The best free way to give donations to your church or nonprofit

Direct Bank Transfers
Many churches and nonprofits accept direct bank transfers or ACH payments. These methods usually have no fees and allow you to send donations directly from your bank account.
Donating via Zelle or Venmo
Using peer-to-peer payment apps like Zelle or Venmo can be a free way to send donations. Check if your church or nonprofit has an account on these platforms to receive funds instantly without fees.
Utilizing Employer Matching Programs
Some employers match charitable donations made by employees. This effectively doubles your gift at no extra cost to you. Check with your HR department to see if your donations qualify.
Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs)
If you have a donor-advised fund, you can recommend grants to your church or nonprofit. While setting up a DAF might have fees, granting from it is usually free and tax-efficient.
Participating in Fundraising Events
Donating through church or nonprofit fundraising events often goes directly to the cause with minimal overhead. Sometimes these events collect donations via cash or check, avoiding processing fees.

Tips to Maximize Your Donation

Always confirm that your chosen method has no or minimal fees.
Consider setting up recurring donations directly through your church’s website if they use low-fee platforms.
Keep records of your donations for tax deduction purposes.

By choosing these free or low-cost methods, you ensure that the maximum amount of your donation benefits your church or nonprofit.

There are several free ways to donate to your church or nonprofit without incurring transaction fees. Here are some of the best options:

1. Direct Bank Transfer (ACH)

Many nonprofits and churches accept direct bank transfers (ACH) through their website or donation platforms like Vanco, Pushpay, or Tithe.ly (some offer fee-free ACH options).
Pros: Low or no fees, secure, and direct to the organization.
Cons: Requires bank account details.

2. Cash or Check

The simplest and completely fee-free method.
Pros: No processing fees, easy for donors.
Cons: Less convenient for online or recurring donations.

3. Zelle (or Similar Bank-to-Bank Apps)

Many banks offer Zelle, which allows free transfers directly to a nonprofit’s bank account.
Pros: Instant, no fees, secure.
Cons: Requires the organization to have a Zelle-linked bank account.

4. PayPal (Friends & Family)

If the nonprofit has a PayPal account, donors can send money via “Friends & Family” (no fee if using a bank transfer or PayPal balance).
Pros: Fast and widely used.
Cons: Fees apply if using a credit/debit card.

5. Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs)

If you have a DAF (e.g., Fidelity Charitable, Schwab Charitable), you can recommend grants to your church/nonprofit for free.
Pros: Tax-efficient, no fees for the recipient.
Cons: Requires setting up a DAF in advance.

6. Employer Matching Gifts

Many companies match donations to nonprofits at no cost to you.
Pros: Doubles your impact, no extra cost.
Cons: Requires paperwork and employer participation.

7. Stock or Cryptocurrency Donations

Some platforms (like GiveDirect, Charityvest) allow fee-free stock/crypto donations.
Pros: Tax benefits, avoids capital gains.
Cons: Requires the nonprofit to accept such donations.

Best Choice?

For ease & no fees: Zelle or ACH (if available).
For traditional giving: Cash or check.
For tax benefits: Stock donations or DAF grants.

Would you like recommendations for specific donation platforms that minimize fees?

16 Proper Ways to Give a Church Donation

Giving a donation to your church is a meaningful way to support its mission and express your faith. Here are 16 proper ways to give a church donation:

1. Sunday Offering (In-Person)

Place cash or a check in the offering plate or basket during the worship service.

2. Online Donations

Give through the church’s website or a secure online giving platform.

3. Mobile Giving App

Use your church’s dedicated app (e.g., Pushpay, Tithe.ly, or Givelify) to donate via smartphone.

4. Text-to-Give

Send a donation via text message if your church offers this option.

5. Automatic Bank Transfer (ACH)

Set up recurring donations through your bank account for consistent giving.

6. Credit/Debit Card

Give via credit or debit card (online or in-person if the church accepts card payments).

7. Stock or Securities Donations

Donate appreciated stocks or bonds for potential tax benefits.

8. Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs)

Contribute through a DAF if you have one set up with a financial institution.

9. Estate Planning & Bequests

Include the church in your will or trust for future donations.

10. Memorial or Honorary Gifts

Give in memory of a loved one or in honor of a special occasion.

11. Matching Gifts

Check if your employer matches charitable donations to churches.

12. Cryptocurrency Donations

Some churches accept Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies.

13. Physical Assets (Non-Cash Donations)

Donate property, vehicles, or other valuables if the church accepts them.

14. Mission or Project-Specific Giving

Designate funds for a specific ministry, building fund, or outreach program.

15. Cashless Kiosks (In-Church Giving Stations)

Use an on-site kiosk to donate via card or digital payment.

16. Recurring Giving (Subscription Model)

Schedule automatic weekly, monthly, or quarterly donations for steady support.

Best Practices for Church Donations:

Give Cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:7)
Be Consistent (1 Corinthians 16:2)
Keep Records for tax deductions (if applicable)
Pray Over Your Giving as an act of worship