There’s no shortage of data in the world today. More data was created in the last two years than in the previous 5,000. In fact, 90% of the data we currently use was created in the last two years! For churches, the enormous amount of giving data is enough to make your head spin, but it’s still necessary to collect, organize, and apply it. Healthy parishes know that with the right giving information at their fingertips, they’re better equipped to cultivate generosity and grow their vision.
Before collecting another piece of giving data (or ignoring it because of the overwhelming amount), here are four time-saving tips to help organize and make it 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.
Some examples of helpful reports are:
- Recurring giving information
- Daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly giving activities
- Most recent donations
- Most successful giving days
- Custom date 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.
For instance, let’s say you notice that recurring givers in your ministry donate 10% more than one-time givers. In your next generosity campaign, emphasize the convenience 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.
Your parish’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 can quickly adjust your strategy for generosity campaigns.
ParishSOFT is committed to helping parishes and churches large and small streamline their giving process. We provide the software and the plan that can help your parish make the leap to digital giving. To find out how, contact us at 866-930-4774 x6.
Source: Valerie Russell – Content Specialist for Ministry Brands
