Will Older Generations Embrace Mobile Giving?

For the next several weeks we’ll be sharing findings from a study we recently conducted entitled “The Mobile Giving Revolution in Church Giving.” Givelify has processed more than 2.5 million transactions — each Wednesday we’ll dive into a different key finding from our data that will give you and your organization powerful insight into church giving trends, as well as tips and advice on how to utilize this information for growth.

Can’t wait and want to read them all? Download the full report today!

At Givelify, we’ve spoken with thousands of pastors and church administrators, and many have a shared concern — will older members of the congregation embrace digital contributions? The answer may surprise you.

Older Generations and Mobile Giving Technology

We found that older members not only embrace the technology, but adults aged 35-64 outnumber millennials nearly 3 to 1 in using the app! And while fewer seniors 65+ use mobile giving, they still make up a significant percentage.

Think about the older adults you know: How many are on Facebook, Facetiming grandkids, placing an Amazon order, and carrying tablets? A lot.

According to the Pew Research Center, nearly 8 in 10 seniors have a mobile phone, and 2 in 3 Americans aged 65 and older now get news on a mobile device, a 300% increase over just four years ago.

It’s an Option, Not a Replacement

At the same time, it’s worth noting digital giving isn’t meant to replace other ways of giving, but to simply offer another option. Offering plates will always have a place in the church service, and parishioners can still participate by putting cash or checks in the plate.

Key Takeaway: Those seniors sitting on your church pews? Chances are accessing apps on their smartphones is part of their daily habit, and many are getting used to carrying little or no cash. Giving them an option to give when they’re away from the church building or short on cash is one easy way to increase church giving.