This session will explore how Australia for UNHCR successfully migrated our regular giving (RG) donor base from a monthly to a 4-weekly payment cycle.

Building on a previous payment transformation initiative that integrated a payments middleware adapter, this project was designed to increase RG income and impact by securing 13 instead of 12 annual donations per donor, while also aiming to better align donor contributions with their pay cycles to reduce declines.

The project launched in multiple phases from early 2022 to 2024, with each phase coinciding with significant global and local challenges, including the Ukraine crisis and the Cost-of-Living pressures. It was successfully implemented thanks to the dedication of staff and collaboration across the organisation.

The session will outline the phases of the project, focusing on the strategies employed to mitigate risks, the outcomes achieved, and the lessons learned.

Participants will gain insights into how Australia for UNHCR navigated various challenges to ensure a seamless transition for donors, ultimately enhancing the organisation’s capacity to support refugees.