The days of cash donations are nearly gone. Learn how to implement a donation kiosk that collects fast, cashless donations at your location or event.
Join the fundraising movement! Join the fundraising movement!If you’re still relying on a cash donation box, you’ve undoubtedly noticed some dwindling returns.
The Federal Reserve found that only about 14% of the payments consumers make every month are made with cash. And 45% of people report storing their cash elsewhere for safekeeping – not in their wallet.
We know that donors prefer to give without cash, whether that’s with a quick tap of a credit card or through a digital wallet like Apple Pay.
That’s why I’ve been coaching the nonprofits I work with to switch to an easy-to-use, cashless donation kiosk to capture that in-person generosity without relying on cash.
Here’s everything you need to know about this fundraising tool.
Donation kiosks, sometimes called giving kiosks, are physical devices like tablets and smartphones that enable supporters to make a quick, cashless donation using cards and other payment methods, like digital wallets.
The donation process is fast and convenient for supporters visiting your nonprofit or faith-based organization, or attending fundraising events – making it ideal for collecting cashless donations in person.
For example, Donorbox Live™ Kiosk pairs with a card reader to swiftly accept cashless donations on an iPad or Android tablet at your events or physical location. Alternatively, use Donorbox Live™ Mobile to fundraise on the go via your smartphone – no card reader required.
Yes, donation kiosks are a secure way to accept donations. They’re certainly more secure than a cash box that anyone could pick up and take, and they’re often built with card security in mind to protect your donors.
For example, Donorbox Live™ uses Stripe as its payment processor. Stripe and Donorbox both comply with PCI DSS, or Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards. Stripe encrypts data as soon as someone swipes a card or taps their smartphone, and Donorbox never directly handles payment information. This ensures that no credit card numbers are ever stored on your donation kiosk.
When choosing whether a donation kiosk is a good fit for your fundraising plan, there are a few pros and cons to consider.
The benefits of using a donation kiosk include:
Some potential cons of using a donation kiosk include:
Ultimately, the pros outweigh the cons, and there are some tried-and-true workarounds for many of the cons.
Let’s take a closer look at what a donation kiosk might cost you.
| Cost Type | Donorbox Live™ | Other Platforms |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware Cost | Card Readers: - Stripe M2 (US): $120 - WisePad 3 (everywhere else): $160 Tablets: - Use your existing iPad or Android tablet – no need to purchase hardware. - Donorbox offers complete hardware packages to get you set up quickly. You always own your hardware. | Ranges from $150 to $6,000 depending on your setup. Some platforms also require contracts for hardware rental, leading to significant long-term expenses. |
| Software Cost | $80/month for the first device. $15/month for additional devices. | Ranges from $30 to $300 a month. |
| Platform Fee | Standard Plan: 2.95% Pro Plan: 1.75% Premium Plan: 1.6% | 0% to 3%. Fee-free platforms often rely on donor tipping, which can create an unpleasant giving experience. |
| Payment Processing Fee | 2.2% + $0.30 (standard Stripe fee for nonprofits) | 2.2% + $0.30 and higher, depending on the payment processor. |
Not all donation kiosk software is alike. To choose the right option for your nonprofit, follow this selection criteria methodology:
Generally, you’ll want to choose donation kiosk software that offers at least these options for optimal in-person fundraising.
Your donation kiosk setup process will depend on the platform and hardware you select. For the sake of example, I’ll show you the quick and easy steps to set up a Donorbox Live™ Kiosk.
To review detailed setup instructions, visit Donorbox’s knowledge base.
First, sign in to your Donorbox account. Then, under “Integrations & Add-ons,” select “Donorbox Live.” Note that you will only see this section if you have Admin privileges.
From here, you’ll be able to activate the add-on for your first kiosk device.
Next, download the Donorbox Live™ app onto your Android tablet or iPad. Here are the links to download:
Turn on your Stripe M2 or WisePad 3 card reader. Ensure you’ve given Bluetooth access to the Donorbox Live™ app. From the app, select the Campaign and Location of your kiosk.
Lastly, click “Connect Card Reader.”
For troubleshooting, check out this guide.
Finalize your campaign details. Choose a language, update the design of your interface, customize your donation receipts, and more through your Donorbox account.
Then you’re ready to launch!
More of a visual learner? Check out this video setup guide.
Strategically placing your donation kiosk will make giving feel convenient and intentional – and allow you to connect with donors when they are most inclined to give.
Here are a few placement ideas to encourage cashless giving in person:
Beyond these suggestions, there are plenty of effective placement areas for your donation kiosk. Consider your audience to inform where you place your kiosk.
For example, Our Giving Kitchen knew they wanted to capture more donations from their 1,850 volunteers, so they placed their Donorbox Live Kiosk next to the coffee station. When visitors and volunteers stop for coffee, they have a convenient way to quickly support the organization.
63% of donors prefer to give digitally. By incorporating donation kiosks into your nonprofit’s fundraising strategy, you’ll make giving quick and convenient for your donors – and increase your revenue potential at your location, fundraising events, and on the go.
Sign up to start fundraising with Donorbox Live™ today.
For more fundraising ideas, visit the Nonprofit Blog. Subscribe to the monthly newsletter for a curated list of resources sent to your inbox.
Donation kiosks like Donorbox Live™ provide churches and nonprofits with a quick and secure way to accept donations made via credit/debit cards and digital wallets at their locations and fundraising events. This enables supporters who don’t carry cash or prefer to give digitally to donate in a convenient and modern way.
An autonomous donation kiosk like Donorbox Live™ Kiosk allows donors to give swiftly using cards and digital wallets by following simple on-screen prompts. This streamlines the giving process while keeping donors’ sensitive card and personal information secure.
Yes. Giving kiosks like Donorbox Live™ ensure that all donation and donor data collected flow seamlessly into the backend. Track campaign and donor data effectively, and collect valuable information that informs your future fundraising campaigns and outreach efforts.
Kristine Ensor is a freelance writer with over a decade of experience working with local and international nonprofits. As a nonprofit professional she has specialized in fundraising, marketing, event planning, volunteer management, and board development.
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