Tech to Propel Your Capital Campaign
I’m writing a book on how to hold a Do-It-Yourself capital campaign. As a result, I have been researching all my past writing on the subject. I came across an out-of-print post I wrote ten years ago, entitled How to Use Technology for a Capital Campaign. In 2014, online giving was still in its infancy, with most churches clinging to a physical means of collecting both the offering and capital campaign dollars. My post back then focused on working to change that.
Today, nearly every church offers online giving. But how many know how to use technology for their capital campaigns? In my experience, very few. At OnlineGiving.org, we are out to change that! This is one reason I am writing my DYI book, which our church partners will have free access to. This book will equip our clients with the knowledge and tools to effectively use technology in their capital campaigns. And, of course, I will share about unleashing the power of technology in capital campaigns. Let me give you a brief overview of what I wrote in 2014, with my updates ten years later. I began by saying…
“If you want to maximize giving, you must know how to use technology for a capital campaign! As I say, ‘It is not 1980; why does your capital campaign look like it is?’” That was and is a great question. Ten years ago, online engagement was new, and few knew how to utilize it. So, let me ask the question I asked ten years ago, “It is not 1980; why does your capital campaign look like it is?” Embracing technology in your capital campaign is not just about keeping up with the times; it’s about empowering your church to take control of its financial future.
Ten years ago, I wrote, “You must accept the reality that Americans utilize their smartphones and the Internet with increasing frequency. We have become a cashless and checkless society. More and more people are giving electronically, so why would they not be interested in doing the same for a capital campaign?” Back in 2014, just over half of Americans owned a smartphone. Today, over 90% of Americans own a phone, giving them instant access, which allows you to instantly contact them with your messages. Again, let me ask what I asked ten years ago: given this high number, why would you not use this technology in your next capital campaign to potentially increase your fundraising?
In my post ten years ago, I discussed the importance of using your web page to promote your campaign message and the importance of using social media to tell your story. Back in 2014, I advised this strategy because of the rising statistics showing how many Americans spent time online and on social media. Fast-forward to 2024, and those numbers have shown a steady increase. The Internet, especially social media, has become the front porch for most Americans. Why would we not be there with our life-changing message? Why would we not utilize this technology in our capital campaigns?
One reason is that many churches are intimidated by technology and thus miss out on using it to maximize giving. Another is the perceived difficulty of setting up and using technology. At OnlineGiving.org, we work hard to make sure every piece of our platform comes with the necessary information and help available, making our tools easy to use. Then, we have the industry’s finest customer support system, giving you the personalized help you need when you need it.
A lot has changed in ten years. One thing that hasn’t changed is that the easier you make it for people to give, the more apt they are to give. When it comes to capital campaigns, the easier it is for people to connect with your capital campaign, the better your results will be. There is no better way than with the technology and tools OnlineGiving.org provides. If you truly want your campaign to be a success, you must unleash the power of technology!
We would love to show you how our platform can enhance your capital campaign. To schedule a free demonstration, contact OnlineGiving.org today at (615) 206-4000 or email us at support@onlinegiving.org.
The preceding was first posted at https://www.onlinegiving.org/support/tech-to-propel-your-capital-campaign