There’sno shortage of data in the world today. More data was created in the last twoyears than in the previous 5,000. In fact, 90% of the data wecurrently use was created in the last two years! For churches, theenormous amount of giving data is enough to make your head spin, but it’s stillnecessary to collect, organize, and apply it. Healthy parishes know that withthe right giving information at their fingertips, they’re better equipped tocultivate generosity and grow their vision.
Beforecollecting another piece of giving data (or ignoring it because of theoverwhelming amount), here are four time-saving tips to help organize and makeit actionable this year:
1. Access a System that Seamlessly Collects Giving Information for You
In the past, there were fewer ways to give to the Church. Today, people can tithe 24/7 on a range of devices and use a variety of payment methods. While this convenience inspires generosity, it also provides useful information. Not to mention the giving data and statistics coming in from sources other than your ministry.
By taking advantage of time-saving tools for online giving data collection, your parish directly accesses the information you need to identify giving trends. With a powerful online giving platform, navigating through different reporting options is effortless because the layout is clean and understandable. When the parish receives a tithe, whether it’s via text, mobile app, or branded donation page, it goes straight to the reporting system for you to view.
2. Analyze Giving Data that Enhances Generosity Campaigns
With access to an easy-to-use reporting system that collects online giving data, you can select the information you want to see to better forecast for the future. There are hundreds of customizable reports to choose from, and each one provides ministries with opportunities to improve generosity campaigns and understand tithing patterns.
Someexamples of helpful reports are:
- Recurringgiving information
- Daily,weekly, monthly, and yearly giving activities
- Mostrecent donations
- Mostsuccessful giving days
- Customdate range reports
These reports help your staff stay organized by giving them the information they need to make the best decisions to encourage more giving. You can also have reports emailed to you and print them off if you prefer. There are also graphical reports available to help you get a bird’s eye view of giving patterns.
3. Schedule a Set Time to Review Giving Data
The primary reason to collect and organize data is to review and apply it. Schedule a set time every week, month, or quarter to look over the online giving information you’ve gathered. Knowing where to focus your attention saves time and energy.
Forinstance, let’s say you notice that recurring givers in your ministry donate10% more than one-time givers. In your next generosity campaign, emphasize theconvenience and benefits of signing up for recurring giving.
4. Get Rid of Giving Data that Isn’t Relevant
A key to staying organized is to purge information that’s no longer useful. This type of data is distracting and can muddy the waters when you’re sifting through current information.
Yourparish’s needs can change in the blink of an eye based on natural disasters,building repairs, and more. By keeping data organized and up-to-date, you canquickly adjust your strategy for generosity campaigns.
ParishSOFTis committed to helping parishes and churches large and small streamline theirgiving process. We provide the software and the plan that can help your parishmake the leap to digital giving. To find out how, contact us at 866-930-4774x6.
Source: Valerie Russell – Content Specialist for Ministry Brands