Pennies Shortlisted In Four Categories At The Charity Times Awards 2026

We’re delighted to share that Pennies has been shortlisted in four categories at the Charity Times Awards 2026 – a fantastic recognition of the collective effort behind our mission to protect and grow micro-donations in an increasingly cashless world.

The shortlist reflects a landmark year for Pennies, its merchant and payment partners, charity partners, and the millions of customers who choose to donate a few pennies at checkout. In 2025, a total of 60.4 million micro-donations were made, generating £15.6 million for charities and good causes. Since launching in 2010, Pennies has enabled more than 341 million micro-donations, raising over £84 million for 1,137 charities across the UK and Ireland.

Pennies has been shortlisted in the following categories:

Charity of the Year

The Charity of the Year shortlist recognises Pennies work to create sustainable funding for charities at a time when traditional giving is under increasing pressure. By embedding optional micro-donations into everyday payment journeys, Pennies continues to create new income streams for charities while making giving simple, accessible and part of everyday life.

Best Use of Technology

The Best Use of Technology nomination recognises Pennies’ continued investment in digital innovation, enabling seamless micro-donations across in-store, online and self-checkout payment journeys. Through technology partnerships with leading retailers and payment providers, Pennies continues to demonstrate how digital payments can unlock sustainable funding for charities at scale.

Charity Leader of the Year – Alison Hutchinson CBE, CEO, Pennies

Alison Hutchinson CBE, CEO of Pennies and co-founder of the charity, has been shortlisted for Charity Leader of the Year in recognition of her leadership in building Pennies into the UK’s leading micro-donation charity. Over the past 16 years, Alison has brought together businesses, payment providers and charities behind a shared vision to make digital giving a simple part of everyday payments.

Supporting Leader of the Year – Peter Nugent, Finance Director, Pennies

Peter Nugent, Finance Director and co-founder of Pennies, has been shortlisted for Supporting Leader of the Year, recognising more than 16 years of leadership across finance, operations, technology and funding. Peter has played a central role in building a resilient organisation that continues to grow its impact for charities while supporting Pennies’ long-term sustainability.

The Charity Times Awards celebrate excellence across the charity sector, recognising organisations and individuals driving positive change through innovation, collaboration and leadership.

The winners will be announced later this year, with Pennies looking forward to celebrating alongside charities and partners from across the sector.