Free digital advice for charities – founded by Platypus Digital
Over 2,000 charities have used Digital Candle to get free, expert digital advice. No pitch. No agenda. Just honest guidance from experienced digital professionals who volunteer their time.
What is Digital Candle?
Digital Candle is a free advice service that Platypus started for people working in digital roles in charities and other nonprofits.
You submit a question, we match you with an experienced digital volunteer, and you get a one-hour video call to get advice on your problem.
Digital Candle has grown into one of the most widely used free digital resources in the UK charity sector – with over 2,000 introductions made and volunteers covering everything from Google Ads and SEO to CRM, email marketing, social media, websites and data.
It is completely free to use. There is no catch.
Why we built it
Platypus Digital works exclusively with charities. We’ve spent over 12 years helping organisations raise money and awareness online, and we’ve always known that many charities – especially smaller ones – can’t afford specialist digital support.
Digital Candle was our answer to that problem. A way to give charities access to expert guidance regardless of budget.
We’re proud of what it has become.
What charities ask about
Digital Candle covers the full range of digital challenges charities face. Common topics include:
- Google Ads and Ad Grants – how to improve campaign performance and make more of Ad Grants
- SEO – why traffic has dropped, how to improve search visibility, where to start with a content strategy
- Meta Ads – how to reach supporters on Facebook and Instagram, dealing with the impact of Meta and iOS restrictions
- CRM and data – which system to choose, how to clean a database, how to use data more effectively
- Email marketing – improving open rates, building lists, segmentation and automation
- Websites – troubleshooting, accessibility, which CMS to use
- Analytics and tracking – setting up GA4, understanding your data, conversion tracking
- Digital strategy – how to prioritise, how to make a case internally, how to plan a digital transformation
How it works
1. Submit your question – Fill in a short form describing what you’re working on and what kind of support would be most useful.
2. We find the right volunteer – We match your request with an expert from our volunteer pool who has relevant experience.
3. You have a one-hour call You meet on whichever video platform works for you – Zoom, Teams, Google Meet. The volunteer gives you honest, practical advice with no commercial agenda.
4. You take it from there – Most people leave with a clearer picture of what to do next, concrete recommendations, and sometimes a follow-up resource or two.
Why Digital Candle works
Digital Candle volunteers are working professionals – agency people, in-house specialists, consultants – who give their time because they want to support the sector.
They’re not there to sell anything. That means you get honest advice, including when the honest answer is ‘you don’t need to spend money on this.’
Over 2,000 matches later, the feedback from charities is consistently strong. Organisations of all sizes – from small local charities to national names – have used it to get unstuck, make better decisions, and do more with what they have.
Frequently asked questions
Is it really free?
Yes. Digital Candle is completely free for charities to use. There is no charge, no subscription and no expectation that you will become a paying client of anyone.
Who are the volunteers?
They are experienced digital professionals – from agencies, consultancies and in-house teams – who volunteer their time through Digital Candle.
What size of charity can use it?
Any size. Digital Candle was originally designed with smaller charities in mind, but organisations of all sizes use it.
Can I use it more than once? Yes, you can submit several requests over time, though we ask that you spread them out to allow the service to help as many charities as possible.
How is Digital Candle related to Platypus Digital?
Digital Candle was founded by Platypus Digital. Platypus provides operational support and some of our team members also volunteer their time. Digital Candle operates independently of Platypus’s commercial work – the two are kept separate so that charities can access free advice without any pressure.
What if I need more than one hour of support?
Digital Candle is designed for focused, one-off advice sessions. If you need ongoing support – regular campaign management, a full SEO programme, sustained paid social activity – you can ask the volunteer expert you speak to.
Visit Digital Candle
Ready to ask a question?
Head to digitalcandle.org.uk to submit your request.
