eGiving Q&A

what to expect

 

Frequently asked questions about eGiving

 
 

What is eGiving?
eGiving is short for electronic giving. It is an automatic transfer program which allows you to make contributions without writing checks. This can be done from anywhere, anytime, 24 hours a day.
 
What are the advantages of eGiving?
It saves time! It saves work! It simplifies your life! And it makes it easy to fulfill stewardship commitments, even when you can’t attend church.
You also help First Church stabilize its budget, reduce administrative work and save money.
 
Is my giving information secure?
Absolutely. Any personal or financial information you enter is encrypted using SSL security – the same state-of-the-art security measures used by online retailers, banks, and other financial institutions.
 
Can anyone who works at the church see my bank or credit/debit account numbers?
No. No one at the church has access to your account/credit/debit card numbers. eGiving is an externally hosted solution; participants deal directly with the safe, secure Vanco website.
 
How much does eGiving cost?
It costs you nothing. 100% of your offering will go to God’s work at First Church.
For First Church, there is small monthly service fee along with a percentage per transaction fee. You will have the option to help offset this fee when making a donation.

 
What payment methods are accepted?
Donations are accepted through all the major debit and/or credit cards, as well as, through checking/savings account.
 
Will I receive a receipt when I give online?
Yes. You will be emailed a donation receipt each time you give. You will also receive your standard offering statement from First Church every quarter.
 
Is there a minimum or maximum I can give online?
No. That said, for very large gifts, we recommend you contact us to ensure your gift is processed in a timely fashion.
 
Can I designate my donation to different funds?
Yes. The most common funds are available for designation; including, General Fund, Building Fund, and Love Our Neighbor Fund. Other funds are added as needed. Also, you can designate money to different funds all in one transaction.
 
How will eGiving appear on my bank or credit/debit account statement?
All transactions will appear as “First Congregational UCC”.
 
Do I have to establish an eGiving account?
No. You can give single donations as a guest checkout; however, if you do not establish an account some of the other features will not be available to you like setting up reoccurring donations or checking donation history.
 
Can I check my donations online?
Yes. You can view all contributions online.
 
Can I look up all my donations online, even those that I gave while at church?
No. The only transactions you can view online are the ones that were completed online. Please contact the church office for complete donation (online and in person) information.
 
Can I setup reoccurring donations?
Yes. You can choose how often you want to give. Make a one-time gift, periodic gifts or you have the option of setting up your donation to reoccur automatically on a weekly, biweekly or monthly basis. You can also cancel these at anytime
 
How quickly is my donation processed?
One-time debit/credit card donations are processed immediately. Automatic withdrawals (ACH) from deposit accounts and recurring debit/credit donations received before 3 pm CT Monday through Friday will be processed that day. ACH and recurring debit/credit donations received after 3 pm CT on Friday will be processed the following business day.
 
How quickly is my donation deposited to First Church?
Gifts through made online or through the mobile app are electronically deposited into First Church’s bank account within 2 to 4 business days.
 
What do I use when I do my taxes? Will I get a statement of everything I gave online?
You will receive a year end offering statement from First Church with all your donation information (online and in person).
 
What if I try eGiving and don’t like it?
You can go back to your regular method of donation at anytime.If you setup automatic withdrawals, you can also cancel them at anytime.
 
How do I get started?
Download the FREE Vanco Mobile app on your Apple or Android phone. Search for “Vanco Mobile Faith Engagement” in the App Store or Google Play. Or you can give online at our website at  www.1congoucc.com and click on eGiving.

 
 

If you have additional questions, please contact the church office at ChurchOffice@1congoucc.com or 920-893-3411.