1. Cash is no longer king
“The contactless giving option is awesome and a welcome addition to the giving options offered at St. Peter’s – given that society moves ever closer to a world of cashless transactions.”
Jo, St Peter’s Streatham
The use of cash has been declining for the last decade – in 2019, only 23% of transactions in the UK were in cash. And since the COVID-19 outbreak, the use of cash has plummeted. Many of the people who visit your church and would like to make a donation do not have cash to do so. Evidence also shows that those who currently give to your church are more likely to make extra one-off gifts which could be made contactlessly.
A contactless device can not only enable more giving, but also make sales at church events easier.
2. Physical donations are made safer
“It has also been invaluable during the lockdown and restricted services avoiding a reluctance from people to handle cash.”
Chris, St John the Evangelist Shirley
For many people, the physical act of giving to their church matters. Contactless can enable donors to have a tangible moment of sacrificial worship as they give in response to God’s generosity. Contactless is a COVID-safe way to donate, without needing to hand over cash or envelopes. It is also a financially safe way to give, as there is no physical money that needs to be counted and stored away.
3. Internet is not essential
“We love our GoodBox! We have it fixed in the cross aisle and parishioners can tap their card and swipe for the value they wish to donate very easily.”
St John the Baptist Croydon
Though many contactless giving devices to process donations through WiFi or 4G, not all require internet signal. Machines such as the GoodBox Mini, GoodBox Core, and PayaCharity Plus can all accept contactless donations offline, for you to upload later when connected to the internet.
If your church does not have reliable WiFi but does have 4G signal, many devices can run through a SIM card’s mobile data.
4. Gift Aid claims are easier
“Despite the greatly reduced footfall last year we received over £2,500 last year, all of which is automatically entered into our donations system for GASDS.”
Alistair, All Saints Kingston
Whichever contactless provider you use, they can provide you with detailed reporting for your records and Small Donation Scheme (GASDS) claims. Some contactless software providers, such as Give A Little, can even capture Gift Aid declarations on screen for you, making your regular Gift Aid claims even simpler.
5. Online giving can be integrated
“We’ve also set up an online campaign with Give A Little so that people can give through our website or YouTube.”
Will, All Saints West Dulwich
As we adopt new methods of giving to suit our donors, streamlining your tools can make things much easier for your Treasurer. Many contactless providers also offer online giving, meaning that your records and income from these tools are simplified.
Want to “Try Before You Buy”?
If you would like to try a contactless device, our Giving Team can arrange a short-term loan for your parish to experience this way of giving. You can register your interest online, or contact our Giving Team for more information.
You can find out more about contactless giving online, or for advice on how it could help your parish, please contact a member of our Giving Team.
