Created by TalTech students, Charry has introduced a surprisingly simple solution to Estonia’s donation landscape. The app enables users to donate anonymously and without any additional fees, ensuring that every euro goes directly to those in need. While Charry can be used at any time, it becomes especially relevant in December, when many people feel the urge to do good but look for an easy and reliable way to do so. Ten well-known charitable organizations have already joined the platform, and the number of users continues to grow steadily.
Doing good in just a few clicks – an idea born in the shower
According to Charry’s creator, Robert Hütti, the idea for the app emerged in March 2025 while he was studying abroad in Valencia. “I realized that most donation platforms are outdated websites. They serve their purpose, but they don’t offer the kind of user experience that would inspire people to donate even when they only have a couple of minutes and a few euros to spare,” he explained. What began as a thought in the shower evolved into a goal to make donating as simple and natural as everyday actions on a phone.
Why is Charry needed?
According to Hütti, donating is often associated with sad stories that create discomfort rather than a sustainable desire to contribute. “Donating used to feel boring and gloomy. We wanted to offer a different feeling: to make doing good a positive experience,” he said. Charry also tackles a common stereotype that small donations are pointless. The app’s average donation is currently €5.36, almost ten times smaller than the Estonian average donation. Yet, just like in investing, it is the small but regular contributions that create long-term impact.
Charitable organizations were cautious, but saw potential
Before Charry ever reached users, Hütti tested the idea directly with the very groups the platform was created for - charitable organizations. He sent a description of the new donation app to nearly 50 Estonian non-profits to understand whether such a solution would resonate. The initial reactions were cautious, yet mostly positive.
“One extremely valuable initiative! I’ve long thought someone should create a donation app that helps make donating faster and more convenient,” one organization wrote. Another noted that although similar platforms had previously existed, Charry’s solution felt more innovative and exciting.
After answering questions and presenting the concept, the first ten charitable organizations decided to join Charry. This was a significant moment for the team, as NGOs who work with donations daily saw something in the student-built platform that could truly make donating a more habitual part of people’s lives.
Young innovators and TalTech’s support: environment where ideas grow
Behind Charry is a seven-member, young and diverse team whose technical skills have been shaped by the practical focus of TalTech’s IT Systems Development curriculum. Their growth and visibility have further accelerated thanks to the TalTech Startup Centre, which provides students with a supportive environment, mentoring, and opportunities to test their ideas.
Rasmus Kalep, Head of the Startup Centre, noted that Charry is a strong example of how students create solutions that contribute to society. “At TalTech, technological breakthroughs often take the spotlight, but social initiatives play an equally important role. That’s why it was especially heartwarming to see the Charry team - they demonstrate that social initiatives matter just as much, and at TalTech we support every good idea, regardless of the field,” Kalep said.
With no commission fee, how does the app sustain itself?
The app currently has around 170 users, many of whom have already made repeat donations. Users can donate either with or without creating an account. All NGOs on the platform are connected to their bank accounts, and Maksekeskus AS transfers donations directly to them.
With a single transaction, users can donate to multiple organizations at once, and Apple Pay and Google Pay options will be added soon. The minimum donation amount is just €1: “Every euro counts, and donating shouldn’t be burdensome - not even for students.”
Charry does not take any commission, meaning 100% of the donation reaches those in need. The app is supported by a voluntary service fee - a small amount the donor can choose to add. “About 95% of people have decided to cover our service fee,” says Hütti. This covers the costs of Maksekeskus and Google, while the remaining expenses are financed by the team themselves.
Visual feedback and gamification turn donating into a habit
Unlike other platforms, Charry offers NGOs a space where they can show donors what their contributions have achieved. “Donors have the right to know and see how their support actually made an impact,” Hütti explained. Feedback can be a photo, a video, or a short update, and since not all organizations have the resources to produce this content themselves, the Charry team can help with filming or photography when needed.
The goal of making donating something people want to return to is supported through gamification. Charry users earn medals for their good deeds, all hand-drawn by designer Kaisa Uik. “When donating triggers positive emotions, people will come back,” Hütti said. Corporate charity challenges will be added soon as well: complete a good deed and receive a symbolic reward, such as a free coffee. Imagine this: in the morning, you donate a few euros to an animal shelter, and in the evening you enjoy a complimentary coffee at your favourite café.
Christmas: not only peak season, but the beginning of a habit
December is traditionally the peak season for donations, but according to Hütt, this period is not always easy for NGOs. “When most donations come during one short period, it makes planning for the rest of the year difficult,” he explained. Charry aims to encourage people to donate not only during the holidays, but throughout the year. In December, Charry will also launch its Christmas update along with a special challenge where users must melt the app’s mascot out of a block of ice.
