Church Donation Software: How to Increase Online Giving in 2025

Church donation software has transformed how congregations give. In 2025, over 60% of church giving happens digitally — through apps, websites, text-to-give, and recurring transfers. If your church still relies on passing a plate, you're leaving generosity on the table.

This guide compares the top church donation software platforms and gives you proven strategies to increase online giving — no matter the size of your congregation.

Churches that add digital giving see an average 32% increase in total donations within the first year. The tool you choose matters — but how you roll it out matters even more.

Why Digital Giving Matters More Than Ever

• Cash usage is declining: Fewer members carry cash or checks on Sunday
• Recurring giving: Digital enables automated weekly/monthly tithes — steadier income
• Reach beyond Sunday: Members and visitors can give anytime, from anywhere
• Younger givers: Millennials and Gen Z give digitally almost exclusively
• Transparency: Automatic receipts and funds tracking build trust

Top Church Donation Software Platforms Compared

1. Tithe.ly

• Fees: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction (ACH is cheaper)
• Features: App, web, text-to-give, recurring, child check-in, church management
• Best for: Churches wanting an all-in-one giving + ChMS platform

2. Pushpay

• Fees: ~3% + $0.30 (varies by plan)
• Features: Premium mobile app, recurring giving, donor analytics, ChMS
• Best for: Larger churches needing advanced analytics and a polished app

3. Givelify

• Fees: 2.9% + $0.30 (no monthly fee)
• Features: App-based giving, simple setup, donation tracking
• Best for: Small churches wanting a fast, simple, low-cost option

4. Rebel Give

• Fees: $0 transaction fees (monthly subscription model)
• Features: Unlimited giving, no per-transaction fees, modern interface
• Best for: Churches that process high giving volume and want no transaction fees

How to Choose the Right Donation Software

• Total cost: Compare monthly fees + per-transaction fees at your giving volume
• Ease of use: A 60-year-old deacon should be able to give in under 30 seconds
• Recurring giving: Essential — it's the #1 driver of giving growth
• Text-to-give: Great for spontaneous, in-service giving
• Integration: Does it connect to your church app and website?
• Reporting: Tax receipts, fund designation, and donor insights

7 Proven Strategies to Increase Online Giving

• Make giving frictionless: One-tap giving in your church app and on your website
• Promote recurring giving: Ask members to set up weekly/monthly auto-tithes
• Talk about money confidently: Teach generosity as discipleship, not a fundraising pitch
• Show impact: Share stories of what giving funds — missions, youth, community outreach
• Offer text-to-give: Display a give number on screens and bulletins during services
• Follow up with new givers: A thank-you email within 24 hours increases repeat giving
• Integrate giving everywhere: Website, app, social, email — multiple touchpoints

Integrating Giving Into Your Digital Presence

Donation software works best when it's woven into your complete digital ministry — your website, your church app, and your follow-up flows. A standalone giving link buried on a contact page underperforms. Giving should be visible on every page and one tap away.

Our church mobile apps integrate one-tap giving natively, and every website we build includes giving integration. See plans starting at $249/mo or book a free consultation to learn more.