ProTips: Simple ways to elevate your online giving

Apr 16, 2021 by

Katie Cerni

Ever think your online giving program is reaching a plateau?

Wonder what ways you can engage more participation and further integrate online giving into your organization?

We had the honor to engage with eCatholic customers in a live event panel regarding ways to elevate online giving programs through both technology and creative methods. Our giving and product experts Luke Condit and Joe Garcia shared real examples of how eCatholic Payments users can easily grow online giving at their organization.

Watch the event recording and look below for specific discussion points. We’ve even included an excellent customer example at the bottom of this article. Enjoy!

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Create an inspiring donor experience

(video timestamp 3:37) Make it easy for your community and organization members to locate and give online while keeping your inspirational messaging and invitations intact. Here are a few pointers to help:

• Allow your page alias to immediately direct people to your donation pages
• Inform how gifts directly support and why your cause is important
• Be sure you are thanking your donors and supporters
• Remember sometimes unfortunate events create opportunities for a generous community response

Want to see a page example?
Checkout out this donation page using the alias /donations. Visit the page ourlady.church/donations

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Diversify your online giving

(video timestamp 11:37) Go beyond a simple donate button on a homepage and incorporate online giving options for more than just general gifts or weekly collections. Think about other ministries and organizations' needs that can benefit from the simplicity of raising their funds using online giving. Think about setting up collections for:

• Online candle donations 
• Mass stipends
• School tuition or after-school program fees
• Pre-selling event tickets & registrations
• Drive-thru fish fry and organization meals

Take a look at your organization
What other ways is your organization collecting funds that can be made easier by offering those giving opportunities through a webpage on your site? 

3

Other resources to leverage your online giving

(video timestamp 18:41) Be sure to include online giving invitations within you other communication methods. This way people can realize the importance of their generous gifts, see community involvement happening, and be able to respond directly through a link or signing up to be a recurring giver. Try extending the invitation to giving online through:

• Welcome packet invitations
• Community email communication
• Social media communication

This portion of the live event included information about a case study on social media engagement at the National Shrine of Maximilian Kolbe, as well as a special appearance by Nic Prenger, from Prenger Solutions Group, who shared some awesome stats on how engaging through regular social media posting can transfer to highly community participation and stewardship! 

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Inspiring & exciting fundraising event gone virtual

See how Frassati Catholic got the word out about their annual Facts & Folly Trivia night while showing exciting clips of their students and informing their community on how the event will be online for this particular year.

• Informative webpage with giving form at frassaticatholic.org/factsandfolly
• Exciting promotional video with details on virtual event. Watch here
• Fun thank you video to communicate event success and gratitude. Watch here

2

Clear and easy-to-submit Mass intentions

Mass intentions are a part of many parish communities, and Our Lady of the Mount Parish decided to offer theirs digitally! This New Jersey parish uses an online form that allows parishioners to purchase their Mass intention, without needing to drop by the parish office in-person.

See the diverse payment options on their Mass intention page here

Have additional questions? We'd love to help!

Remember, we've got your back! If you have any other questions about this event or any of the resources listed above, send us an email at [email protected]!