7 Must-Have Giving Kiosk Features for Fundraising Success

In the age of digital fundraising, it’s more important than ever for organizations and churches to pursue innovative (and convenient) ways to accept donations and tithes. A giving kiosk is one tech-savvy solution that can accept credit card gifts at events and on-site!

Let's look at the seven must-have features when choosing the right giving kiosk for your organization.

1. Customization
2. Versatility
3. Security
4. Mobility
5. Ease of Use
6. Interactivity
7. Data Tracking

1. Branding Your Giving Kiosk!

Nonprofits and churches should always look for a donation kiosk that can be branded. At the very least, we recommend choosing a kiosk that allows you to:

• Change the color to match your brand
• Add your church or nonprofit’s logo
• Easily include additional marketing materials (like a sign)

On the surface, branding helps to draw attention to your giving device, but it achieves much more than that. A giving kiosk that immediately connects the audience to your cause will help elicit the positive feelings that are integral to creating a positive giving experience.

Branding helps to establish trust so that donors know what organization is receiving their funds. When donors see your logo or slogan on a device, they can give confidently, knowing that their money is going to a good cause.

The bottom line? Having a customizable kiosk is about more than just making your kiosk look good; it’s about building a brand that supporters will recognize and trust no matter where your kiosk is placed.

2. Adapt Your Giving Kiosk for Fundraising Events

Since giving kiosks can be used in many different situations, it’s important to find a device that is versatile enough to work no matter how it’s used.

When looking for a versatile kiosk, choose a device that:

• Accepts all types of credit cards.
• Can be used in multiple situations. Choosing a portable device will make it easier to transport to all your fundraising events. A kiosk that can be plugged in and ready to use means you can accept donations right away.
• Can easily change donation amounts. As you start to use your giving kiosk, you may realize that the ideal gift amount will change depending on the time or location of your kiosk. Choosing a device that allows you to change the donation amount remotely and without hassle, means you can optimize your giving amount for any circumstance.

Not convinced? Check out DipJar's 3 Foolproof Ways to Get More Donations for Charity Events to learn how you raise money for your next fundraiser.

The bottom line? Make the most of your kiosk by choosing a device that can be used during fundraising events, on-site, and at community partner location. The more versatile your device, the more opportunities you have to raise funds for your cause.

3. Keep Your Donors Information Safe

As with most online and mobile donation methods, donors - and your organization's finance team - are concerned about payment security. To minimize these concerns, choose a kiosk that uses multiple methods to ensure your donors’ information stays secure.

First, look for a kiosk provider that is PCI-compliant, meaning that the provider adheres to strict standards to ensure that information is protected and safe. PCI-compliance dictates how sensitive information is stored and secures information in one of the following ways:

• Through encryption, which is a process that transforms information into a mathematical code called chiphertext. An algorithm and encryption key are used to decipher the code.
• Via tokenization, a similar process to encryption, except that it creates a random code or token that can be used as a substitute for the real information.

The bottom line? Security is a top priority when choosing a giving kiosk. Ask providers how they keep sensitive information protected and don’t settle for a provider that isn’t PCI-compliant.

4. Choose a Portable Giving Kiosk

Imagine that you want to take your kiosk to a fundraising event. Lugging around a large device is both impractical and restrictive, meaning you’ll have fewer locations to place your kiosk. Moreover, small giving kiosks like palm-size credit card readers don’t equate to better fundraising since they are harder to spot at events.

The best option is to go for a portable device that’s still large enough to attract attention.

Second Harvest chose a DipJar because it’s small enough to fit on a table, leaving plenty of room for their other marketing materials, but tall enough to still be noticeable. Additionally, its offers multiple power options. It can be plugged in or used with a portability kit that allows you to take it on the go.

The bottom line? A portable kiosk opens the possibilities of where you can accept credit card donations, so opt for a device that’s easy to transport.

5. The Donation Process Should Be Simple

Simple is always better when it comes to donating, and it’s no different with giving kiosks. Think about it this way: donors don’t want to give when it involves a lengthy or complicated process. With fewer obstacles, donors are less likely to not give. Additionally, a kiosk that’s easy to use means you don’t need a staff member or volunteer to man the device.

To determine if a device is simple, look for a process that:

• has a limited number of steps
• is the same for every card type or transaction
• has a self-explanatory process that’s easy to understand

In this image, you can see donors using a DipJar. The instructions let donors know that the process is quick and effortless!

Ease of use should apply to more than just the donation process; it should also apply to how the device operates. In other words: does it take long to set up and adjust? If the device is complicated for you to manage, then you should consider choosing a different option.

The bottom line? Make sure that the giving kiosk you choose is easy to use for both you and your donors.

6. Make the Experience Fun!

Rather than having a giving experience that’s like every other credit card transaction, why not create a unique process that reminds donors that they’re giving to a great cause?

Choose a credit card donation kiosk that adds a unique element to the process.

In the example above, donors are using DipJar to make donations. When donors “dip” their credit card into the device, the device makes a fun "cha-ching" sound signaling that the transaction is complete. Not only is this a way to show donors that they’re giving, but it also requires them to interact with the device. The more engaged donors are throughout the process, the more of a memorable impression you’ll make.

In contrast, churches need a giving method that equals the same sense of ritual and joy that congregants get when passing the tithing plate around. The act of tithing is a very tactical experience, and if you want congregants to embrace your giving kiosk, the experience should be similar. Because donors have to “dip” their cards into the kiosk, it mimics the act of placing money into a jar or plate, recreating the tithing ritual in digital form.

What’s the bottom line? The act of giving should be an experience that engages the supporter and makes the process enjoyable.

7. Choose a Kiosk that Tracks Metrics

You won’t know what strategies work unless you have data to help you. Using a kiosk that tracks specific metrics is extraordinarily useful when you need to determine the perfect donation amount, location, and overall fundraising strategy for your kiosk.

Your kiosk should be able to track:

• The donation size. By calculating the average gift size, you can determine the best donation amount that donors are comfortable giving but also maximizing your fundraising efforts.
• The date and time a gift was made. Knowing when donations were made will give you insight into your donors' giving habits.
• The location of the kiosk used. If you’re using more than one kiosk, tracking the location will help you determine the best placement for your device.

By tracking these metrics, you’ll be able to understand the gift size that donors and congregants are most comfortable giving as well as information on what type of events or on-site locations work best.

The bottom line? Tracking your progress gives you the opportunity to see what fundraising strategies work. Pick a device that tracks the most important information so that you have the tools to improve your fundraising.



Additional resources:

1. 3 New Fundraising Trends. Fundraising is constantly changing, and nonprofits have to implement tech-savvy donation methods to reach donors. Learn 3 trends that have changed the face of fundraising.
2. In-Person Fundraising. Even with kiosk and online donation forms, the charm and power of face-to-face fundraising isn’t dying. Learn how you can capitalize on this effective strategy.
3. The Recognition Effect. When people see donors using your kiosk, they'll be curious about your device. Learn how the recognition effect can help drive donations at your next event.