Why Traditional Giving Apps Fail (and What Churches Can Do Instead)
August 23, 2025
byGiveable AI Research
If you’ve ever signed your church up for a giving app and thought, “This should help,” only to watch donations flatline, you’re not alone. Countless pastors and church leaders put their trust in platforms like Tithe.ly, Givelify, or Pushpay - only to find out they’re little more than digital offering plates.
The truth? Traditional giving apps aren’t broken - they’re just limited. They process gifts but don’t actively help you grow them. And that’s the critical gap most churches miss.
This is where Giveable comes in: an AI-powered tool designed not just to collect donations, but to actually increase them.
The Problem with Traditional Giving Apps
1. They Only Process, Not Promote
Most giving apps are glorified payment processors. Sure, they let members tap a button and donate - but they don’t nudge, remind, or encourage generosity. If your people aren’t motivated to give, the app won’t magically fix that.
2. Zero Personalization
Your members aren’t all the same. Some give weekly. Some give once a year. Some want updates on missions, others want to fund youth programs. Traditional apps treat everyone like they’re identical. That’s a recipe for disengagement.
3. No Real Data Insights
You get totals and maybe a few charts. But you don’t know which campaigns are working, who’s lapsing, or how to build recurring giving. Without those insights, you’re just guessing.
4. They Create Staff Workloads
Ironically, most apps create more work for your team. Exporting reports. Sending reminders. Setting up campaigns from scratch. Instead of saving time, they drain it.
What Churches Actually Need
Churches don’t just need tech to accept money. They need a system that:
- Helps members feel connected to their giving
- Reduces admin stress
- Keeps generosity top of mind year-round
- Provides data to guide decisions
- Actually drives more donations
That’s the difference between a donation app and a donation engine.
Why Giveable Is Different
1. AI-Powered Giving Nudges
Giveable uses AI to identify when someone’s giving slows down - or when they might be open to recurring donations. Then, it automatically sends friendly, personalized reminders to re-engage them.
Instead of you chasing lapsed donors, Giveable does it for you.
2. Smart Campaign Automation
Launching a new ministry? Running a building fund? With Giveable, you can set up automated campaigns that reach the right people at the right time - without your staff spending hours crafting emails or texts.
3. Real-Time Insights
Giveable shows you exactly:
- Who’s giving consistently
- Who’s at risk of dropping off
- Which appeals resonate most
It’s not just “money in, money out.” It’s actionable intelligence.
4. Proven ROI
Churches using Giveable consistently report increases of 30–100% in giving within the first few months. That’s not theory - it’s trackable impact.
A Pastor’s Perspective
Pastor Mark from Riverbend Church shared:
“We had tried three different giving apps over the years. They all worked fine, but donations just sat flat. With Giveable, we saw a 62% increase in recurring giving in the first quarter. The AI follow-ups alone paid for the platform in the first month.”
This isn’t a one-off story. It’s a growing trend among churches that move from “just processing” to “actively growing” their donations.
What You Can Expect in a Demo
If you’re considering Giveable, here’s what a free demo looks like:
- A quick audit of your current giving setup
- A personalized report showing where you may be losing donations
- A live walkthrough of Giveable’s automation features
- An ROI projection specific to your church
No fluff. No tech jargon. Just clarity on how much more your church could be bringing in - and how to get there.
The Bottom Line
Traditional giving apps aren’t bad. They’re just limited. They accept money but don’t help you grow it. That’s why so many churches hit a giving plateau and never break past it.
Giveable is built to change that. By using AI to engage donors, automate campaigns, and provide real-time insights, it’s not just another tool - it’s a growth partner.
Don’t let your church stay stuck with outdated donation tech. The future of giving is smarter, automated, and deeply connected.
Call to Action
Ready to see the difference?
Book your free donation audit today and discover exactly how much your church is leaving on the table. Try Giveable free and start growing generosity in 90 days.