Change default setting for Donor Cover - Make it Opt-In, not Opt-Out!

As it currently stands, the default setting for Donor Cover is a checked box saying "Yes, I want to cover the fees". C'mon - it's called Donor Cover. Let the donor opt-in, not force them to opt-out! Let's be honest and upfront with our donors, please. Thanks

  • Jeffrey Starrett
  • Nov 15 2022
  • Reviewed: Voting Open
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  • Guest commented
    03 Sep 17:04

    Strongly agree. this is unethical.

  • Guest commented
    30 Aug 18:17

    We also need this for eTapestry. Allowing donors to opt in vs requiring them to opt out) makes for a better relationship with our donors.

  • Mendy Evans commented
    09 May 18:17

    We are getting pushback from donors about the box being checked for them. Some don't even understand that they can un-check it and it scares them away, so we lose that donation. I would prefer that the box not be there, but if it is going to be there, it should not default as checked.

  • Ashley Cummings commented
    16 Apr 18:55

    We are in the age where things should be "opt-in" and not "opt-out". Blackbaud really missed the mark with this one. This would be an amazing function for our organization if it wasn't defaulted to a checked box. We were so excited to use this, but the way that is, we cannot use it. Not only does it come off as deceptive but a donor would feel better being able to check the box and feel like they were choosing to give more rather than it being decided for them. This should be an easy option for Blackbaud to add and I am not sure why it hasn't been added already.

  • Guest commented
    14 Mar 15:32

    We have been getting pushback from our CFO and our finance committee about giving donors the option to cover the credit card processing fees. We know that we can offer this on each giving form, but we are hesitant because it is an opt out, rather than an opt in (the box to cover fees is automatically checked when a donor goes to make the gift). Please work on this to make it an opt in function!

  • Guest commented
    08 Jan 15:54

    Has anyone found any solution to this?

  • Guest commented
    September 15, 2023 15:00

    Strongly agree. The "Submit Payment" screen design makes it difficult for people to spot the opt-out box. We've had to make several refunds because donors didn't see the box to UNCHECK it. It erodes trust in our organization.

  • Dana Ryan commented
    August 29, 2023 13:36

    Having the default to pay fees feels very tricky, particluarly when this is a new process for our donors and the less tech savvy and visually impaired donors will be the ones who are seemingly duped into paying extra. Not only is the default checkbox already selected it is the smallest thing on the payment page. Please update this option immediately.

  • Guest commented
    June 22, 2023 18:07

    Opt-Out are big NO in this age of GDPR and Junk Fees Prevention Act. RENXT and BlackBaud need to get ahead of the regulations. Lead by example, don't wait to be forced by law to do the right thing

  • Guest commented
    June 21, 2023 00:08

    Agree, opt-in is the way to go, not prechecked for all the reasons noted. Don't upset unwary donors for the de minimus donor cover, let the donor decide to cover, not have default checked for which they have to opt out

  • Joyce May commented
    January 20, 2023 18:20

    Agreed. I was quite surprised that it was set up this way. We will lose donors who are not paying attention and let their gift go through without unchecking the box and then be upset for all the same reasons others have commented on. This needs changed regardless of how many votes it gets. It is an ethical issue and puts the charity at risk.

  • Kevyn Barnes commented
    November 17, 2022 02:46

    Agree. We lost at least one long time donor in the 10 days that we had the cover feature turned on because this leaves a bad taste of greed, especially when they are trying to submit a donation in the thousands.