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Heading into summer, churches across the U.S. prepare for the dip in attendance that occurs in peak vacation months. Unfortunately, these empty seats often result in a decline in giving as well. While the summer slump is a challenge, there’s one statistic that offers a solution to the decrease in gifts.
Last year, online giving averaged a 7.5% YoY increase in June and July. Even in the summer months when donations are expected to be down, online giving grew. By making online giving features easily accessible, people donate whether they’re on vacation, at home, or attending church. Here are a few more reasons why you shouldn’t ignore the fact that online giving was up last summer.
Mobile giving made up 21% of all transaction last year
Mobile giving reached an all-time high in 2017, and it’s no wonder with 77% of people owning a smartphone. In the summer, people take their mobile device with them everywhere they travel. Give them the chance to donate when inspiration strikes using a mobile giving app, and you’ll see gifts from churchgoers even when they can’t attend the service.
If you’re worried that people aren’t comfortable giving a mobile payment, know that 46% of smartphone owners pay bills via mobile apps. The key is using an online giving platform like easyTithe that conforms to the highest set of security standards for card payments.
Text messages are the most popular smartphone feature
Beyond a mobile giving app, offer churchgoers text giving. Ninety-seven percent of smartphone owners say text messages are their favorite feature. Text messaging is a fast way to reach churchgoers and perfect for people on the go. Donors give within seconds, and the set-up is simple.
The average text gift is $107, so results can be significant even if just a handful of people use this digital giving option. Before churchgoers start leaving for vacations or long-weekends, share the steps to sign up for text giving.
Over 84% of U.S. households own a computer
Over 84% of households own a computer, and they make everyday tasks more convenient. All it takes is a quick online search to find out what to make for dinner or get directions. People have grown accustomed to the ease of being able to check boxes off online like shopping and paying bills – and giving to the church is no different. Branded donation pages are a proven way to increase giving and easy to add to the church’s website.
For some, giving to the church is better remembered when sitting down to pay bills at the family computer. For others, inspiration ignites while spending time online looking at photos of mission trips and reading an email from the church. With a branded donation page, people continue to tithe consistently (even if their church attendance isn’t as steady in the summer).
Increase online giving this summer by providing multiple ways to give! Contact easyTithe at 1-888-778-4843 or email sales@easytithe.com to learn more.
