Instant Gratification: Online Giving Benefits You & TRF
Posted by Sean Paddy on Nov 15, 2016
INSTANT
GRATIFICATION
Online Giving Benefits You and The Rotary Foundation
If you’ve ever waited … and waited … and waited for a check to arrive by mail, you know how excruciating it can be. Worse yet is when the check never arrives, lost in transit or delivered to the wrong address. One of the benefits of online charitable giving is that the wait time is virtually eliminated: You receive confirmation of the donation immediately and the nonprofit can start using your gift more quickly. Not surprisingly, the practice is growing.
In 2015, online giving increased by 9.2 percent compared with 2014, according to Blackbaud’s Charitable Giving Report, which tracks such giving worldwide. And nearly 14 percent of all online donations last year were made with a mobile device.
With the ability to accept online donations in 15 currencies, The Rotary Foundation has been a beneficiary of the trend: In 2014-15, it saw online donations rise 14.6 percent to $10.2 million, compared with $8.9 million in 2013-14. Although online donations still account for just 4 percent of overall giving to the Foundation, its fans are convinced it’s the right choice.
“I had trepidations at first, but the more I do online banking, the more I realize how secure it is,” says Rich Churchman, regional Rotary Foundation coordinator for Zone 31, who enrolled in Rotary Direct,Rotary’s recurring giving program. “And because Rotary Direct is automatic, it’s made it easy for me to become a Paul Harris Society member.”
The growing popularity of Giving Tuesday* has also boosted online donations. The Rotary Foundation reported an increase of more than 75 percent in online contributions on Giving Tuesday in 2015 compared with 2014, making it the fourth-highest day of online Foundation contributions ever.
The growing popularity of Giving Tuesday* has also boosted online donations. The Rotary Foundation reported an increase of more than 75 percent in online contributions on Giving Tuesday in 2015 compared with 2014, making it the fourth-highest day of online Foundation contributions ever.
As Giving Tuesday on 29 November 2016 approaches, make it easy for your club members to donate online by adding a link to Rotary’s Give page on your club’s website, in its digital newsletter, and in social media posts.
Here are more ways that online giving benefits both you as a donor and The Rotary Foundation:
BENEFITS TO YOU:
- Donations are processed more quickly.
- There’s no check to get lost or stolen.
- Donor recognition is received sooner.
- Postage and mailing costs are eliminated.
- Credit card rewards are available.
BENEFITS TO THE ROTARY FOUNDATION:
- Administrative costs are reduced.
- Contributions are transformed into grants faster.
- A younger donor base can be reached.
- Spontaneous giving is spurred, allowing Rotarians to respond quickly to events.
*Giving Tuesday is a day dedicated worldwide to celebrating generosity. On 29 November 2016, join those committed to making a difference by giving to The Rotary Foundation online. It’s also a great way to help your club reach its centennial giving goals.