Redefining Charity

A personal journey, a life-changing diagnosis, and a new approach to charity fundraising — A Noble Gift is revolutionising how we donate, giving 100% of proceeds directly to the causes that need it most.

In 2023, a life-changing diagnosis and a fundraising hike up Mount Kilimanjaro led to the creation of A Noble Gift — a platform designed to remove the barriers of traditional charity auctions and unlock the full potential of donations. Co-founded by a barrister and mother of four, Trina Little, A Noble Gift ensures 100% of purchase prices go to charity, giving a fresh, sustainable model to the charity sector. Entrepreneur UK finds out more…

What moment made you realise the charity sector needed a new model?
In 2023, my sister, some friends and I raised money for a small cancer charity by climbing Africa’s tallest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro. We also held a gala dinner and held a silent auction with gifts that we asked friends to donate with all of the money going straight to the charity. When we returned from our trip, we were still being offered gifts to auction, and we were at a bit of a loss with what to do with this generosity. We did extensive research but couldn’t find a platform that could help us to make the most of these items; auctions really did appear to be tied to a specific moment in time. That’s where the idea for A Noble Gift came from. 

We wanted to change the face of giving, to remove the barriers set by a traditional auction or fundraising dinner and make it possible for charities to unlock their full fundraising potential. Our marketplace is one-of-a-kind, offering curated gifts and experiences where 100% of gifts are donated and 100% of the purchase price powers good causes. The fact that the gifts have all been donated ensures that the charity receives the maximum it can to enable its incredible work. The full purchase price goes direct to charity and the successful buyer covers a platform fee, the value of which is displayed clearly when you go to make an offer on an item. 

How did your experience during lockdown change how you think about purpose and work?
When I was given my cancer diagnosis in lockdown – which came to inspire our fundraising hike in 2023 – life changed in that moment forever. While my prognosis was good, I never really let myself consider what would happen after the treatment ended. It makes you re-evaluate your life and think about what your legacy will be. We are only given one life, and it should not be wasted. That really made me think about wanting to make a change – for good. A Noble Gift has already raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for charity, something I am incredibly proud of, and I believe the opportunities our platform offers really are endless. We get a double dopamine hit when we receive emails from customers who have bought an experience that made their dreams come true and we know the money they spent has gone to charity. 

What lessons has founding later in life given you that you didn’t expect?
Founding a company later in life has shown me that age isn’t a barrier. I am a practising barrister, a mother of 4 sons, and honestly, felt I had already experienced a reasonable amount – but starting A Noble Gift has really made every day a school day. Starting a business is a new challenge; every day I’m hearing new perspectives and adding more strings to my bow, which is scary and exhausting but such a wonderful journey. 

What would you say to women considering turning a personal challenge into a business?
When faced with your own mortality, it really does make you think what is the worst that can happen? I took the resilience I developed following my diagnosis and translated that into the drive and determination I needed to start and grow A Noble Gift. Even better to do it alongside a bunch of incredible women. Life is short, there’s no room for regrets.