Digital Giving

The Diocese of Exeter is helping churches embrace digital giving tools and strategies. With their resources and guidance, parishes can confidently step into the future of giving.

Why Digital Giving Matters

The rise of cashless transactions has made digital giving an essential part of church life. Figures from Lloyds Bank show that from June 2019 to 2021, contactless payments rose dramatically, with 87% of face-to-face payments now made using this method. By 2023, Barclays reported that over 93% of all in-store card transactions up to £100 were contactless. This trend is also seen in churches as payments made via card now make up twice the volume and value of cash payments. Even more recently, the Church of England National Team anticipates that churches using Give A Little will collectively raise almost £16m this year, which is an incredible sum and testament to the generosity of those who give to support churches across the country.

This trend has clear implications for churches, especially as the fastest-growing segment of contactless users is over-65s. In 2022 alone, churches across the UK received nearly £10m through digital donations. By adopting these technologies, your church can better engage a cashless society while ensuring donations continue to support your mission.

How to get Involved

Email the Mission Resources Team, who will guide you through the first two points below to determine the most suitable option for your church before progressing to the Try Before You Buy (TBYB) scheme.

Key Steps to Implement Digital Giving

1 Assess Your Church’s Needs and Constraint

Decide where the device will be used—inside, outside, or at events—estimate expected donation levels, and consider security, power, and internet requirements.

2. Establish Connectivity
Ensure reliable internet access via broadband, Wi‑Fi, or 4G, and use a mobile data router if thick walls or weak signal make connectivity difficult.

3. Set Up Online Accounts
Create a merchant account such as SumUp, and for integrated devices set up a Give A Little account. Churches registered with Parish Buying can use Give A Little for free, benefit from discounted transaction fees, and manage both card‑reader and online donations in one place, including exporting Gift Aid data in HMRC‑compatible format.

4. Promote Contactless Giving
Place the device prominently, support it with clear signage or announcements, and communicate your church’s mission to encourage giving.

5. Maximize Gift Aid
Use the Gift Aid Small Donations Scheme for donations under £30, and rely on device features that help track and report eligible gifts efficiently.

Regular Giving

Whilst card readers and online giving suit ad‑hoc donations, the Church of England encourages regular giving through the Parish Giving Scheme (PGS). Registered churches can offer direct debit giving (monthly, quarterly or annually), with options to: