Mobile Giving Complete Guide

Is your nonprofit still relying on cash and checks for fundraising? If so, it's time to embrace mobile giving.

With over 60% of all online traffic coming from mobile devices (and rising), having a mobile giving strategy is no longer optional—it’s essential.

Mobile giving allows donors to give anytime, anywhere using their smartphones, making it one of the most effective ways to increase donations and donor engagement.

This guide covers everything you need to know about mobile giving, from best practices to choosing the right platform for your nonprofit.

What is Mobile Giving?

Mobile giving refers to donating via a mobile device, offering donors an easy, fast, and secure way to support nonprofits.

Unlike traditional fundraising, mobile giving removes barriers, allowing supporters to give in just a few clicks.

Here are the most popular types of mobile giving:

Text-to-Give – Donors send a text message to a designated number, and the donation is charged to their phone bill or linked payment method.
QR Code Giving – Supporters scan a QR code to be redirected to a donation page.
Mobile Apps – Some nonprofits have their own apps where donors can give quickly.
Social Media Donations – Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok offer built-in fundraising tools.

With more people using their phones for banking, shopping, and communication, mobile giving is an essential fundraising strategy for nonprofits.

Why Your Nonprofit Should Use Mobile Giving

If your organization isn’t using mobile giving, you’re likely missing out on potential donations.

Here are just a few reasons why it’s a must-have for fundraising:

It’s easy – No need for checkbooks or cash; donors can give instantly.
It’s fast – Supporters can donate on the go, increasing conversion rates.
It’s convenient – Donors can give anytime, anywhere.
It’s growing – More people prefer mobile donations over traditional giving methods.
It’s effective – Nonprofits using mobile giving see higher engagement and donation rates.

Still not convinced? Here are some key mobile giving stats from Blackbaud:

12% of total fundraising comes from online donations.
28% of donors complete their donations on mobile devices.
There has been a 42% increase in online giving over the past three years.
Online giving continues to grow by 9% year over year.

With these numbers in mind, integrating mobile giving into your fundraising strategy is a smart move for any nonprofit.

13 Best Practices for a Successful Mobile Giving Campaign

To maximize donations, your nonprofit needs a well-structured mobile giving strategy. Here’s how to make it work:

Clearly communicate the purpose of your campaign. Donors need to know how their gift will be used.
Use compelling images. Avoid videos on donation pages as they can slow down page load speed.
Ensure your website is mobile-friendly. Platforms like WordPress, Wix, or GoDaddy offer mobile-responsive templates.
Optimize page load speed. Slow-loading pages discourage donations—test yours before launching your campaign.
Make the donation process simple. A one-click donation button is ideal for mobile users.
Minimize required fields. Only ask for essential donor information; you can follow up later for more details.
Provide clear instructions for offline giving methods. If using QR codes or text-to-give, ensure donors know exactly what to do.
Offer multiple payment options. Accepting Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, and credit/debit cards makes donating easier.
Promote your mobile giving campaign on social media. Encourage supporters to share links with their networks.
Combine mobile fundraising with email campaigns. Include mobile-friendly donation links in your emails.
Post QR codes in high-traffic areas. Placing QR codes on flyers, brochures, and event signage makes giving easier.
Use push notifications. If you have a mobile app, send reminders about the campaign.
Follow up with donors. A thank-you email, text, or phone call builds relationships and encourages repeat giving.

By implementing these best practices, your nonprofit can create a seamless mobile giving experience that drives donations.

How to Choose the Right Mobile Giving Platform

Not all mobile giving platforms are created equal. To find the best solution for your nonprofit, consider these key factors:

Ease of Use – The platform should be intuitive for both donors and your nonprofit team.
Multiple Giving Options – Look for platforms that support one-time gifts, recurring donations, and memorial gifts.
Compatibility – Ensure the platform integrates with your CRM, donor database, and accounting software.
Customizable Branding – Your nonprofit’s logo and messaging should be consistent across all donation pages.
Reporting & Analytics – The platform should provide real-time tracking of donor behavior and campaign performance.

Some popular mobile giving platforms include:

Givebutter – User-friendly, integrates with social media.
Donorbox – Recurring donation options and embeddable forms.
PayPal Giving Fund – Great for nonprofits looking for low processing fees.
Qgiv – Offers text-to-give and event fundraising options.

Before committing, test a few platforms to see which best suits your nonprofit’s needs.

Final Thoughts on Mobile Giving for Nonprofits

With more donors using smartphones for banking, shopping, and giving, nonprofits that embrace mobile giving will have the competitive edge in fundraising.

By following best practices and choosing the right mobile giving platform, your nonprofit can: