harnessed technology to provide smaller non-profits with the tools they need to fundraise effectively.

“That in turn can help these charities have a hugely positive impact on their communities.”

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