Online giving has become essential for synagogue fundraising. Here are seven proven strategies to increase donations through your website.
1.Simplify the Donation Process
Every extra step in your donation process is an opportunity for donors to abandon their gift. Aim for a three-click maximum from landing on your site to completing a donation. Remove unnecessary form fields and only ask for essential information.
2.Offer Multiple Payment Options
Accept credit cards, bank transfers, and digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay. The easier you make it to give, the more likely donors will complete their gifts. Consider offering stock donations for major gifts.
3.Implement Recurring Giving
Monthly giving programs provide predictable revenue and often result in larger annual contributions. Make the recurring option prominent and easy to set up. Highlight the impact of sustained giving.
4.Show Impact
Donors want to know their contributions matter. Share stories and statistics showing how donations support your community. Use photos and testimonials to create emotional connections.
5.Mobile Optimization
Over 50% of online donations now come from mobile devices. Ensure your donation pages work perfectly on phones and tablets. Test the entire giving process on multiple devices.
6.Strategic Timing
Send donation appeals at optimal times. The High Holy Days, Chanukah, and year-end are peak giving seasons for Jewish communities. Plan your campaigns around these natural giving moments.
7.Thank Donors Promptly
Immediate, personalized thank-you messages strengthen donor relationships and encourage future giving. Automate this process while keeping messages personal and heartfelt.
Implementation Tips
Start by auditing your current donation process. Time how long it takes to complete a gift and identify friction points. Then prioritize improvements based on potential impact and ease of implementation.