This page contains brief answers to many of the most common questions we’ve been asked. If you would like additional information about our products and services, we invite you to Contact Us.
What’s wrong with cash and checks?
Nothing! We hope your organization is receiving cash and check donations for many years to come, but if that’s all you’re receiving, you’re probably missing out untold amounts of missed revenue. A groundbreaking Federal Reserve Study released in December of 2007 has shown a sharp and consistent decline in the use of paper checks and cash for all transactions since the year 2000 and this trend is expected to continue. Currently, 90% of people under age 35 carry a debit card but the vast majority of this same demographic does not consistently carry a check book. Our culture is moving away from traditional “paper” transactions and organizations that don’t respond may be left behind.
I don’t want people going into debt to give to my organization. Can SecureGive set up “Debit Only” electronic giving options?
Yes. We can customize our software to accept credit and debit cards or to accept debit transactions only based on your specifications.
Can someone choose to make an anonymous donation with SecureGive?
Absolutely. SecureGive provides your donors with the opportunity to donate anonymously or to give a tax-deductible contribution. To receive tax credit, the contributor must fill out an address form with a virtual keyboard. Once completed, the contributor can designate his or her contributions to one of eight categories determined by the organization. This is one of the many ways we can customize our products to the specific needs of your organization. When the transaction is completed a receipt containing a thank you note is dispensed.
SecureGive seems like a great idea, but can my organization afford it?
A better question might be, “Can my organization afford not to implement electronic giving options?” We make every effort to equip organizations with valuable tools at very affordable prices. Our monthly service fee is based on the size of your organization and is one of the most cost-efficient service providers in the nation. This fee includes software licenses, hosting fees and countless other benefits that we’ll customize to your specific organization.
How will SecureGive save our organization money?
SecureGive will simultaneously generate more revenue through the convenience of our products and save more revenue for your organization based on lower transaction fees. Here’s an example...if a person donates $1000 to a charity through the charity’s website, the average processing fee (without SecureGive) will be $20, so the charity will only receive $980 of that $1000 donation. That same transaction on a SecureGive donation kiosk with a debit card would cost the charity a $.85 processing fee and the charity would keep $999.15.
Do we have to purchase a kiosk? How much do they cost?
Our giving kiosks are the hardware that brings our software to life, and we encourage all of our clients to purchase at least one kiosk. Our kiosks can be built and customized to your specifications and they typically cost $2500-$5500 per unit. If your organization wants to implement electronic giving options, but cannot initially purchase a kiosk, we will be happy to help customize a plan that works for you. Please Contact Us for additional details.
What are the system requirements to run your software and your kiosks?
The application runs on a Microsoft Windows operating system. Each location must have a hard-wired broadband connection to the Internet. The system will work on a wireless network, but hardwired is preferred for consistency.
Will my organization need to establish a merchant account to process electronic giving?
Electronic giving not only requires hardware and software, but a company to process the actual transaction. Your organization will need a merchant account, but this is one of the many things that we handle for you. We have simplified this process, so that your organization can make a seamless and pleasant transition into the world of electronic giving.
How will our donors have a record of their donations for tax purposes?
Every transaction will immediately be transmitted to your organization for your own record keeping and the donor will immediately receive a paper receipt for kiosk transactions or a printable receipt for online transactions. An emailed receipt will also be sent. These receipts contain all the information necessary to meet IRS requirements for itemized tax deductions.
Can we lease the hardware?
Yes, lease options are available through a 3rd party company. Please contact us for details.