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As someone who owns a business that sells exclusively to churches (https://simpledonation.com https://simpledonation.com), I know what that uneasiness can feel

by tbrooks 12y ago

As someone who owns a business that sells exclusively to churches (https://simpledonation.com https://simpledonation.com), I know what that uneasiness can feel like -- the seemingly diametrical goals of building a business to return shareholder capital and serving a market need. And also the denominational thing... I have by no means figured it all out, but it's been an area in which I've sought counseling and grown considerably. A constant fear I have is being seen as a moneychanger or profiteer. Ultimately, I've chosen to run Simple Donation as a business. There are so many bad examples of software that churches use and I think having a profitable business gives me the best shot at serving those churches well with great software.

frogpelt 12y ago
Do you get feedback from organizations on how much of an increase in donations they receive by going online? I'm curious what the percentage differences are in total donations.
- tbrooks 12y ago
  Yeah, at a minimum they see a bump of 5% in online giving. Some churches use it specifically for 1-time giving w/o logging in and they see a much larger increase for that type. I ask people to cancel if they don't see ROI in 3 months. Only 2 cancellations in 2 years.
hndamien 12y ago
One way to fix this problem is Bitcoin tithing. http://www.yoism.org.au/blog/bitcoin-tithing http://www.yoism.org.au/blog/bitcoin-tithing
- tbrooks 12y ago
  In the past, I've polled my customers and asked about both Bitcoin and Dwolla as low-cost tithing avenues. They are met with blank stares. Doesn't seem like a felt need at this point.
walterbell 12y ago
Some US states have introduced a new corporate form for businesses which have both financial and social objectives. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benefit_corporation http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benefit_corporation
- tbrooks 12y ago
  Yeah, I believe those started after I formed corporately. Not sure what the extra benefit is for me at this point.

by tbrooks 12y ago

frogpelt 12y ago

Do you get feedback from organizations on how much of an increase in donations they receive by going online? I'm curious what the percentage differences are in total donations.

tbrooks 12y ago
Yeah, at a minimum they see a bump of 5% in online giving. Some churches use it specifically for 1-time giving w/o logging in and they see a much larger increase for that type. I ask people to cancel if they don't see ROI in 3 months. Only 2 cancellations in 2 years.

hndamien 12y ago

One way to fix this problem is Bitcoin tithing. http://www.yoism.org.au/blog/bitcoin-tithing http://www.yoism.org.au/blog/bitcoin-tithing

tbrooks 12y ago
In the past, I've polled my customers and asked about both Bitcoin and Dwolla as low-cost tithing avenues. They are met with blank stares. Doesn't seem like a felt need at this point.

walterbell 12y ago

Some US states have introduced a new corporate form for businesses which have both financial and social objectives. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benefit_corporation http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benefit_corporation

tbrooks 12y ago
Yeah, I believe those started after I formed corporately. Not sure what the extra benefit is for me at this point.