Online Giving in the Year 2020

Just like you shifted to use live-streaming and video production tools to create online worship services, you probably want to consider revising how you approach online giving.

It has been a year for the record books. A global pandemic, political unrest, and natural disasters are the new normal, and you have pivoted at every step. By shifting to online worship services in a matter of weeks, you completely reframed your ministry’s view of technology by making it an integral part of your communal life as a congregation. 

 

Technology Transitions

In the same way, it is time to revisit how you approach online giving. Removing barriers to giving benefits your ministry and your community. Whether you choose to accept direct transfers from financial institutions or choose an online giving platform, now is the time to transition.

The pandemic and ensuing quarantine and social isolation have dramatically highlighted how times have changed. People shop on phones with the push of a button. Many don’t even carry cash or checks anymore. For better or for worse, more than 75% of people are shopping online at least once a month and by 2023, 22% of global retail sales will be through e-commerce (1). When it comes to your ministry, 62% of church goers want to give electronically. Only 58% of folks attend services at least once a week and only 34% make weekly contributions. (Vanco Payment Solutions 2018)

By creating flexible ways for people to donate to your ministry, you are broadening the array of giving opportunities allowing you to serve your community during these trying times and beyond. Visitors can donate with a button click or traveling congregants can contribute when they are out of town. Make it easy for people to give. 

 

Website Donation Tips

Here are just a few tips to make online giving easy for your donors.

1. Place a donation button on every page, usually in the same place. The top right corner is a prime location. And make it a button that stands out from the background. You want it to draw attention so that it is easy to find. 
2. Consider choosing an online giving platform that fully integrates into your site. By embedding the donation functionality, people won’t be directed away to your online giving provider’s website to make their donation. The longer someone stays on your site, the more they will engage with the content you’ve worked so hard to create and are more likely to continue to donate to support your ministry.
3. Remember your analog folks! As much as we encourage you to create online donation avenues, it is important to give clear directions on how to tithe to the church through the mail. Whatever the instructions, make them easy to follow.

 

Worship Times Online Giving Integrations

While online giving does come with an expense, there are many options available that will meet your budget. On the Worship Times network, we host a variety of integrations for different online giving platforms. Vanco, Tithely, Breeze, PayPal, and Stripe are just a few ways to accept digital donations. However, we have the capability to work with whatever platform your organization chooses to use. 

If you’d like some help weighing the options and choosing the right platform for your ministry, we are here to help. The best way to introduce yourself to our team is through a Free Website Review. From there, we can evaluate your site and get you into the best options.