Keep It Simple….The Secret To Giving.

Almost every church offers some kind of online giving opportunity these days, however, some churches have resisted providing an online giving platform in hopes of avoiding the fees involved indoing so.  We’ve even seen some that have even opted to use PayPal or Venmo, even though these are not great options.

The truth is you are costing your church more than you are saving by not offering an online giving platform.  Fewer and fewer people carry checks or cash anymore.  They prefer quick and easy methods of paying.  Make it easy and they will give more. 

I saw this firsthand recently while at a charity event with almost 400 other people.  The hosts announced that we could give online if we wanted.  They had two guys with credit card readers available.  The lines quickly backed up and most people just walked out.  What would have happened if they had provided a QR code that everyone could have scanned at their seat?

Keep giving simple, even if it costs.  Simple will pay for itself.

So, what do you look for in a giving platform? There are several factors to consider:

1.   Ease of Use: The platform should be user-friendly for both donors and administrators. Donors should be able to make contributions easily without encountering technical difficulties, and administrators should find it easy to manage donations and track giving.

2.   Security: Security is paramount when handling financial transactions. Ensure the platform complies with industry-standard security protocols, such as SSL encryption, to protect sensitive donor information.

3.   Payment Options: The platform should support a variety of payment methods to accommodate donors' preferences. This may include credit/debit cards, bank transfers, and mobile payments.

4.   Recurring Giving: The ability to set up recurring donations can significantly enhance regular giving and provide stability to the church's finances. Ensure the platform supports automated recurring donations and allows donors to easily manage their schedules.  Encourage recurring giving!  It’s a healthy way to ensure giving.

5.   Integration: Consider whether the platform integrates seamlessly with the church's existing systems, such as accounting software or customer relationship management (CRM) tools. Integration can streamline administrative tasks and facilitate accurate financial reporting.  Pick a platform that works with several different accounting software programs in case you make bookkeeping changes in the future.

6.   Customization: The platform should allow for customization to reflect the church's branding and messaging. This includes the ability to embed donation forms on the church's website and tailor communication with donors.

7.   Reporting and Analytics: Robust reporting capabilities are essential for tracking donation trends, generating financial reports, and analyzing donor behavior. Look for a platform that provides comprehensive reporting tools and real-time analytics.

8.   Fees: Understand the fee structure of the platform, including transaction fees and any monthly subscription costs. While some platforms offer competitive pricing, others may impose higher fees that can impact the church's bottom line.  Don’t only focus on fees.  Convience, simplicty, and support are worth paying for.

9.   Customer Support: Reliable customer support is crucial for addressing any issues or questions that may arise. Choose a platform that provides responsive customer support via multiple channels, such as phone, email, and live chat.

10.  Mobile Accessibility: With the increasing use of mobile devices, ensure the platform is optimized for mobile access. This includes responsive design and dedicated mobile apps for both donors and administrators.

11.   Compliance: Ensure the platform complies with relevant regulations, such as tax laws and data protection regulations like GDPR or CCPA. Non-compliance could result in legal issues anddamage the church's reputation.

It is a good idea to talk to other churches to find out what they are using.  Ask them if their congregation finds the platform easy to use and if the software is user friendly for bookkeepers. 

Here is a thought I recently read.  We get all upset over bank fees but don’t think anything about ordering custom offering envelopes.  It’s kind of the same thing, isn’t it?  We pay to make it easy for someone to give and get credit for their gift.

Find a platform that you like and give it a try.  Make it simple and communicate the opportunity.  A good giving platform will more than pay for itself.

Need help with online giving reccomendations?  Give us a call!