A Simple First Step: Adding Online Giving Without Overcomplicating Things

For many small nonprofits, online giving is something that should exist — but doesn’t. Or it exists in a minimal way, and no one is quite sure whether it’s helping or just sitting there.

Often, it’s not resistance. It’s uncertainty.

Questions like:

• Where do we even start?

• Do we need a new platform?

• Will this create more admin work?

• What if we set it up wrong?

• How do I ensure federal tax compliance?

When capacity is limited, it’s easy to leave things as they are and rely on cheques, cash, or in-person support — even when supporters increasingly expect to give online.

Online giving doesn’t have to be a big project

One common misconception is that adding online giving means committing to a complex system, new software, or ongoing technical maintenance.

In reality, for many small organizations, the most effective first step is much simpler:

• a clear place on your website that explains how to give

• a straightforward donation option using tools you already trust

• and a process that doesn’t add work for staff or volunteers

This isn’t about maximizing donations or launching campaigns.
It’s about removing friction for people who already want to support your work.

Why online giving often saves time

Done thoughtfully, online giving can actually reduce administrative load by:

• cutting down on manual handling of donations

• simplifying tracking and receipts

• reducing back-and-forth with supporters who want to help but aren’t sure how

For small teams, this matters. The goal isn’t more technology — it’s less follow-up, less confusion, and fewer dropped balls.

Start where you are

If you don’t have online giving at all, the first step doesn’t need to be perfect.
If you have a donation link but it feels buried or unclear, small changes can make a real difference.

The most important thing is that supporters can easily answer one question:

How do I support this work?

When that answer is clear, giving becomes simpler — for them, and for you.

A final thought

Online giving isn’t about replacing relationships or relying on automation to do the work for you. It’s about making sure people who care don’t hit unnecessary barriers when they’re ready to help.

If you’ve been putting this off because it feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. And it doesn’t have to be complicated to be effective.