Toucan Cash

RNLI identified a growing operational and sector-wide challenge surrounding the safe banking of cash donations as bank branches and Post Offices continued to close across the UK. Volunteers were increasingly travelling further distances to deposit charitable funds, often carrying or temporarily storing cash for extended periods, creating operational inefficiencies and heightened safety concerns.

Recognising that cash donations remain highly significant despite wider declines in cash usage, RNLI partnered with payment technology provider PayaGroup to develop Toucan Cash — an innovative digital solution enabling charities to deposit cash securely through more than 65,000 nationwide outlets using existing PayPoint and PayZone infrastructure.

The project combined existing national cash facilitation networks with innovative mobile technology to create a scalable, accessible and affordable sector-wide solution. Users generate secure deposit barcodes via a mobile app, allowing cash to be deposited directly into charity accounts through local community outlets.

A core objective throughout development was inclusivity. RNLI was determined the solution should remain affordable and accessible not only to large national charities, but also smaller organisations often disproportionately impacted by shrinking banking infrastructure.

Launched in 2025, Toucan Cash has already been adopted by multiple charities nationwide. The platform has significantly improved accessibility, reduced operational burden, simplified reconciliation processes and enhanced volunteer safety, demonstrating how digital innovation can solve a growing real-world challenge across the charity sector.