
How Sumatran Orangutan Society Boosted Online Donations by 19%

The client
The Sumatran Orangutan Society (SOS) is a UK charity dedicated to protecting Sumatran orangutans and their natural habitats in Indonesia. SOS supports projects to preserve Sumatra's forests, while involving local communities in the protection of these vital ecosystems.
The Results
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19% increase in online donations
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Average donation up 9%
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14% of donations made via digital wallets
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Improved donor tracking and segmentation
Solution Used
Donation Forms
A valued user since
2024
The challenges
SOS previously relied on a basic, custom-built donation form on their website. They faced challenges including:
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Tracking donation sources: before using iRaiser's solutions, SOS was unable to identify exactly where donations were coming from.
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Collecting performance data: the organisation lacked detailed data on key elements such as response rates, the average amount donated, reasons for giving, and the effectiveness of campaigns.
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Testing and optimisation: The team found it difficult to test different approaches easily, due to the dependency on external developers.
Upgrading to Smarter Fundraising Tools with iRaiser
These issues became particularly problematic when they were selected for a major radio fundraising campaign, which required detailed tracking of online donations. They needed a more robust, user-friendly platform with advanced tracking capabilities and the ability to accept digital wallet payments.
SOS implemented iRaiser solutions in July 2024, to manage their online donations. This allowed them to create multiple, customised checkout forms for different marketing streams (website, social media, email campaigns). The platform was set up in less than two weeks, an essential factor given the timeline of their radio campaign.
How SOS improved their fundraising results with flexible, data-driven tools
Improved Tracking
iRaiser enabled SOS to track where donations were coming from, understand which campaigns were most effective, and identify donor behavior patterns.
Increased Usability
The user-friendly interface and streamlined checkout process made it easier for donors to complete their transactions, improving the overall donor experience.
Enhanced Flexibility
The ability to create multiple checkouts for different channels allowed for targeted messaging and tailored donation amounts, catering to various donor segments.
Making giving easier via digital wallets
By enabling digital wallets like Google Pay, SOS made donations quicker and more convenient. Today, 14% of donations come through these options.
Gaining autonomy
With a small team, SOS values tools they can manage on their own: setting up donation forms and campaigns, testing new ideas, making updates instantly, without needing constant developer assistance, saving time and resources.
Data-Driven Decisions
Access to detailed analytics, such as average donation amounts and conversion rates, allowed SOS to make informed decisions about their fundraising strategies.
Accessibility for all supporters
SOS made their donation process more inclusive by enabling accessibility features, such as an adjustable toolbar, to ensure that every supporter could donate with ease.
19% increase in online fundraising
Revenues generated by the SOS website have increased significantly, thanks to the adoption of iRaiser donation forms.
This growth was achieved thanks to both a higher number of donations and a 9% increase in the average amount per donation. Higher average donations were partially attributed to the ability to tailor donation requests based on donor type (new vs. existing).

Improving the user experience with personalised donation experiences & testing

The iRaiser fundraising platform enabled SOS to create personalised donation forms for different fundraising channels, including specific campaigns such as the BBC Radio 4 appeal.
With the flexibility to quickly test and update elements such as imagery, wording, and donation amounts without external support, the team was able to experiment with different campaigns and formats. These simple yet effective adjustments led to better response rates and improved regular giving conversions.
14% of online donations made via digital wallets
The integration of online payment solutions has enabled SOS to make donations easier and more accessible, with 14% of donations made via digital wallets such as Google Pay and Apple Pay.
Accessibility features, including customisable donation forms, have also helped ensure that all supporters can contribute with ease, regardless of their needs or preferences.

Growing Their Audience and Running Smarter Fundraising Campaigns
Using iRaiser’s platform, SOS successfully grew their supporter database by acquiring new marketing opt-ins via post and text, helping them broaden future communication efforts.
The platform also made it easier to manage key campaigns—like International Orangutan Day—by creating separate checkouts for different channels and monitoring performance in real time, enabling faster, data-driven decisions.
SOS’s Tips for Charities Planning Their Next Appeal
When planning a major fundraising campaign or event, SOS recommends:
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Taking time to clearly define your platform needs—such as tracking, segmentation, and ease of use.
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Do thorough research to compare providers, prioritising both functionality and strong customer support. Allow enough time for onboarding and testing before launch.
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Don’t underestimate the power of community—connect with other fundraisers to exchange tips and experiences.