Sigh – the Olympic flame has been extinguished. But my heart is still warmed by all the wonderful images of athletes doing things that, well, frankly, I surely could have mastered had my parents just invested a little teeny, tiny bit of money. Alas.
Maybe you didn’t get the Gold (this time), but perhaps your congregation’s giving page should get a medal. First of all, if you have a giving page (because there are still folk out there who don't), SCORE!
Getting a donation webpage on your website is a huge accomplishment. Really, it is. For most of us, doing anything behind the scenes with websites is like going into a haunted house at midnight on Halloween. It’s avoided at all costs. So bravo to you who have a dedicated page to giving.
If you have a giving page, here are five ways you can make it stronger:
- Do connect who you are with a reason to give. This is an excellent opportunity on your landing page to remind people that giving is a spiritual discipline. My favorite quote? Henri Nouwen who said in The Spirituality of Fundraising:
[Giving] is also always a call to conversion. And this call comes to both those who seek funds and those who have funds. Whether we are asking for money or giving money we are drawn together by God, who is about to do a new thing through our collaboration.
- Don’t clutter up your page. Too many try to have too much stuff on their page. As a result, it can be overwhelming to the average donor. Keep it simple. Be sure to place giving to your General Operating Support front and center. If possible, have a photo or two of people doing ministry.
- 3 Do make it easy to give. Ideally, with one click, a donor can get to your giving page. Check out Marion-Polk Food Share’s page. Easy peasy. Donors can give one time or monthly. They can choose either credit or debit card (which makes signing up for recurring giving so much easier).
- Don’t ignore the fees. If someone decides to give via credit card, give them the option to pay the fees as well. There are ways to ask that leave the donor feeling better about the extra processing fee. For a little guidance, Claire of Clarification wrote an excellent piece, Should you ask nonprofit donors to cover gift transaction fees?
- Do remind people about what they’re giving to. Portland First United Methodist Church has a graphic that lets givers know the kind of mission and ministry their gifts are funding. With a few photos – this can highlight all the important ways that generosity funds what you’re doing.
Your website is your front door. It’s how people check you out before coming for their first visit. Your giving page is also an important tool that reminds people that giving is a vital part of their discipleship and for making ministry happen.
Take a fresh look at your giving page. See if you can’t take home the gold.
story by Cesie Delve Scheuermann, a Stewardship Consultant for the OR-ID Annual Conference.
United Methodist Church Giving is about people working together to accomplish something bigger than themselves. In so doing, we effect change around the world, all in the name of Jesus Christ.
