Your Peers Have Done It—Now It’s Your Turn: PCI v4 Success Stories

With the PCI v4 deadline fast approaching, organizations are using this time to strengthen their fundraising strategies and build donor trust by aligning with the latest security standards.

Those currently transitioning report benefits like streamlined donation processes and new payment options. Organizations that have already completed their updates say these upgrades have enhanced online fundraising and reinforced donor confidence.
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Addressing Common Concerns About PCI v4

The aim of PCI v4 compliance is to enhance security and prevent fraud. However, many organizations had concerns before adopting these changes.

• Will the process be disruptive? – Organizations worried about the effort required to update their forms while maintaining daily fundraising activities. However, after making the change, they found no disruptions.

• Will the new forms integrate smoothly? – Many found that the new standard forms run smoother than expected as it offers all the functionality without the need for extensive customization.
• Will donors find the process easier or harder? – Early adopters have reported positive outcomes, such as increased mobile donations and even smoother transactions due to more digital wallet options being available.

Key Takeaway: These concerns are common, but organizations that have made the switch are seeing improved donor satisfaction, smoother operations, and better security. Let's see how they achieved this and what your organization can learn from them.
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Transitioning to PCI v4: Smoother Than Expected

Many anticipated a lengthy and challenging PCI v4 transition, especially with limited internal resources and numerous donation forms to revise. However, those who have finished the transition found it easier than anticipated, especially with proper support.

Here’s feedback from a company about how their Customer Success Manager (CSM) helped them navigate the updates more smoothly:

"Thankfully, our CSM was able to get a Blackbaud developer to help with about 130 forms, so that saved me a lot of time!"

Key Takeaway: Although revising forms involves work, organizations that utilized available support and developer resources experienced a smoother transition. If you're still updating—they can greatly ease the process.
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Enhanced Look and Feel: A More Modern and User-Friendly Giving Experience

Many groups found another benefit: a smoother and updated donation process. One group noted the new checkout method is much better than the old one.

"I think the new payment options will give donors more flexibility and comfort in their security. Options like digital wallets provide an extra layer of reassurance, and I know from personal experience that I prefer using Apple Pay whenever possible."

In addition to looking better, the new forms enhance user experience and build donor confidence. The improved checkout process and added digital wallet options aim to make donors feel safer and more comfortable when donating online.

Key Takeaway: Those who have adopted the new system are reporting a smoother, more modern experience that positively impacts both fundraisers and donors.
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Unlocking More Payment Flexibility

One of the biggest advantages of the PCI v4-compliant donation forms is the easy addition of digital wallet options:

• Apple Pay
• Google Pay
• PayPal/Venmo

"Given that our organization operates under a federated model with multiple setups, it's great to have digital wallets as a simple checkbox option. This makes it so much easier to standardize across all our locations."

Digital wallet payment options provide greater donor flexibility and security, especially for those who feel hesitant about entering their credit card details manually:

"I think the new payment options will give donors more flexibility and comfort in their security. Options like digital wallets allow them to give without entering card numbers directly, which is reassuring."

Before, adding digital wallets involved extra steps and could be tricky. Now, organizations can easily provide donors with more options at checkout for a smooth and secure donation process.

Key Takeaway: With the ability to easily enable digital wallets, organizations are seeing a smoother checkout experience and greater donor confidence in online giving.
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Moving Away from Customizations: A Strategic Shift Toward Standardization

Many organizations saw the move to PCI v4-compliant forms as a chance to simplify their online donation processes. Previously dependent on custom API-driven forms, they discovered that standard forms could provide the needed functionality with less development effort.

"We took this as an opportunity to evaluate all our forms and see how we could simplify our processes. By moving to more ‘out-of-the-box’ functionality, we can now take advantage of new features as they roll out—something that was much harder to do with our customized API forms."

Another company discovered they could recreate most of their old custom features with standard forms, simplifying updates.

"You can do a lot with a Standard Form! I've been able to reproduce a near API experience just by using JavaScript and built-in settings. It’s been a great way to reduce reliance on custom development."

Key Takeaway: Many organizations are now using standard forms for long-term strategies instead of creating complex custom forms. By using built-in standard forms, they reduce maintenance, increase scalability, and prepare for future platform updates.
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Security & Compliance: A Necessary, Industry-Wide Change

Adopting PCI v4 compliance initially seemed burdensome, but organizations now see it as part of a global push for better payment security and donor data protection.

"PCI is forcing this update—it's happening everywhere, not just in the charitable giving space. Every point of sale, whether it’s a nonprofit or a major retailer like Home Depot, has to comply with these new security standards. It’s a major industry shift, not just a Blackbaud-specific change."

Many organizations also value that Blackbaud is simplifying what they would otherwise need to manage on their own.

"I used to do pure PCI compliance in another organization, and it’s brutal. Blackbaud is taking a lot of the weight off us as customers. If we had to do this all on our own, the compliance testing alone would be a massive challenge."

Key Takeaway: These compliance updates enhance donor transaction safety, reduce fraud, and build trust in online giving.
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Looking Ahead: Future Enhancements and Continued Improvements

We are excited about the upcoming enhancements that will make donation processing even better. Customers have prioritized improvements to recurring giving and expanded PayPal options.

"I’m really looking forward to the fee cover option and the direct debit feature. These additions will make a big difference for our donors and internal processes."

Key Takeaway: Blackbaud is enhancing donation forms with improvements to fee offsets, recurring giving and PayPal integration, promising a better donor payment experience.
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Final Takeaway: You’re Not Alone in This

Several organizations have already finished, showing that the switch is doable and worthwhile. Although compliance updates can seem tough, those who have accepted them now enjoy better security, increased donor trust, and a smoother giving process.

Ensuring compliance now will help you avoid potential disruptions to your online fundraising. If you still need help, Blackbaud is here to support you.

Countdown to PCI v4: Last-Minute Checklist and Resources

We’d love to hear about your journey!

If your organization has successfully transitioned to PCI v4, share your success story with us and help inspire others who are still in the process. For any questions or additional guidance, contact our team—we’re here to support you every step of the way.