Mobile Giving Accounted for Most One-Off and Monthly Donations Last Year, Report Finds

Why It Matters

As donors increasingly prefer smartphones, charities that optimize mobile donation journeys can capture a larger share of growing online giving, boosting revenue and donor retention.

Key Takeaways

• Mobile gave 58% of one‑off, 67% of monthly gifts in 2025.
• Desktop gifts higher average: $53 vs $34 per one‑off donation.
• Digital wallets used for 49% of one‑off gifts, 51% card.
• In‑memory donations 12% of gifts but 25% of one‑off revenue.
• GoDonate urges charities to adopt mobile‑first donation flows.

Pulse Analysis

Mobile giving has overtaken traditional desktop channels, now representing more than half of all one‑off and two‑thirds of recurring donations on GoDonate’s platform in 2025. This shift mirrors broader consumer behavior, where smartphones dominate e‑commerce and digital interactions. The convenience of tap‑to‑donate, integrated payment apps, and the rise of digital wallets have lowered friction, encouraging spontaneous contributions that boost overall donation volume. For nonprofits, the data underscores the urgency of meeting donors where they are—on mobile devices—if they aim to stay competitive in an increasingly digital fundraising landscape.

Financially, the mobile surge brings nuanced implications. While desktop donors still provide a higher average one‑off gift—about $53 compared with $34 on mobile—the sheer volume of mobile transactions offsets the gap, driving a 16% increase in one‑off donation income year‑over‑year. Digital wallets now split one‑off gifts almost evenly with card payments, and in‑memory giving, though only 12% of transactions, contributes a disproportionate 25% of revenue, highlighting the power of emotionally resonant appeals. Recurring donations also grew, with card and wallet contributions accounting for 45% of the total, while direct debit remains the dominant method at 55%.

The report’s recommendation is clear: charities must adopt a mobile‑first design philosophy. Simplified layouts, fewer fields, and responsive interfaces can reduce drop‑off rates and improve conversion. Moreover, leveraging data analytics to personalize appeals on small screens can enhance donor engagement. As mobile adoption continues to rise, nonprofits that invest in seamless, secure mobile experiences are poised to capture larger shares of the $38 million‑plus online giving market and sustain growth in both one‑off and recurring contributions.