TL:DR
OnlineGiving.org’s “cover the fee” feature allows donors to optionally add a small amount to their gift to help offset transaction costs—ensuring their full intended donation supports your church’s ministry. It empowers donors, increases available funds, and builds trust. With a quick setup and simple communication, your church can retain more resources for what matters most.
Imagine a donor giving $100 to your mission fund—only to discover that a small portion is lost to processing fees. It’s a modest deduction, but over time, those costs can add up. Now imagine offering donors a simple way to ensure their entire gift supports the ministry they care about. That’s the heart behind OnlineGiving.org’s “cover the fee” feature.
As summer giving lays the groundwork for fall ministry, here’s how this small checkbox can make a big difference for your church and your givers.
Why Transaction Fees Matter
Every online transaction includes processing costs. While necessary for secure and reliable giving, these fees can reduce the amount of each gift that directly supports ministry. For churches, this means that a portion of generous contributions may be diverted from programs, missions, or facility improvements.
Donors feel this too. Many are surprised to learn their full gift doesn’t go entirely to the intended cause—and they appreciate the chance to do something about it.
How “Cover the Fee” Empowers Everyone
OnlineGiving.org’s “cover the fee” feature gives donors the option to add a small amount to their gift to help offset transaction costs. This one step creates meaningful benefits:
- Donor Empowerment: Donors feel like true partners when they know their entire intended gift reaches the church. It affirms their generosity and allows them to take ownership of the giving experience.
- More Ministry Resources: When even a portion of donors choose to cover fees, churches retain more funds to invest directly into ministry—whether that means supporting staff, upgrading equipment, or launching new outreach initiatives.
- Transparency and Trust: Offering this option fosters openness. Donors value clarity, and the ability to choose builds long-term trust and loyalty.
Communicating the Option
Once the feature is active, clear communication is key. Simple, friendly language—such as “You can choose to cover transaction costs to maximize your gift”—can be shared during giving announcements, in emails, or through your church app.
Consider tying the benefit to ministry outcomes. For example:
“Your covered fees helped us provide 50 backpacks for local kids last fall.”
Share the Impact
OnlineGiving.org provides reporting tools to help track how many donors choose to cover fees and how much this contributes back to your church. Sharing this with your congregation—“You helped us retain $500 this quarter for ministry”—reinforces the value and encourages continued participation.
Real-World Impact
Whether your church is small or large, offsetting transaction costs can make a tangible difference. The extra funds retained can support new ministry efforts, increase outreach capacity, or help meet urgent needs.
Churches that offer this option often report stronger donor satisfaction, increased engagement, and more consistent giving.
Make Every Dollar Count
As ministry opportunities grow, every dollar matters. The “cover the fee” feature is more than a convenient option—it’s an invitation for donors to direct their full gift amount to mission—whether it’s funding outreach, upgrading facilities, or supporting a new ministry.
If you have questions or would like help sharing this with your congregation, reach out to us at (615) 206-4000 or support@onlinegiving.org. We’re here to serve you.
One small click. Big ministry impact.
— Online Giving (@onlinegivingorg) June 18, 2025
When donors "cover the fee," more of their gift goes straight to fueling your church’s mission.
Empower generosity. Multiply ministry.https://t.co/KTQE9sOxBJ pic.twitter.com/QwWN4quc3I
