Enabling the "cover costs" option allows donors to add a small amount to their donation to help offset transaction fees, increasing the net value of each contribution.
Step 1: Access the Contribution form settings
- Create or edit a contribution form in Online Actions
- On the Build Page step, scroll to the main contribution form settings
- Look for the "Cover Costs" section
- If you don't see this section, it may be under an advanced settings menu
Step 2: Enable the Cover Costs feature
- Check the box labeled "Enable Cover Costs"
- This activates the option for donors to cover transaction fees
- When enabled, donors will see a checkbox on the form allowing them to add an additional amount
Step 3: Configure the Cover Costs message
- Enter text explaining the Cover Costs option to donors
- Be transparent about why you're asking donors to cover fees
- Explain how covering costs helps maximize their donation's impact
- Keep the message brief and appreciative
Example: "Please add 3% to cover transaction fees so we can put your entire donation to work."
Step 4: Set the fee percentage or amount
- Choose how to calculate the additional amount:
Percentage: A percentage of the donation amount (typically 2.5-3%)
Fixed Amount: A set dollar amount added to each donation
- Enter the appropriate value based on your actual processing costs
- Consider your payment processor's fee structure when determining this amount
Step 5: Test and monitor performance
- Preview your form to see how the Cover Costs option appears
- Test making donations with and without covering costs
- After publishing, monitor what percentage of donors choose to cover costs
- Track the additional revenue generated by this feature
- Consider A/B testing different messaging to optimize opt-in rates
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