3. Set up online or regular giving options - it can be easier than you think
At this time, it is key to make giving as simple as possible. Online donation platforms are key, and are easier to set up than you might think. Please see below.
The National Church team have just published this encouraging giving online advice, which includes an animation you can customise via your 'A Church Near You' login, although you can use the customised video however you wish. The animation has recently been updated to reflect the fact that some churches are now partially back in their own buildings. CofE churches should have their own entry on 'A Church Near You' website, and ACNY have now published information on how to set up an online giving page on the ACNY website. (You will need to set up an online giving provider first). You can also watch this ten minute step-by-step video to explain how to set up online giving. Do contact Naomi or Clare if you have any questions!
There is now a 'donate' button available on each church homepage on A Church Near You. This means that churches will be able to link their online giving page to this button. There's a little video to help you: https://vimeo.com/417954021 Obviously, this is only useful to churches who have an online giving page so dp sign up for that as well https://www.parishbuying.org.uk/online-giving.
We warmly recommend The National Church's very popular online giving webinars. See which topics and dates are available. The next is on 25th Sept - book now.
Very quick, simple, and cheap online giving solution:
You can now create a very simple online giving page with market-leading transaction rates via Parish Buying. You can use your existing SumUp account, or create a new one (takes 24 hours), and from there, it is five minutes work to create a page through the Give a Little app. (If you don't want the £19 card reader and just want the online account just click 'I already have a reader' when prompted.) All instructions are on the giving online page - you can get to the SumUp info via the first link. (You may need to log into your Parish Buying account first).
This parish resources page has a complete overview of all the online options available, and we've also produced a diocesan How to... Set up an Online giving page to guide you through the process
You may like to know that Data Developments' platform My Giving Online is being offered for free for 90 days (with potential for extension and no obligation to continue). Please see here for more information on the platform and free training videos: https://www.datadevelopments.co.uk/services/. And the I Know Church software package is also being offered for free until 30th Sept with no obligation to purchase.
Parish Giving Scheme phone option
If your church is already registered with PGS, then new donors will be able to sign up to a regular gift over the phone - just make sure your parishioners have your unique PGS code. Over 500 signed up in the first 18 days, so this has proved popular. The PGS has great benefits for your church - simplified admin, no cost to you, monthly cash flow... get your parish signed up today if you haven't already!
If you want to send round PDF versions of the direct debit form, Naomi can now help you by providing forms specific for your church. Also, if you want to register during lock-down, just contact Naomi.
In addition to this, we recommend speaking to all parishioners who do not currently give via the Parish Giving Scheme or through existing standing orders, to encourage setting up new standing orders. You can find links to template forms here. Ensure that people choosing this option are provided with all the details needed to make a payment:
- Church bank account name
- bank name, sort code, account number.
You should ask people to include their name within the payment reference so you can record their giving and claim Gift Aid where you hold a current Gift Aid declaration for them.