Online giving platforms allow churches to accept donations from a wide range of people. They offer secure payment processing and detailed tracking and reporting, which can increase the accuracy of contributions.
The right online giving platform can make fundraising easier for church staff. It can also help churches build a culture of generosity.
Convenience
When it comes to donating, there are a lot of different options out there for churchgoers. One option might be better for them depending on the person, how often they want to give, and how technologically savvy they are.
Some people prefer to give directions on a church’s website, and others prefer to give them from a mobile app. Online giving options are more convenient for most because they are a contact-free way to donate.
This eliminates the worry of virus transmission, a common concern with cash and checks donations. Moreover, online giving systems integrate with your donor software so that you can send year-end statements in bulk and easily export your sharing data for accounting purposes.
Choosing the best online giving platforms for churches that provide 24/7 customer support is a good idea because it can help you and your church staff keep your donations flowing smoothly. Especially when you are trying to set up new integrations, your team must have the help they need whenever a hiccup occurs.
Security
An online giving platform’s security is one of its most critical aspects. Your congregation will be safe from their contributions getting lost or stolen. You need a good payment processor that adheres to Level 1 PCI-compliant security standards to keep the funds flowing.
A secure payment system will also provide a sense of confidence for your congregants and visitors alike. This is especially true when you have a well-designed website and social media presence. This will help you build trust and foster a positive brand association with your congregation.
It is also a good idea to choose an online giving platform with a money-back guarantee and a robust customer service department. This will help you deal with any problems that may arise, even if they aren’t your fault.
It is not impossible to find an online giving solution that will fit the needs of your church and your budget. Finding the best one for your needs might take trial and error, but if you stick with it, you’ll be rewarded with a more engaged congregation and a better bottom line.
Flexibility
While face-to-face giving is still a mainstay of most churches, the digital realm has opened up many new avenues to collect and process more contributions in the name of God. Whether using an on-site payment swiper or event ticketing software, these innovative technologies can help you get the most out of your congregation by allowing them to give in convenient ways.
While some online giving solutions are more of a headache than others, several have earned their stripes the best. Choosing an online giving platform that is suited to your church’s needs and budget can make the transition to digital fundraising more accessible and more efficient for you and your congregants.
It is also a good idea to consult your IT department to ensure your chosen platform will meet your current and future technological requirements. An online giving solution can be a great way to show your congregation that you value their contributions and want them to make a difference for generations.
Ease of Use
Online giving platforms can be a great way to increase your church’s overall donations. It allows your members to give in ways they are comfortable with and increases their chance of making consistent gifts each week.
Givers want to know their financial information is secure, and a church’s online giving platform should have high-security standards. This includes a commitment to never selling or leaking user data.
Considering upgrading to an online giving platform, consider how easy it will be for donors and church staff to use. Having a forum that’s hard to navigate can encourage people to donate, which is different from what you want.
Another critical consideration is the fee for processing payments. Most church online giving platforms charge a small processing fee to help cover the cost of running the software.
Lastly, ensure that your online giving platform integrates well with your existing church management software (ChMS). This way, your team can easily manage offline and online donations and track all donations in one place. This will save you time and ensure that all your donations get processed as quickly as possible.
Automation
Automated church giving platforms are a must-have for any church seeking to increase donations and streamline its operations. They offer a variety of features, including mobile and text-to-give.
Using automated giving software can save you a lot of time and money. In addition, they can help your church increase recurring donations.
When selecting an online giving platform, ensure it is secure and safe. Ask how the company stores user information, what security measures they take against fraud, and how they handle refunds and disputes.
Then, choose a plan that will meet the needs of your church. This will help you grow with your new giving platform for years.
Many churches online giving platforms are free to use, and some offer additional features for a small fee. These extras can make a big difference for your church, so ask about them before making your final decision.