Our churches who received a contactless device and set up an online giving account during the Digital Giving Rollout have made an excellent start!
A total of 110 devices are in use in our diocese, which is 10% of the national total delivered across 19 dioceses so far.
Here’s a summary of the picture so far at the beginning of July:
- £26,500 had been raised
- 2,838 transactions
- Average donation of £9.34
Most of these donations represent new money, and they are larger amounts when compared to the average cash-in plate donation of around £3.
Why is this important?
With cards overtaking cash as the preferred form of payment in society, we know that having the ability to accept digital donations is going to be key for many churches in the years to come. Enabling people to give to churches using digital mechanisms makes it easier for people to give when they wish to do so - and in many cases it could be what allows that person to make a donation in the first place, given they may not be carrying cash. In 2022, churches across the country received digital donations and payments of almost £10m. Average donations for Contactless was £7.93 and £39.03 for online.
What next?
Contact Paul Bailey, Diocesan Giving Advisor, or your Deanery Transformation Support Officer to get the ball rolling at your church, or for some hints and tips to improve what you already have in place.
The National Giving Team regularly organises webinars and the next one ‘Getting Started with Contactless’ takes place on Wednesday 16th August at 3 p.m. You can register to attend here.
Parish Buying is the best place to have a look at the available options for Contactless devices, online giving, and the supporting merchant accounts you’ll need. The purchase prices and transaction fee rates are cheaper too.
Already have a device? Share your experience with us!