Digital Giving
Having ways of digital giving within your church, whether physically through donation devices or digitally through online giving and QR codes, helps to make our churches more welcoming. It is particularly helpful for those who attend our churches who don’t carry cash, whether they attend regularly, for life events or at special services means that they can still participate in expressing their generosity to God in a way that they prefer and are used to.
1. Online Giving
Online giving is one of the main ways we can utilise digital giving. Being able to give online to our churches through the church website or social media page, opens up so many possibilities for those who might want to express their generosity to God, no matter where they might be located.
You can create an online giving page through Parish Buying (https://parishbuying.org.uk/products-services/digital-giving-payments/online-giving-qr-codes/), allowing you to add a ‘donate here’ button to your church website, ‘A Church Near You’ website or any social media pages where your church might have an online presence. This is really helpful, especially for those of our churches who utilise online services.
More information about online giving can be found here: https://www.churchofengland.org/resources/building-generous-church/enabling-giving/giving-mechanisms/online-giving
2. QR Codes
QR codes which are a picture of a barcode that when scanned with a smartphone camera, takes the giver straight to the church’s giving page to be able to complete a donation. They can be used digitally online, printed out to be included on service sheets, notice boards or even stuck behind the pews in church. For further information, please see this link: https://www.churchofengland.org/resources/building-generous-church/enabling-giving/giving-mechanisms/qr-codes
3. Contactless Giving by Card
Contactless giving enables people to give to your church by tapping a contactless donation device with their card, smart watch or phone. It can be used for both payments within the church, such as in the church café, or for donations. There is a range of devices that are recommended to suit different church needs, including some that are able to work offline, perfect for churches without WiFi or mobile connectivity.
To find out more about the different contactless devices, please see: https://parishbuying.org.uk/products-services/digital-giving-payments/online-giving-qr-codes/