The way people use money is changing, and churches are not alone in providing ways to give that are accessible, visible, and straightforward.
Find out the various mechanisms recommended for parishes to encourage and enable generous giving from all parts of your church community.
Many people are used to paying using a contactless device, either with a bank card or with their smart phone. Many churches today have a contactless payment device, often at the back of the church, where people can give, quickly and easily, on their way into or out of the building. We recommend having signage close by to explain what the funds go towards. Be sure to set up the contactless device with some suggested donation levels. There are several different types of device and several providers of the online services that connect the device to the banking system. We recommend that you explore what is available through the Parish Buying scheme:
Another useful tool is the QR code. Added to service sheets, for your regular services, for weddings and for funerals, the QR code enables people to give easily and securely at a time and location that suits them, using a smart phone. You can connect your QR code to your Parish Giving Scheme account.
There are several ways to give to your church online - as a one off donation or as a regular gift. The preferred method is via the Church of England's Parish Giving Scheme also known as the PGS. You can use the PGS to give to any church anywhere in the Church of England. You can also index-link your regular gift so that it automatically adjusts once a year in line with inflation. Find out more here:
For nearly five hundred years the Church of England has encouraged its members to keep their wills up to date. The Book of Common Prayer reminds people to “settle their estates whilst they are in good health”. Yet research shows that over half the U.K. adult population have not yet written a will. If you die without a will, the courts decide what will happen to your assets and your family, friends or favourite charity may lose out.
Legacies are a lifeline for our parishes. Church of England parishes receive over 4,000 legacies each year - gifts to finance mission projects, maintain beautiful church buildings and grow faithful communities. These gifts make a real difference to the future work of the Church - as regular giving often concentrates on maintaining the existing mission and ministry.
God gave us everything we have. Our stewardship beliefs and practices teach us that when we have no further use for our earthly possessions, we give back to God. Gifts in Wills are an important part of Christian giving, and leaving a gift to your church is a way to thank God for all the blessings you have received in your lifetime.
- Most people will only leave a gift in their will if they think their church will use it for worthwhile projects, not simply to fund operating costs. A legacy policy allows the PCC to prepare and discuss how they would wish to see a gift used. It can also help to reassure those interested that the PCC has a policy in place.
- PCCs should agree a policy on how potential legacy income will be spent, and then communicate it to the congregation. It is also advisable to discourage restricted gifts since the needs of a church will change over time. The Church Legacy team have created a template to help you create your own local church legacy policy.
- Family and friends often wish to donate a gift to a church in memory of a loved one or friend, perhaps in the form of an item to beautify a church, or for use in worship or church activities. Please use this helpful guide to encourage and receive 'in memoriam' gifts.
- Sharing in the experience of others, whose churches have been transformed by a legacy gift, is a great way to promote legacy giving. You can read some amazing stories on the Church Legacy website.
- Request your free PCC Legacy Toolkit from the Church Legacy pages of the Parish Resources website.
- Our Finance Team can help with further advice or please contact the National Legacy Officer free phone 08445 870875
Gift Aid and the Gift Aid Small Donations Scheme provides parishes with very valuable additional income. It’s very important to make the most of the benefits these schemes offer.
- Visit our Gift Aid web page to find out more.