Raising donations online doesn’t have to feel like pulling teeth. In fact, with the right steps, it can be as simple as clicking a button. Churches today have a huge opportunity to connect with supporters beyond Sunday services — and online giving makes that easier than ever.
If you want to raise your church’s donations without complicated tech or endless fundraising events, you’re in the right place. Here are six clear, proven steps to help your church grow its online giving and support its mission — no stress, no fuss.
1. Have a Website with Clear Giving Options
If your church doesn’t have a website yet, that’s the first step. A website is your digital home — and the easiest way for people to learn about your mission, events, and giving opportunities. Make sure it’s clean, mobile-friendly, and easy to navigate.
Once it’s live, place a clear “Give” button on the homepage — ideally in the top right corner and again in the footer. Link it to a secure donation form that works on all devices.
Example:
A simple layout with a button that says “Give Now” can lead to a donation page with preset amounts, a space for notes, and a recurring giving option. No signups. No clutter. Just clarity.
Why it works:
When someone visits your site, they shouldn’t have to look around or click through five pages to support your ministry. A visible, simple giving flow turns visitors into supporters — especially first-timers who don’t attend in person..
2. Create a Dedicated Donations Page
Make one page just for donations. Use a simple web address like yourchurch.com/give so people can find it easily.
On this page, explain why giving is important and show how to give. Keep the form easy with clear buttons for one-time or regular gifts.
Example:
Your church can add photos or a short note from the pastor about what donations support. Then, have a simple form where people can quickly enter their gift.
Why it works:
A focused page makes giving easy. Visitors don’t have to look around or guess what to do.
3. Offer Recurring Giving Options
Give people a way to give automatically every week or month. This helps your church get steady support without donors having to remember each time.
Make sure your donation form lets people choose to give regularly, not just once.
Example:
A simple checkbox or button on your form can say “Give monthly” so donors can sign up in seconds.
Why it works:
Regular gifts add up over time and give your church a reliable income to plan ahead.
4. Build and Use an Email List to Stay Connected
Collect emails from your Sunday attendees and website visitors. Use this list to send regular updates about church events, stories, and giving opportunities.
Ask for emails during services or online sign-ups, then send emails that show how donations make a difference.
Example:
Send a short email sharing a recent project your church supported and include a link to the donation page.
Why it works:
Emails keep people informed and connected. When they see the impact, they are more likely to give.
5. Tell Stories That Show Impact
Share real stories about how donations help your church and community. Use simple language and focus on people, not numbers.
Add photos or short videos when you can to make the stories feel real.
Example:
Tell the story of a family your church helped or a recent event made possible by donations.
Why it works:
Stories make giving personal. People want to see how their gifts change lives.
6. Run Short Giving Campaigns with Clear Goals
Create short campaigns around specific needs, like a building repair or a community event. Set a clear goal and a deadline.
Promote the campaign on your website, emails, and social media to encourage people to give.
Example:
Ask for donations to buy new chairs for the church by a certain date, and update supporters on the progress.
Why it works:
Clear goals and deadlines motivate people to act quickly and give more.
7. Add Giving Reminders to Livestreams and Replays
If your church streams services, include short reminders about giving during the live event and in the video replay.
Show the donation link on screen or mention how people can give online.
Example:
A simple message during the sermon like, “You can support us by giving online at yourchurch.com/give.”
Why it works:
Reminders help people who watch from home remember to give, even if they’re not in the building.
8. Nurture an Online Community That Supports Giving
Create a space online, like a Facebook group, where your church members can connect and share stories.
Use this community to share updates and encourage giving without pressure.
Example:
Post photos from recent events and thank donors publicly (with their permission).
Why it works:
People give more when they feel connected and part of something bigger.
Outro:
Raising donations online is easier than many churches think. By making giving simple and personal, you help your community support your mission in meaningful ways.
If you want to make the process even smoother, tools like SquareDonations offer easy-to-use solutions built just for churches. They help you accept gifts online without headaches, so you can focus on what matters most—serving your people.
Start applying these steps today, and watch your church’s support grow online.
