How Charities Can Change Coins into Valuable Donations

Every charity is looking for new and creative ways to raise funds. One of the most effective but often overlooked methods is to collect foreign coins, old £1 coins, and even pre-decimal currency. While banks refuse these, a specialist service can help your organisation change coins into valuable donations.

At Cash4Coins, we’ve helped hundreds of UK charities turn unwanted coins into thousands of pounds of usable funds. Here’s how your charity can do the same.

Why Change Coins for Charity?

• Everyone has them: Most households in the UK have a jar of foreign coins or old currency.

• Easy to give: Supporters don’t feel the “cost” of donating something they can’t use anyway.

• Scalable: One collection tin might bring in a few pounds, but across hundreds of supporters it quickly adds up.

• Great PR: A unique fundraising idea that’s easy to promote in local press, newsletters, and social media.

How to Run a Coin Collection Campaign

1. Set Up Collection Points

   Place branded tins or jars in charity shops, schools, offices, or local businesses.

2. Promote the Campaign

   Remind supporters on social media: “Dig out your leftover holiday money!”

3. Partner with Businesses

   Encourage companies to run staff coin drives as part of their CSR programmes.

4. Use Seasonal Campaigns

   • Post-summer holidays (August/September)

   • After Christmas and New Year travel

   • End-of-term school collections

    

5. Send to a Specialist Exchange Service

   Banks won’t accept these coins, but we can. At Cash4Coins, we sort, count, and exchange them into real donations.

👉 Learn more on our Change Coins page.

What Coins Can Charities Collect?

We accept:

• All foreign coins and banknotes

• Old £1 coins (round pounds) withdrawn in 2017

• Pre-decimal coins like shillings, sixpences, and farthings

• Damaged coins and notes banks won’t touch

• Withdrawn and obsolete currency such as Spanish pesetas or German marks

Example Fundraising Totals

Source	Typical Value	Annual Potential
Local school collection	£150 per term	£450 per year
Small business CSR drive	£300	£1,000+
Retail chain partnership	£2,000 per quarter	£8,000+
Airline or travel partner	£5,000+	£20,000+

Even small campaigns can add up quickly when supporters work together.

FAQs: Changing Coins for Charity

Q: Can charities send mixed coins and notes?

A: Yes – there’s no need to sort. We do it all for you.

Q: How quickly does the charity get paid?

A: Most payments are made within a few working days after receipt.

Q: Do you accept damaged or very old coins?

A: Absolutely – we specialise in coins that banks refuse.

Q: Can you provide promotional support?

A: Yes, we can help with posters, ideas, and advice to make your campaign a success.

Final Word

Foreign and old coins may seem worthless, but for charities, they’re a hidden fundraising goldmine. With the right campaign, your supporters’ spare change can become valuable donations that make a real difference.

👉 Visit our Change Coins page to see how we help charities turn unwanted coins into cash for good causes.