Mobile Giving Fact vs. Fiction

Since mobile giving is still a relatively new technology, people sometimes make incorrect assumptions based on their limited knowledge. Let’s take a look at what people are saying about mobile giving, and whether or not it is based in fact.

People Don’t Use Mobile To Donate

Fiction. Mobile giving has not been around for very long, but it is already being used more than you might think. According to a study by Blackbaud:

9.5% of donations came from mobile devices

16.6% of e-mail clickthroughs that led to a donation happened on mobile

It may not be the most common form of giving right now, but some people are already using their mobile devices to give. As mobile giving technology becomes more mainstream, these numbers will likely skyrocket.

Mobile Giving Isn’t Secure

Fiction. With all of the stories about identity theft and hacks in the news, it’s not surprising that many people are wary of giving out their personal information. But when it comes to mobile giving, they have little reason to be afraid.

Now that debit cards are commonplace, people are accustomed to making cashless payments. This happens every day with online shopping. Mobile giving apps are no more risky than paying with a debit card. These types of apps are specifically built to not store any sensitive personal data. Instead, such information is kept on a payment processing company’s secure server. (CSO Online)

Only Young People Will Give Using Mobile Devices

Fiction. Seniors are more tech-savvy than they are given credit for, and are already adopting more modern ways of making payments. Donors over age 66 are now just as likely as younger donors to make online donations. In fact, according to ChurchMag:

59% of donors over age 60 made an online church donation in 2014

66% of seniors use the Internet to pay their bills

Older adults are willing to make use of modern technology to make donations and other payments. If you take the time to educate them about mobile giving, seniors will get on board.

Donors Would Use Mobile, If Given the Option

Fact. When DJ Chuang attempted to give to various churches using his mobile device, he unfortunately could only do so at a few places he visited. He ran into roadblocks when many of the churches did not offer any mobile giving option.

If your organization gave donors the ability to make mobile donations, the gifts would roll in. You may even receive donations from people who otherwise wouldn’t give. Chuang was not carrying cash, and was actively seeking a mobile method. Other potential donors are likely in the same situation.

Why not give them what they want?