With Thanksgiving and the holiday season approaching, local nonprofits, churches, schools and communities are gearing up for their annual fundraising efforts. From organizing food banks to donating clothes to funding school programs, several events take place in the tight-knit community. However, the way these communities raise funds is changing. Cash is taking a backseat with more and more organizations adopting contactless fundraising as a reliable, convenient, and secure way to collect funds.
In the Gila Valley, where community events keep happening on a regular basis, embracing contactless fundraising is a perfect solution this season.
What Is Contactless Fundraising?
Contactless fundraising means collecting donations using online tools like QR codes, mobile apps, text-to-give, or tap-to-pay methods, eliminating the need for cash or physical contact. The global contactless payments market is estimated to reach $35.4 billion in 2025, indicating the wide acceptance of these methods.
In 2024, nearly 14-16% of transactions were made with cash, a sharp decline in the last few years. In Gila Valley, local events like Safford Christmas Parade or church bazaars, can adopt contactless methods to make giving easier, faster and more accessible.
For nonprofits this means not only receiving local support but also connecting with donors virtually, while engaging attendees at in-person events.
Importance of Contactless Fundraising
Traditional fundraising methods can be time-consuming and limited in reach. Contactless fundraising methods on the other offer the following benefits:
1. Increased Conversions
Whether at a local event or on social media, donors can give instantly using a smartphone or card without having to worry about the cash or cheque.
2. Expanded Reach
With the help of online platforms and QR codes nonprofits can reach beyond the valley, encouraging contributions from out-of-state donors.
3. Enhanced Security
Contactless payment systems are equipped with advanced security features like encryption and tokenization, protecting sensitive donor information.
4. Streamlined Operations
Nonprofits don’t have to manually sync digital donations with the fundraising software, saving them time and efforts for other core activities.
Practical Contactless Fundraising Methods For Nonprofits
Here are some ways in which local organizations in Gila Valley can implement contactless fundraising this season.
1. QR Code Campaigns
QR codes are simple, cost-effective and widely used methods for collecting funds. Nonprofits can print them on banners, flyers or even T-shirts. When scanned donors will be directed to a secure online donation page. These QR codes can also be shared across social media platforms, making it easy to collect funds from anywhere in the world.
For example, during a virtual fundraising program or workshop, you can set up a QR code somewhere on the screen, allowing attendees to donate with a single tap, while tracking contributions in real-time.
Tip: Use platforms like Donorbox and Canva for free QR code generators, and ensure the linked donation page is mobile friendly.
2. Text-to-Give Campaigns
Text-to-give allows donors to contribute by sending a keyword to an assigned number. This method is ideal for fast paced events, where attendees can donate while enjoying the show.
Examples of donation text messages:
● Give now to support [cause]: [link]
● Support [organization’s name]. Text [keyword] to [mobile number]
● Text GIVE to support our [mission] and work.
Platforms like Givebutter and Give Lively offer text-to-give features with low to no platform fee, so that funds go directly to the cause.
3. Contactless Donation Kiosks
Self-service kiosks equipped with tap-to-pay technology are often placed in high traffic public areas for increased visibility and accessibility. Donors have to simply tap their card or phone to donate the amount displayed while kiosks can show videos about the cause to encourage people to give.
Tap-to-pay methods are widely adopted by nonprofits due to their ease of use. And on top of that these methods include high end security features, while integrating easily with your organization’s donation management system.
4. Virtual Fundraising Events
The “un-gala” concept where donors buy the tickets but don’t attend the event. Gila residents can purchase tickets to support a cause while staying at home, perfect for those holiday evenings. Alternatively, organizations can host virtual events like 10k steps challenge, where users can track steps using apps and share progress online, helping build a community without crowding the streets.
5. Social Media and Crowdfunding
Nonprofits aiming to connect with a younger audience or scale their reach should leverage social media platforms. They can create social media pages to talk about the event and share other details.
Likewise, starting a crowdfunding page on GoFundMe or Givebutter gives organizations an opportunity to promote their event or cause.
Encourage peer-to-peer giving, where donors can create their own pages to share with their network.
Getting Started With Contactless Fundraising
Starting a contactless fundraising is easier than you might think. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get started:
1. Understand Your Audience
Analyze your audience’s preferences. Are they tech savvy or old residents comfortable with digital wallets? Choose a mix of methods like a QR code or kiosks, that appeals to everyone.
2. Choose a Platform
Select a platform to create a fundraising page. Platforms like Donorbox, Givebutter, or Zeffy offer you all the services at one place, that too at an affordable cost. Ensure that the platform can be easily integrated with your existing systems.
3. Promote Your Campaign
Use the Gila Herald, local newspaper or social media to spread the word. For example, a front page at Herald can feature a QR linking to your donation page.
4. Test and Track
Before launching at a bigger scale, launch it at small events like a booth at the Morenci Christmas Market. Track donation data to see what works best and if the method reduces some friction and offers an ease of giving.
5. Thank Your Donors
Your job doesn’t end at collecting funds. Send personalized thank-you emails or text to the donors using your fundraising platforms. This can go a long way in building trust and strengthening donor relationships.
Contactless Fundraising Is The Future For Gila Valley
Contactless fundraising isn’t a trend but a practical solution for Gila Valley’s vibrant nonprofit community. Methods like QR codes, tap-to-pay, kiosks, and virtual events make giving fast, secure and easier. As we gather for holiday events or support local causes, it’s time to embrace fundraising to receive support beyond the valley and keep the spirit of community alive.
While cash will still play a role in some fundraising efforts, embracing new technology is how organizations can thrive in today’s digital age. Set up your first contactless campaign now. For more information, visit the Gila Herald’s community resource page. Let’s make this giving season more impactful.
