FellowshipOne Review: The Veteran Church Management System

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If you’ve been around church tech for a while, you’ve heard of FellowshipOne. It’s one of the original all-in-one church management systems—created back when “ChMS” was a new term and cloud-based tools were just emerging. Over the years, it’s built a solid reputation for reliability and structure, but the question most pastors are asking now is: does it still hold up in 2025?

Strengths: Robust and Reliable for Large Churches

FellowshipOne shines in environments where structure and accountability matter. The check-in system for kids’ ministry is still one of the best in the business. It’s safe, smooth, and proven. Their volunteer scheduling and attendance tracking tools also give larger churches a clear view of who’s serving, who’s attending, and who’s slipping through the cracks.

Reporting is another standout. You can pull virtually any data point imaginable—though you might need someone on staff who enjoys working with spreadsheets to make the most of it.

If your church has 1,000+ in attendance and multiple ministries running simultaneously, FellowshipOne can absolutely keep you organized.

Weaknesses: Dated Interface and Slow Innovation

The trade-off for all that power is complexity. The interface still feels like it was designed in the early 2010s, and it hasn’t seen major modernization since. It gets the job done, but compared to newer platforms like Planning Center or Breeze, it feels slow and less intuitive.

Mobile experience is another area that lags behind. While there’s an app, it’s not as user-friendly as today’s ministry teams expect. And for smaller or mid-sized churches, the system can feel like overkill—both in cost and in the time it takes to train volunteers.

Pricing and Support

Pricing depends on your church size and needs, but FellowshipOne isn’t in the “budget” category. Expect enterprise-level pricing that matches its enterprise-level scope. Their support team earns mixed reviews—some users praise the helpfulness of long-time reps, while others report slow response times and limited flexibility when customization is needed.

Final Thoughts: Great Bones, But Needs a Remodel

FellowshipOne is like that solid church building built in the 90s—great bones, still standing strong, but definitely in need of some renovation. If you already have a tech-savvy staff and want depth over simplicity, it’s a dependable tool. But if you’re looking for something modern, volunteer-friendly, and mobile-first, there are newer systems that may fit your ministry rhythm better.

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EasyTithe Review: Does This Church Giving Platform Still Hold Up?

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For years, EasyTithe was one of the go-to names in church giving software. Many churches adopted it for its online giving pages, text-to-give options, and integration with church databases. But as newer platforms have entered the market, the question is: does EasyTithe still deliver?

If you’re considering EasyTithe — or if you’re already stuck in a contract and wondering if it’s time to move on — this review covers what the platform offers, what churches like, and where frustrations often surface. (Video review embedded below if you’d rather watch.)

What EasyTithe Offers

EasyTithe is built as an online and mobile giving platform. Its core features include:

  • Online Giving Pages – Web-based donation forms for one-time or recurring gifts.
  • Text-to-Give – Donors can give quickly via mobile phone.
  • Event Registration & Payments – Collect fees for camps, retreats, and events.
  • Donor Management – Basic reporting and gift tracking.
  • ChMS Integrations – Connects with some church management systems.

The promise is straightforward: help churches make giving easy through modern digital tools.

What Churches Like About EasyTithe

Despite its age in the market, some churches still appreciate EasyTithe for:

  • Familiarity – Many staff and members are used to it.
  • Simple Setup – Giving pages can be created without a tech team.
  • Mobile Giving Options – Text-to-give and app-based donations.
  • Event Payments – Useful for camps and conferences.
  • Integration with Church Databases – Works with certain systems, reducing manual entry.

For churches that value stability and basic functionality, EasyTithe still gets the job done.

Common Complaints

But frustrations with EasyTithe are widespread. Churches report:

  • Dated Interface – The giving pages and dashboard feel clunky compared to newer platforms.
  • High Fees – Transaction costs and contracts can be steep.
  • Long-Term Contracts – Multi-year agreements make it hard to leave.
  • Customer Support Struggles – Delays in resolving issues are a frequent pain point.
  • Lack of Innovation – Churches say newer platforms move faster with updates and features.

These issues make many churches feel “stuck” once they sign up.

Is EasyTithe Worth It?

EasyTithe still provides the basics for online and mobile giving. If your church is small, needs a stable solution, and doesn’t mind a dated design, it can work.

But if you’re looking for modern customization, lower fees, or more donor-focused tools, EasyTithe may not keep up with platforms like Tithe.ly, Subsplash, or Pushpay. For many churches, it feels like a legacy system that hasn’t evolved fast enough.

Final Thoughts

EasyTithe helped many churches get started with digital giving, but newer platforms have passed it in design, flexibility, and overall value. If you’re already locked into a contract, it may still serve you — but if you’re shopping for something new, there are better options on the market.

About the Author

I’m Todd Turner, a digital fundraising consultant with nearly 30 years of experience helping churches and nonprofits raise over $100 million online. I review church software not as a tech critic, but as someone who has worked in the trenches with pastors, executive directors, and development officers.

If you found this review helpful and want more, I cover software reviews, giving strategies, and digital fundraising insights inside my ClickFunding course. For a deeper dive into growing generosity in your church or nonprofit, check out ClickFunding here.

Legal Disclaimer

The information in this review is provided for general educational purposes only. It is based on publicly available information, personal experience, and reports from real users. I am not affiliated with or compensated by EasyTithe for this review. Pricing, features, and contract terms may change over time, and churches should always perform their own due diligence before making financial or contractual commitments. I make no guarantees regarding the performance or suitability of EasyTithe for your specific situation. Use of any software is at your own risk.

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Breeze ChMS Review: Simple Church Software or Too Basic?

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When small and mid-sized churches look for affordable, easy-to-use software, Breeze ChMS is often one of the first recommendations. It promises to be “simple church management software” that anyone can use — even without a tech background.

But does “simple” mean streamlined, or does it mean limited? In this review, we’ll unpack what Breeze offers, what churches like about it, and where frustrations tend to show up. (Video review embedded below if you’d rather watch.)

What Breeze ChMS Offers

Breeze is designed to cover the essentials of church management without overwhelming users. Its core features include:

  • Member Database – Track people, families, and contact information.
  • Check-Ins – Simple system for children’s ministry and event attendance.
  • Online Giving – Accept donations and recurring gifts.
  • Event Management – Build calendars and manage registrations.
  • Communication Tools – Send emails and texts directly from the platform.
  • Reports – Basic financial and attendance reporting.

Breeze markets itself as “the world’s easiest ChMS,” aiming squarely at churches that don’t want a complex setup.

What Churches Like About Breeze

Breeze has built a loyal following among churches that value simplicity. Positives include:

  • Ease of Use – Volunteers and staff can learn it quickly.
  • Flat Pricing – One monthly fee (usually around $72) regardless of church size.
  • All-in-One Simplicity – Database, giving, and check-ins in a single system.
  • Quick Setup – No lengthy onboarding or steep training.
  • Good for Small to Mid-Sized Churches – Provides essentials without complexity.

For churches without a tech staff, Breeze feels manageable and accessible.

Common Complaints

But with simplicity comes trade-offs. Churches have reported struggles such as:

  • Limited Features – Lacks advanced donor management, volunteer scheduling, and deep integrations.
  • Outgrown Quickly – Fast-growing churches often find it too basic within a couple of years.
  • Mobile App Limitations – The user experience isn’t as polished as competitors.
  • Reporting Constraints – Data and analytics are more surface-level than robust.
  • Customer Support Variability – Some users report slow response times.

For churches with complex needs, Breeze can start to feel like a stepping stone rather than a long-term solution.

Is Breeze ChMS Worth It?

If your church is small to mid-sized and wants a simple system, Breeze is one of the easiest entry points. Its flat pricing and ease of use make it attractive, especially for churches that have never had a database before.

But if you’re looking for scalability, deep integrations, or professional-level features, Breeze may feel restrictive over time. Many churches that start with Breeze eventually upgrade to systems like Planning Center or Realm.

Final Thoughts

Breeze lives up to its name: it’s simple and affordable. For churches that want to get organized without a big learning curve, it works well. But churches with bigger visions or more complexity will likely outgrow it sooner rather than later.

About the Author

I’m Todd Turner, a digital fundraising consultant with nearly 30 years of experience helping churches and nonprofits raise over $100 million online. I review church software not as a tech critic, but as someone who has worked in the trenches with pastors, executive directors, and development officers.

If you found this review helpful and want more, I cover software reviews, giving strategies, and digital fundraising insights inside my ClickFunding course. For a deeper dive into growing generosity in your church or nonprofit, check out ClickFunding here.

Legal Disclaimer

The information in this review is provided for general educational purposes only. It is based on publicly available information, personal experience, and reports from real users. I am not affiliated with or compensated by Breeze ChMS for this review. Pricing, features, and contract terms may change over time, and churches should always perform their own due diligence before making financial or contractual commitments. I make no guarantees regarding the performance or suitability of Breeze ChMS for your specific situation. Use of any software is at your own risk.

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ProPresenter Review: Is It Worth the Cost for Your Church?

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When it comes to worship presentation software, ProPresenter is the industry standard. It powers slides, lyrics, videos, and live production in churches around the world. But while it’s powerful, it also comes with costs, complexities, and frustrations that churches should know before buying.

If your church is considering ProPresenter — or already using it and wondering if there’s a better option — this review breaks down the features, pros, cons, and real-world experiences. (Video review embedded below if you’d rather watch.)

What ProPresenter Offers

ProPresenter is designed for live presentation and production in worship settings. Its core features include:

  • Worship Lyrics & Slides – Build and display lyrics, Scriptures, and sermon slides.
  • Media Playback – Play videos, backgrounds, and motion graphics seamlessly.
  • Multi-Screen Support – Different outputs for main screens, stage displays, and livestream.
  • Video Integration – Capture, stream, and integrate with camera systems.
  • Remote Control Apps – Operators can run slides from an iPad or phone.

It’s a powerhouse tool for churches that want professional-quality worship visuals.

What Churches Like About ProPresenter

There’s a reason ProPresenter is widely used in small and large churches alike. Common positives include:

  • Professional Quality – Smooth transitions, great visuals, and broadcast-level features.
  • Flexibility – Works for Sunday worship, youth group, conferences, and events.
  • Large Community & Support Resources – Tons of tutorials, templates, and user groups.
  • Multi-Screen Power – Stage displays, livestream overlays, and custom outputs.
  • Trusted by the Industry – Used not just in churches, but also in concerts and events.

If your church wants to look “polished” on Sunday mornings, ProPresenter delivers.

Common Complaints

Of course, with power comes problems. Here are the struggles most often reported:

  • High Cost – Licenses and renewals can be expensive, especially for small churches.
  • Learning Curve – Volunteers may feel overwhelmed by the interface.
  • Buggy Updates – New releases sometimes cause crashes or break existing setups.
  • Hardware Requirements – Runs best on higher-end computers, which adds cost.
  • Licensing Confusion – Churches often misunderstand how many licenses they need.

Many churches love the tool but feel they’re paying a premium — both in dollars and in frustration.

Is ProPresenter Worth It?

For churches that want professional production quality, ProPresenter is still the gold standard. It can transform worship visuals and keep everything running smoothly once mastered.

But if your church is smaller, tech-shy, or budget-tight, it may feel like overkill. There are cheaper alternatives like EasyWorship, MediaShout, or even Canva/PowerPoint setups for basic needs.

The bottom line: ProPresenter is powerful, but not simple. Make sure your church has both the budget and the tech volunteers to use it well.

Final Thoughts

ProPresenter can make your church services look excellent, but it comes with trade-offs. If you have a skilled team and budget, it’s worth the investment. If not, a simpler, cheaper tool may fit better.

(Video review embedded here.)

About the Author

I’m Todd Turner, a digital fundraising consultant with nearly 30 years of experience helping churches and nonprofits raise over $100 million online. I review church software not as a tech critic, but as someone who has worked in the trenches with pastors, executive directors, and development officers.

If you found this review helpful and want more, I cover software reviews, giving strategies, and digital fundraising insights inside my ClickFunding course. For a deeper dive into growing generosity in your church or nonprofit, check out ClickFunding here.

Legal Disclaimer

The information in this review is provided for general educational purposes only. It is based on publicly available information, personal experience, and reports from real users. I am not affiliated with or compensated by ProPresenter for this review. Pricing, features, and licensing terms may change over time, and churches should always perform their own due diligence before making financial or contractual commitments. I make no guarantees regarding the performance or suitability of ProPresenter for your specific situation. Use of any software is at your own risk.

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Tithe.ly Review: Affordable Church Giving or Hidden Costs?

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In the world of church giving platforms, Tithe.ly is one of the most widely used. Their pitch is simple: easy setup, low upfront costs, and lots of church-focused features. It’s especially attractive to small and mid-sized churches that don’t have a big tech budget.

But does Tithe.ly really deliver what it promises? Or do the hidden frustrations outweigh the savings? In this review, we’ll break down what Tithe.ly offers, what churches love, and the struggles that come up again and again. (Video review embedded below if you prefer to watch.)

What Tithe.ly Promises

Tithe.ly markets itself as an affordable, all-in-one giving solution for churches and ministries. Their core features include:

  • Online Giving – Debit/credit, ACH, text-to-give, and mobile app.
  • Church App – Custom-branded apps with giving, sermons, and notifications.
  • Church Management (ChMS) – Basic people, events, and group management tools.
  • Website Builder – Simple site templates designed for churches.
  • Messaging – Mass text and email options to keep members connected.

For churches on a budget, the idea of getting giving, a website, an app, and communication tools in one place is appealing.

What Churches Like About Tithe.ly

There’s a reason thousands of churches have signed up for Tithe.ly. Common positives include:

  • Low Upfront Cost – No big setup fee compared to some competitors.
  • Easy Sign-Up – Simple to get started, especially for small churches.
  • Multiple Features Under One Roof – Giving, app, and website bundled together.
  • User-Friendly Donor Experience – Donors can give quickly, even via text.
  • Appeals to Budget-Conscious Churches – Price point often wins over leadership.

For churches that just want to collect digital offerings without major bells and whistles, Tithe.ly can be a quick win.

The Common Complaints

But not all churches walk away happy. Here are the most frequent struggles pastors and admins report with Tithe.ly:

  • Hidden Fees – Transaction rates and optional add-ons add up fast.
  • Customer Support – Reports of slow response times and limited resolution.
  • Customization Limits – Apps and websites often look “cookie-cutter.”
  • Deposit Delays – Some churches say funds take longer than expected to reach the bank.
  • Outgrowing the System – Larger or fast-growing churches often find the tools too basic.

What looked cheap up front can start to feel expensive if the platform doesn’t scale with your ministry.

Is Tithe.ly Worth It?

Tithe.ly works best for small to mid-sized churches that want digital giving without spending a fortune. If you’re starting from scratch, it’s an easy way to launch online donations quickly.

But if you’re looking for deep donor reporting, custom branding, or long-term scalability, Tithe.ly may disappoint. The low monthly price tag can mask higher transaction fees and service limitations down the road.

Final Thoughts

Tithe.ly is a solid entry-level giving platform, but it’s not perfect. Churches should weigh the trade-off between affordability and long-term flexibility.

If you’re small and need digital giving fast, Tithe.ly might be enough. If you’re larger or more complex, you may outgrow it quickly — and moving your donors later can be painful.

About the Author

I’m Todd Turner, a digital fundraising consultant with nearly 30 years of experience helping churches and nonprofits raise over $100 million online. I review church software not as a tech critic, but as someone who has worked in the trenches with pastors, executive directors, and development officers.

If you found this review helpful and want more, I cover software reviews, giving strategies, and digital fundraising insights inside my ClickFunding course. For a deeper dive into growing generosity in your church or nonprofit, check out ClickFunding here.

Legal Disclaimer

The information in this review is provided for general educational purposes only. It is based on publicly available information, personal experience, and reports from real users. I am not affiliated with or compensated by Tithe.ly for this review. Pricing, features, and contract terms may change over time, and churches should always perform their own due diligence before making financial or contractual commitments. I make no guarantees regarding the performance or suitability of Tithe.ly for your specific situation. Use of any software is at your own risk.

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Planning Center Review: Is It the Best Church Management Software?

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When churches look for a management system, Planning Center is often the first name that comes up. It’s sleek, modular, and designed with church workflows in mind. But is it really the best option for your church?

If you’re considering Planning Center — or if you already use it but wonder if you’re paying too much or missing features — here’s a breakdown of what it does well, where it struggles, and whether it’s worth the cost. (Video review below if you’d rather watch.)

What Planning Center Offers

Planning Center is known for its modular approach. Instead of one massive system, you subscribe only to the tools you need. Modules include:

  • Planning Center Services – For worship team scheduling, music, and service planning.
  • Check-Ins – For children’s ministry and event attendance.
  • Giving – Online donations with recurring gift options.
  • People – The database at the heart of Planning Center.
  • Groups – For small group communication and sign-ups.
  • Registrations – For events, camps, and conferences.
  • Calendar & Resources – Facility management and event scheduling.

This mix-and-match setup is one of Planning Center’s strongest selling points.

What Churches Like About Planning Center

Churches often rave about:

  • Ease of Use – Intuitive design, especially for volunteers.
  • Scalability – Works for small churches and megachurches alike.
  • Integrations – Plays well with apps like Zoom, Mailchimp, and QuickBooks.
  • Worship Planning – Musicians and tech teams say Services is one of the best tools available.
  • Transparent Pricing – You only pay for what you need, and prices scale with attendance.

Many churches that switch to Planning Center describe it as a breath of fresh air compared to older, clunky systems.

Common Complaints

But Planning Center isn’t perfect. Churches report some pain points, including:

  • Costs Add Up – While individual modules look cheap, using several quickly gets expensive.
  • Steep Learning Curve – Staff and volunteers may need time to get comfortable.
  • Limited Donor Tools – Giving works fine, but it lacks deep fundraising features.
  • Feature Gaps Between Modules – Sometimes you need workarounds to get data flowing smoothly.
  • Ongoing Training Needs – Churches often feel they’re underutilizing what they pay for.

So while the software is powerful, it can feel overwhelming if you don’t have a clear system in place.

Is Planning Center Worth It?

For churches that want modern software with flexibility, Planning Center is one of the best options available. It scales well, looks professional, and integrates with other tools.

But remember: it’s not always cheaper. The more modules you need, the closer your bill will look like some of the all-in-one competitors. And if your church doesn’t have someone who loves learning new systems, it can become a headache instead of a help.

Final Thoughts

Planning Center has become a leader for a reason: it’s polished, adaptable, and widely trusted. But like any church software, it’s only as good as the people managing it. If your church wants streamlined operations and is willing to invest time in training, Planning Center is a strong choice.

About the Author

I’m Todd Turner, a digital fundraising consultant with nearly 30 years of experience helping churches and nonprofits raise over $100 million online. I review church software not as a tech critic, but as someone who has worked in the trenches with pastors, executive directors, and development officers.

If you found this review helpful and want more, I cover software reviews, giving strategies, and digital fundraising insights inside my ClickFunding course. For a deeper dive into growing generosity in your church or nonprofit, check out ClickFunding here.

Legal Disclaimer

The information in this review is provided for general educational purposes only. It is based on publicly available information, personal experience, and reports from real users. I am not affiliated with or compensated by Planning Center for this review. Pricing, features, and contract terms may change over time, and churches should always perform their own due diligence before making financial or contractual commitments. I make no guarantees regarding the performance or suitability of Planning Center for your specific situation. Use of any software is at your own risk.

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Pushpay Review: Is It the Right Giving Platform for Your Church?

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When it comes to church giving platforms, Pushpay is one of the biggest names out there. They market themselves as a premium solution with beautiful giving experiences, fast processing, and engagement tools. But is it really the best choice for your church or nonprofit?

If you’re considering Pushpay — or if you’re already locked into a contract and wondering if it’s worth it — here’s a deep dive into the pros, cons, and real church feedback. (Video review below if you’d rather watch.)

What Pushpay Promises

Pushpay promotes itself as an all-in-one giving and engagement platform. Their core offerings include:

  • Online Giving – Credit/debit, ACH, and mobile app giving.
  • Custom Mobile App – Designed to connect members with sermons, events, and donations.
  • Donor Engagement Tools – Recurring giving, donor insights, and reminders.
  • Church Management Integration – Works with platforms like Church Community Builder (CCB) and others.

On the surface, Pushpay looks like the sleek, modern solution every church wants. But the story doesn’t end there.

What Churches Like About Pushpay

There are reasons so many churches use Pushpay:

  • Fast Deposits – Funds hit accounts quickly.
  • Polished User Experience – Donors appreciate the smooth mobile giving process.
  • Increased Recurring Giving – Churches often see an uptick in automated gifts.
  • Strong Integrations – Works well with some leading ChMS platforms.

For large churches with thousands of transactions each week, those positives make a difference.

The Common Complaints

This is where reality sets in. Churches have been vocal about the struggles they face with Pushpay:

  • High Costs – Many report significantly higher fees compared to competitors.
  • Long Contracts – Multi-year commitments make it hard to switch if needs change.
  • Non-Customizable Giving Pages – Donation pages feel cookie-cutter and can’t match your branding.
  • Aggressive Sales Tactics – Some church leaders have described the sales process as pushy or relentless.
  • Customer Service Frustrations – Response times and resolution speed can be hit or miss.

For small to medium-sized churches, these pain points often outweigh the benefits.

Is Pushpay Worth It?

Pushpay delivers a strong giving experience, but at a premium price. If your church is large, fast-growing, and wants a polished app, it could be a good fit. But if you’re budget-conscious, want customization, or prefer flexible contracts, you’ll likely find better options elsewhere.

My advice? Read the fine print. Pricing and contracts vary widely, and what seems like a “must-have” tool can quickly become an expensive burden if it doesn’t fit your church’s real needs.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, Pushpay is a big player for a reason. It works — but it isn’t for everyone. For many churches, a more affordable giving solution with transparent pricing and greater flexibility may be the smarter long-term choice.

About the Author

I’m Todd Turner, a digital fundraising consultant with nearly 30 years of experience helping churches and nonprofits raise over $100 million online. I review church software not as a tech critic, but as someone who has worked in the trenches with pastors, executive directors, and development officers.

If you found this review helpful and want more, I cover software reviews, giving strategies, and digital fundraising insights inside my ClickFunding course. For a deeper dive into growing generosity in your church or nonprofit, check out ClickFunding here.

Legal Disclaimer

The information in this review is provided for general educational purposes only. It is based on publicly available information, personal experience, and reports from real users. I am not affiliated with or compensated by Pushpay for this review. Pricing, features, and contract terms may change over time, and churches should always perform their own due diligence before making financial or contractual commitments. I make no guarantees regarding the performance or suitability of Pushpay for your specific situation. Use of any software is at your own risk.

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Running Digital Campaigns Out of Order

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Your web team is running digital campaigns out of order and it is hurting your online donations

Ever try to bake a cake? You must mix the ingredients in the right order. Adding an egg at the end won’t produce the same results of mixing it at the beginning. The order of the ingredients is just as important as the ingredients themselves.

The same concept is true with words. Same three words out of order changes EVERYTHING.

Jonny bit the dog vs The dog bit Jonny

As I work with faith based non profits I see the same thing over and over again. Well-meaning web and marketing teams trying a “best practice” idea they just read about or learned at a conference. Hoping this new campaign will somehow create more donors or new names.

I generally get called in when the board or executive staff have secretly lost faith that the Digital Strategies are gaining the most online donations possible. Or when Executive directors get tired of always “improving the website” or buying new software or signing up for some “Next Greatest Thing” conference.

Web teams frequently get things out of order… but there is an order to building the best Digital Strategies your non profit can build.

Many internet chefs if they haven’t run a kitchen before, and it shows…. And worst, it is costing your organization donations.

  • Getting new names before your have a proven case for support.
  • Paying for new donors without knowing your retention rates
  • Building new websites before you fix the underlying issues with your current site
  • Tweaking your donation pages without knowing and measuring abandonment rates
  • These are just a few key ingredients that frequently get out of order with organizations.

Make sure your organization has the simple blocking and tackling down before they put in the trick plays.

Donation Campaigns need to be run in the right order.

Watch my free webinar to learn a few simple shifts your organization needs to make to gain donors.

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Offering Faith Based Non Profits

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Tailored Solution

[/fusion_title][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” font_size=”22px” line_height=”” letter_spacing=”” text_color=”#ffffff” content_alignment_medium=”” content_alignment_small=”” content_alignment=”center” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” sticky_display=”normal,sticky” class=”” id=”” fusion_font_variant_text_font=””]

Tired on the “World’s Best Practices?” But yet need to move the needle on collecting new names and donors so you can fund your God-Sized mission? Watch our free Webinar titled

[/fusion_text][fusion_button link=”https://joinnow.live/s/zufI38″ text_transform=”” title=”” target=”_self” link_attributes=”” alignment_medium=”” alignment_small=”” alignment=”center” modal=”” color=”default” button_gradient_top_color=”” button_gradient_bottom_color=”” button_gradient_top_color_hover=”” button_gradient_bottom_color_hover=”” accent_color=”” accent_hover_color=”” type=”” bevel_color=”” border_color=”” border_hover_color=”” size=”xlarge” stretch=”default” icon=”” icon_position=”left” icon_divider=”no” animation_type=”fade” animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”1.0″ animation_offset=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” sticky_display=”normal,sticky” class=”” id=”” margin_top=”30px”]5 Simple Shifts to Gain Dedicated Donors with your Digital Strategies [/fusion_button][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

5 Craziest Myths of Non Profits

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I have the greatest job in the world. I get to walk along side amazing people and organizations doing great things around the globe. Every mission is different, every solution to a problem unique, every personality of their leaders is special. Yet, as much variation Faith Based Non-Profits have, they are all oddly similar. I see so many of the same mindsets and so many same problems with each and every one of you.

I have collected some of the top Myths and Mindsets I see and address why a SHIFT is needed in the thinking.

Number 1 – Best Practices don’t work for us… we are a unique faith based organization

I normally have the pleasure of hearing directly from the founder and/or executive directors at all organizations I work with. After I hear their story of why and how their mission started, I normally hear directly or insinuated “So here is our unique issue, so you can see why we called you.” Then I hear how they just don’t trust “outsiders” to understand their issues and need something out of the box.

I generally find a creative idea to help them in their online fundraising strategies… however, it is after I put the right best practices in the right order. Lining up Best Practices in a row for them to rollout and improve.

There are many simple “fixes” that a fresh set of eyes can easily see. Don’t be scared of some best practices.

Remember, you are unique just like everyone else!

Number 2 – The Accounting team needs to drive the online giving platform. It’s money, right?

Although I would NEVER force an organization to rollout an online solution that the accounting department didn’t sign off on, many organizations let the accounting department research, approve, and rollout the online donation platform. This is a HUGE mistake.

Yes, following the money and putting information in the right systems and buckets is extremely important, but make the wrong decisions will significantly limit the amount of money there is to track.

Many organizations don’t track their donation page abandonment rates (desktop and mobil). The rates can make you scratch your head. Accountants don’t make good marketers. Donation pages are NOT…”Build it and they will give.”

Donations pages are CRITICAL.. their layouts, their case for support. If you donation platform is not flexible and not able to track key data…. your organization will suffer with a lack of much needed online donor generosity.

Number 3 – Put a donation button in the top right of our website… All good, right?

The internet is a few decades old now, everyone knows where to click to give, right? There is always a top navigation and a footer on every webpage I have ever been to…. the donation opportunity is somewhere, right? I’ll scroll back up and look…

Not only is the placement, color, wording of your “donate button” critical on mobile and desktop, but assuming your visitors came to give and know where to look is very shortsighted. Don’t assume on this one. Follow my Facebook group where you can learn tricks to place donation opportunities on your websites.

Number 4 – Christians give to churches and to para-church non-profits for the same reason.

Many faith-based organizations leave the phycology of giving to the “world” and assume mature christians will give to them once they hear of the need. Oh, if it was just that simple.

Christian givers are people too. Unique people with various levels of passion, time, attention spans, various levels of technical skills, etc.

Their giving to their local church may be based on a few factors: Obedience, habit, missions (statistically, very few), guilt, etc

Para Church Ministries are based on: Propensity, passions, missions, empathy, etc

Churches and non-profits have a lot to learn when creating their case for supports and donation page wording. Break your assumptions and go back to the drawing board on speaking the same language as your potential donors.

Number 5 – We don’t need help. We know what to do, but we just don’t have time RIGHT now? Next budget season!

Have you ever known a person wanting to lose weight? “I’m going to start after the holiday season.” or “swimsuit season is right around the corner, I better do something quick.”

Successful people take the actions required for true change NOW!

The old saying, “The best time to plan a tree was 20 years ago, the next best time, is today!”

Don’t assuming your team will get to it next budget season. Don’t fall in the circular trap of “we know what to do, when we all get past this next “thing” we will get the help we need.”

 

 

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Faith Based Non profits are normally lean and mean. Each member of leadership wear many hats. There is no shame getting your digital team help. Start with my FREE webinar.

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