How it works
One useful gift. A connection that lasts.
Wishlists and surplus goods. Two simple ways to help your community.
- 1
Set up your business account
Join free during the Bedford pilot. Add your business name, location and a short description so schools and charities can get to know you. You can add your logo to make your support recognisable.
- 2
Choose a wish or list useful surplus
Browse local wishlists, choose a quantity and buy the items using the product link. Upload your receipt and arrange delivery. Or list stock, furniture or equipment you no longer need, with clear photos, a description, condition and collection arrangements.
- 3
Agree the practical details
For surplus, review requests and approve the recipient you want to help. Use messages to arrange collection or delivery. For wishlist purchases, check the details before you commit and buy in your business’s name.
- 4
Keep the connection going
The recipient confirms when the items arrive. Enjoy their thank-you, share your own giving story with permission and stay in touch. Future gifts, volunteering and work experience can grow from that first connection.
- 1
Register and get verified
Add your organisation details, an authorised contact and the appropriate HMRC charity reference. Your delivery address stays private. Approval and the reference are needed before new wishes or surplus requests. Check your dashboard for verification progress.
- 2
Make your wish specific
Post up to five active wishes. Add the item name, who it helps, quantity, price, a required product link to the exact item and when you need it. Welcome suitable alternatives if you’re flexible. Several businesses can each buy part of a larger request.
- 3
Find useful surplus too
Browse nearby stock, furniture and equipment. Explain how you will use it when you request it. Confirm that the goods are for your organisation’s direct use and will not be resold. If approved, arrange collection or delivery through messages.
- 4
Confirm arrival and say thank you
Confirm each delivery when it arrives. Show the donor what their help made possible with a letter, a photo of the items in use or a newsletter mention. Need photos first? Save the thank-you for later. Keep talking after the donation.
Records that stay with the donation.
Receipts, recorded values, HMRC references and delivery confirmations stay together. Businesses can download donation CSV and accountant PDF records, and use social value evidence for their own reports or tender submissions.
Delivered gifts and commitments are always shown separately. Recorded values are not tax savings.
Good thank-yous help the next gift happen.
Local recognition matters. A newsletter mention or social post can help families discover a business supporting their community. Businesses can share their own donation updates too.
- Personalise the ready-made wording with the difference the items made.
- Tag each other when you choose to share, and use only photos you have permission to reuse.
- Photos of equipment in use, finished artwork and staff handovers work well. Please don’t include children’s faces.
- Thank-yous are strongly encouraged and optional. Public sharing follows the recipient’s permission.
Useful goods, with a clear purpose.
Books, stationery, art materials, laptops, furniture, sports equipment and cleaning supplies can all meet practical needs. Give or request goods the school or charity can use directly.
VAT relief can apply when the donation qualifies. Check the item limits and recipient requirements in the guide, and let your accountant decide the treatment.
Read the donating-goods guideYour first gift could be just down the road.
Starting in Bedford, and open to local connections beyond it.