How Can I Get Free Donations Online?

How did your life change in 2020? What challenges did you face? Perhaps you felt the strain of limited supplies at the store? Did you or a loved one battle the virus? Did your organization face challenges with fundraising? On the other hand, were there unexpected joys? Like, a slower-paced life? Time with family? Gratitude for small things?

No doubt, we all could make a long list of ways—big and small—that our life changed in 2020.

Shifts in Charitable Giving

Research shows that one big change we experienced nation-wide was a dramatic increase in charitable giving, especially online. On GivingTuesday in the U.S., for example, people gave $2.47 billion. Woodrow Rosenbaum, chief data officer of GivingTuesday, said, “This was a 25 percent increase over the previous year’s total and represented a similar increase in participation.”

This upward trend in giving includes donations from Americans of all ages. While giving is commonly associated with older, more financially stable segments of the American population, CNBC reported that “Nearly 3 out of 4 millennials (defined here as those ages 25 to 34) have sent some kind of financial aid to family or friends or donated to a nonprofit since the COVID-19 pandemic began.”

Also, Givelify found that during COVID, donors are increasingly giving to multiple organizations. Our data shows that one in five donors is giving to more than one organization on the Givelify platform, as they search for ways to make a difference in their communities.

More people are giving more money, and more people are doing it online. So, how can your organization use this information to begin or enhance an online giving program? How can you get free donations online for your place of worship or nonprofit?

Choosing a Platform To Receive Donations Online

There are many options for giving online. It is important to do your homework and find the one that best suits the needs of your organization. When choosing a platform for online giving, you want to take time to look at certain options and features. Consider these items:

• Ease of use. Is the platform easy for my organization to set up and for supporters to use? Is it intuitive and does it offer good features?
• How do I withdraw funds that people have donated?
• Customer service. Is there a customer service agent or coach who can walk me through both the technical and personal aspects of online giving?
• Tell the story. Does the platform allow me to share the story of my organization and individuals who support us?
• Social media sharing. Can I easily reach previous as well as new supporters? Can I build custom campaigns, enhance relationships and encourage donations?
• Transparency. Are the financial aspects clear to me and my donors?
• Bilingual accessibility. Does the platform have English and Spanish options?
• Cost. Does the platform allow my organization to raise and keep more money? Are there contracts and hidden fees? Is there a free app for my supporters?

Finding an Audience to Give Donations Online

Once you pick your online giving platform, you will want to share your story in a way that reaches both faithful donors and new supporters by using means that are also free. Consider an announcement during your in-person or live stream worship service or inclusion in the bulletin or a flyer on your information table to tell people how to give online. And don’t forget to share the message of your church or nonprofit online. Here are some great (free) places to start:

• Facebook or Instagram
• Email or text
• Live stream (Facebook or YouTube)
• Church or Nonprofit website

To increase ease of giving, add your Givelify giving link to your website and share it to your social media, live streams, email, newsletters, and more.

Givelify Can Help!

The good news is that Givelify is ready to help you manage your online donations! As the #1 mobile giving app, Givelify checks all the essential boxes as the best platform for you to use to get free donations online.

Signing up for Givelify is easy for your organization. You can test drive the platform before you sign up or reach out to one of our team members for support.

By sharing your Givelify link on social media and print materials, you can connect with your donor base and give them an easy way to support your church or nonprofit with a quick online transaction. Along with promoting regular giving, you can build custom campaigns for special events or seasons.

Available in English and Spanish versions, Givelify’s bilingual resources will further assist your growth and extend your reach.

And, cost? Our promise is transparency with no contracts, no commitments, and no hidden expenses. Givelify offers clear pricing at 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction, so you can focus on what really matters. Givelify allows you to raise and keep more money. You can get next business day deposits and track every penny. It’s a smart, free addition to your other giving options.

Plus, donors love sharing gifts through Givelify! They’ve shared more than 65,000 reviews on the App Store and Google Play, making Givelify one of the most reviewed and highest rated mobile giving apps.

As our world changes, Givelify is here for you and your organization. Join us today!