Tokenisation & Sandboxes

What Is Tokenisation?

Tokenisation is the process of replacing sensitive data like a donor's name, email, or card number with a non-sensitive equivalent called a token. This token has no usable meaning on its own but maps back to the original data in a secure database.

📦 Example:

• Original Data: email = jane@ngo.org

• Token: donor_token = d3f92eaf-248c-4bd9-b38a-01f4fda2b9a2

Tokens are used in place of sensitive data inside APIs, logs, or systems that need to remain privacy-safe, while still functioning efficiently.

🧬 How Traditional Tokenisation Systems Work

Most tokenisation systems such as those used in PCI DSS payment environments or enterprise CRMs follow this model:

• Focused on payment card data like card numbers or sensitive personal identifiers

• Tied to a centralised token vault operated by third parties like Stripe or Apple Pay

• Operate as black boxes with little visibility or flexibility for the organization

• Tokens are typically single-use or expire quickly

• Prioritise data security, but offer limited usability or analytics

🌍 How Pappr Tokenisation Works (What Sets It Apart)

Pappr approaches tokenisation as a tool for data utility, designed for nonprofits that want to capture, reuse, and personalise donor data in ethical and privacy-safe ways.

🪪 1. Person-Centric, Not Payment-Centric

Traditional tokenisation focuses on cards and transactions. Pappr focuses on people. Each token maps to a donor, not just a single transaction.

Why it matters: This enables nonprofits to build ongoing relationships and donor histories without compromising privacy.

⚡ 2. Real-Time Token Generation

Pappr generates tokens at the exact moment a donation is received using lightweight webhook-based logic.

Why it matters: There's no lag or manual syncing. Tokens are created instantly for every donor interaction.

🧱 3. Identity and Donation Are Separated

Pappr issues separate tokens for the donor and the donation event, allowing for reusable donor identities across multiple donations.

Why it matters: You can track patterns, power recurring giving, and run analytics without storing personal data.

🧩 4. Modular and Platform-Agnostic

Pappr tokens can be passed through forms, email tools, payment links, or any donation touchpoint.

Why it matters: You do not need to rebuild your system. Just plug Pappr into what you already use.

🧮 5. POPIA-Aligned Custom Field Control

You choose which fields to tokenize and which to keep. Pappr makes it easy to only capture opt-in data, and to respect data minimisation principles.

Why it matters: You stay compliant with South African POPIA regulations without building complex infrastructure.

💡 Summary Comparison

💻 How Pappr Gives Developers Full Control with an Open-Source Sandbox

Most tokenisation platforms are closed systems. You use their API, follow their rules, and store data on their infrastructure — often with limited visibility or flexibility.

Pappr takes a radically different approach.

🧩 Traditional Platforms: Closed by Design

• Black-box APIs: You send data in, get a token out — but can’t see or control the logic behind it

• No local testing: Most platforms don’t allow you to simulate flows in a local environment

• Vendor lock-in: You’re tied to their infrastructure, pricing, and roadmap

• Limited integrations: You have to fit your use case into their architecture

Result: Slower innovation, higher costs, and limited technical freedom.

🚀 Pappr: Open by Default

Pappr gives you the ability to create a fully open-source developer sandbox, built on modern tools like Supabase, Postgres, and serverless functions.

You can:

• Spin up a dev environment on your local machine or cloud platform

• Modify tokenisation logic to suit your data model

• Simulate donations and webhook flows before going live

• Connect your own dashboards or reporting systems

Result: Full freedom to build, test, and scale donor data systems without being boxed in.

🛠️ Why This Matters for Developers and Nonprofits

• Control: You decide how tokens are created, stored, and used

• Customisation: Tailor the sandbox to your nonprofit’s data and tools

• Privacy-first by design: You keep sensitive data in your own infrastructure

• Scalability: Start small in your own sandbox, then go live when ready

🔍 Summary Table