E-Giving
Answering Your Questions About E-Giving
1. What is electronic giving (e-giving) and how does it work?
E-giving is a direct debit program whereby your contribution is debited automatically from your checking or savings account. Once you complete and sign the authorization form, which is linked at the bottom of this page, and return it to the church, the contribution amount you specify will automatically be transferred from your bank account to the church’s account at Wells Fargo Bank on the date(s) specified.
2. What are the advantages of e-giving?
It makes it easy to fulfill stewardship commitments, even when you can’t attend church. You never have to bring cash or checks to church.
3. When will my contribution be deducted from my account?
Your electronic contribution will be debited on the date you specify on the authorization form.
4. If I do not write checks, how do I keep my checkbook balance straight?
Since your contribution is made at a pre-established time, you simply record it in your check register on the appropriate date.
5. What if I forget to write down my e-gift in my checkbook and it bounces?
The church will not charge you a non-sufficient funds fee but your bank probably will. Check with your bank for the specifics of their charges. Our e-giving service provider will charge us $3 for each returned item but at this time we do not plan to pass that fee on to you.
6. Without a canceled check, how can I prove I made my contribution?
Your bank statement gives you an itemized list of electronic transactions. It is your proof of contributing. In addition, we will issue a contributor’s letter at the end of the year for tax purposes as we have always done for those with giving numbers. If you sign up for e-giving and do not already have a contributor’s number, one will be assigned to you.
7. What if I change bank accounts?
Notify the church and you will receive a new authorization form to complete.
8. Is e-giving risky?
It’s less risky than writing checks or bringing cash to church. Electronic contributions cannot be lost, stolen, or destroyed and have an extremely high rate of accuracy.
9. How much does electronic giving cost?
It costs you nothing. There is a per transaction fee of $0.25 plus a one time set up fee of $1.50 per contributor. The approximate cost for 40 families giving twice monthly is $275 annually plus a one time set up fee of $60.
10. What if I try e-giving and don’t like it?
You can cancel your authorization by notifying the church at any time.
11. I prefer to put something in the offering plate each week, that’s why I don’t sign up.
You can still put an offering envelope in the offering each week. Simply mark it “e-gift” with the amount, designate to whatever funds you want to, and your name and giving number.
12. I divide my gift each week to various ministries. Can my e-gift be divided that way?
If you want to designate to other funds please use an offering envelope as explained in question 11.
13. How do I sign up for electronic giving?
You may pick up a form from the literature rack, complete it, and turn it in to the church office. Or you may use the online brochure and form linked below.