5 Reasons Why You Need a Mobile Fundraising App

From raising millions of dollars to eradicate hunger, to collecting money to help missionaries or a local food drive, there are many tools you can use to coordinate your fundraising efforts.

Now, regardless of your fundraising goals, it’s essential for you to connect with the people you’re targeting through multiple channels, including public announcements, social media, and mobile fundraising apps. When it comes to mobile fundraising apps, let’s pause for a moment to clarify one important point.

Often, when people hear “mobile,” their initial thoughts go toward optimizing their website for mobile devices. Ensuring your site is mobile friendly is a big part of having a mobile strategy. But, when we talk about mobile fundraising apps, we’re talking about an application someone can download on their smartphone or tablet that has been built specifically for iOS and Android devices.

Before you launch your next fundraising campaign, here are five reasons why you need to consider using a mobile app to boost giving.

#1. Many mobile apps are inexpensive

The first thing that comes to mind for many people when they think about mobile apps is cost.

Yes, for custom-built apps, you may need to have a big budget. However, for some mobile app providers like Tithe.ly, you can add a mobile fundraising app to your next campaign with little cost. In fact, we don't charge a monthly or setup fee to use our free mobile giving app!

#2. Most people own a smartphone

As of 2015, two-thirds of Americans owned a smartphone. People with smartphones carry out dozens of tasks every day— including banking, which is growingly true of younger and older generations. Your church members own a smartphone and likely use it in church every weekend!

#3. Smartphone users use their phone to shop and give

In 2016, a survey of 1,000 consumers discovered "many shoppers have used a device to browse, comparison shop or purchase a product or service.”

What does this mean for you?

This means that many people who support your church or organization use their phone to make purchases, which means that they are not only comfortable with buying and giving online, but they prefer to do so. What is more, giving on mobile devices is up 80% since 2013.

#4. Smartphone users spend a ton of time on apps

When smartphone users are on their phone, they spend 86% of their time on apps. If you’re worried your supporters will not use your app, don’t. If anything, it appears that people who give to your church or organization prefer to use an apps.

#5. Mobile apps make it easy to communicate

Here’s a great benefit often overlooked with mobile fundraising apps: Push Notifications.

With Tithe.ly, people who have downloaded the app will get a simple push notification every Sunday morning encourage them to give.

Your turn

Does your church use a mobile giving app? If not, why? Ask any questions you have in the comments below!