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Communications of the Association for Information Systems

Author ORCID Identifier

Jade Wendy Brooks: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6320-8691

Michelle Richey: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2258-8290

Abstract

Many organisations in the charity sector are turning to e-commerce platforms to digitalise fundraising. This marks a significant shift from traditional fundraising methods (street fundraising or selling donated items in charity shops) to listing and selling donated items through digital platforms, including eBay, Amazon Marketplace, and Alibaba. On one hand, charities can gain access to large global markets, widening their audience and potentially earning more from donated items. On the other hand, charities face significant sectoral constraints such as rigid legal and governance structures, significant resource constraints, limited digital skills, and reputational concerns, leaving them unable or unwilling to digitalise the fundraising process successfully.

In this exploratory case, we examine the efforts of three charities that have adopted e-commerce platforms despite those sectoral challenges. The case asks students to consider how each charity balances the risks and rewards of e-commerce given their context, and to advise them on their current approach. The case is useful for courses on digitalisation, platform adoption, digital social innovation, and strategic information systems, and is suitable for undergraduate, master’s, and executive-level students. Teaching questions prompts discussion on digitalisation from the perspectives of platform features, digital enablement, sector-specific challenges, and strategic decision-making.

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