From banking and bill payment to shopping and personal money transfers, the online world is fast replacing the traditional check and cash payment options. If your organization is unable to offer a donor the ability to donate online that donor may choose not to give at all. Moreover, if your organization does not have a flexible way that allows donors to choose their own method of online giving, you could be passing up on valuable fundraising opportunities.
The Internet Generations
An even more pressing issue is just now beginning to affect organizations all over the world. The internet generations are graduating from college, settling into communities and looking for ways to get involved in their local organizations. This generation grew up during the birth of PayPal, the establishment of eBay and Amazon as a standard method of shopping, and online payment as their preferred method of doing business. The average age of the first true internet generation is 26 and the first internet generation is likely to be the last that will ever carry a checkbook.
About Checks
Ask an average 21 year old where their checkbook is and you might be surprised at the inquisitive look you get in return. Ask that same 21 year old if they’ve ever paid a bill online using their checking account and you’ll probably find that nearly all of them have. The check isn’t dead, it has simply moved online in the form of eChecks and ACH Transfers.
Credit and Debit Cards
The lasting popularity and increasing use of credit cards make it the most important payment option you must be able to accept. The rise of credit card rewards programs make it even more likely a donor will give online by credit card rather than take the time to fill out a check and mail it to you. You don’t have to accept every credit card; you’re free to pick and choose which ones you accept. Debit Cards will be accepted by default if you accept credit cards. Nearly every debit card carries a Visa or MasterCard logo, allowing you to accept them just like any credit card option.
Recurring and Automated Options
As the popularity of the online donation grows, so does the convenience factor of automating those online donations. Given the choice, donors will likely elect to automate their transactions so they don’t have to remember to come back on a regular basis. Letting your donation software do this for you automatically is an easy way to increase the overall fundraising base your organization relies on for operational expenses. It requires no extra administrative effort and is easier for the donor. To put it another way, it’s a win-win. Philanthropy is going online, let Qgiv show you how to make the adoption of accepting online donations easy, safe and painless.
Quickly, Safely, Generously.
Quickly
The ultimate goal is for a donor to quickly identify how to give money to an organization and then just as quickly, to complete that transaction. Quickly also implies ease of use. A complex form or a confusing series of options will not allow a donor to give quickly or easily. Quickly is important to everyone, no matter what age or technical ability level. Donors who can quickly donate are the most likely to complete a transaction. Donation University will show you how best to let your donors give quickly online.
Safely
This is one concept that involves all three parties in an online donation. The donor must feel safe when providing personal and banking information to a website. Most people look for unique identifying information that tells them their information is secure. Some look for a lock icon, some even read the security certificate, some look for the “https://” at the beginning of a website URL. Donors who have even the slightest sense of unease or find any of these options missing will not complete the donation transaction. It is up to the organization to provide that sense of security by choosing a provider that offers the highest level of security to their donors. Your organization must select a provider amidst a dizzying array of industry terms and confusing security standards. Donation University will help you sort through terms and provide the tools you need to quickly identify providers that offer the right kind of secure online donations.
Generously
Providing a quick, easy and safe method of donating online will encourage your donors to give generously to your organization. Tools provided by your donation provider such as recurring donations allow your donor to select a more generous option by having their gift recur automatically. Giving online is an opportunity for your donors to be as generous as they can when giving. Donation University will show you tools that will increase the size and frequency of online donations.
