Digital and Mobile Giving: Mastering Online Engagement?
Mobile giving is no longer optional. Here’s how to turn your donation page into a smooth, smartphone friendly experience that donors actually want to use.
We live on our phones and so do our donors.
And yet, many nonprofits and charities still treat online giving like a backup option rather than a core strategy. That’s a missed opportunity.
In 2024, one out of every three online donations came from a mobile device. The trend is not slowing down. People want to give while waiting in line, lying on the couch, or watching a video. They want it to be quick, simple, and secure.
The good news is you do not need a fancy website or huge tech team to make this work. Just a few smart choices can turn your digital giving experience into something people trust and actually want to use.
Why Mobile First Matters
If your donation form is hard to read on a phone, takes too long to load, or makes the user pinch and zoom, you are losing donors.
Mobile first means designing your giving experience with phones in mind. That does not mean building an app. It just means keeping things simple, fast, and friendly.
Check your site for this:
- Loads in under 3 seconds
- Font is readable without zooming
- Buttons are large enough to tap
- Donation form is only one page
Choosing the Right Online Giving Tools
If your current system feels clunky or confusing, it might be time to explore a new one. Here are a few trusted options that offer free or low-cost plans for nonprofits:
Givebutter: Free to use with optional tips from donors. Supports events, text-to-give, and peer fundraising
Donorbox: Easy setup, recurring giving, and great for small to medium-sized teams
Funraise: Offers customizable giving forms and mobile giving features
Give Lively: 100 percent free platform for nonprofits with mobile optimized tools
Stripe for Nonprofits: Reliable payment processor with nonprofit discounts
Make It Visual and Trustworthy
Online giving is emotional. People give because something moved them. But they also want to feel safe and confident.
Use real photos. Add a short sentence on how the gift will be used. Show a progress bar or a campaign goal when possible.
Include trust signals like:
- A verified SSL certificate
- Logos of funders or partners
- Clear privacy and refund policies
- Testimonials or thank-you notes
These small details build confidence and increase completion rates.
Add Text to Give and QR Codes
Mobile giving can also happen offline. Here’s how:
Text to Give: Services like Tithe.ly, OneCause, or Give Lively let supporters give by sending a text message with a donation amount
QR Codes: Add a QR code to your flyers, posters, or event screens that links directly to your giving page. Free tools like Canva QR Maker makes this easy
You never know when inspiration might strike. Make it easy for someone to act in the moment!
Nurture Mobile Donors Differently
Mobile donors often act on impulse. They need follow-up that helps them stay connected and informed.
- Send a quick thank you email with a mobile friendly impact story
- Invite them to follow your Instagram
- Offer a way to give again that takes less than a minute.
Digital and mobile giving is not just another task to add to your list. It is the new front door of your fundraising.
Keep it simple. Make it personal. And remember that the easier you make it to give, the more likely people will say yes!
Ready to take your nonprofit to the next level? Explore more tips, tools, and resources at NonprofitToolkits and start making an even greater impact today!
