Dear Customer,
Thank you for choosing Online Giving to manage your church’s online contributions! Online
Giving is an effective, modern way for members to connect with their church and manage their
personal giving. Your church will benefit from receiving more consistent contributions which
require less processing effort from administration. The Online Giving solution from ParishSOFT
sets itself apart from other electronic donation options with its flexibility, low cost, and
customization capabilities.
While Online Giving is a great option for many parishioners, it does take some promotional and
administrative effort to convert members from using the offering basket to Online Giving. We’ve
designed this Online Giving Marketing Kit to help you encourage parishioners to sign up and
start giving. Here you’ll find the planning, ideas, and customizable materials you’ll need to get
Online Giving up and running at your parish. Whether you’ve just purchased Online Giving or
have had the program for a while, you can find helpful ideas and materials here and on the web:
http://www.parishsoft.com/onlinegiving/kit/.
This packet consists of the following:
Checklists
Initial Launch Checklist
for Online Giving startup
Ongoing Promotion Checklist
to keep your program visible and growing
Ideas/Inspiration
5 Marketing Campaigns
to inspire your own creative ideas or to use as
are
Digital Resource
Button for Website | download
to highlight Online Giving and direct members to
the Online Giving portal
Materials (Customizable)
Announcements | download
for your bulletin, newsletter, website, and church services
Program Introduction Letter | download
to introduce the Online Giving program to families
Thank You Letter | download
from your pastor to your members
Online Giving FAQs | download
about the system
In-pew or Letter Insert | download
to promote Online Giving and offertory participation
Online Giving Poster | download
to display in your gathering spaces
Mailing Insert | download
for ongoing promotions
Offertory Cards | download
for online givers to place in the basket
Thank you for choosing ParishSOFT. If you have any questions or comments, please call
866.930.4774 x2 or email support@parishsoft.com. We look forward to serving you!
Sincerely,
ParishSOFT Customer Service Team, ParishSOFT LLC
Online Giving Initial Launch Checklist
Get your Online Giving program off to a powerful start with these initial tasks
and communications to your church members. Use this checklist in your
planning meetings with parish staff, pastor, and finance/parish council.
1
Launch Task
Publish Pre-Launch
Announcement for Pulpit, Bulletin
& Website1
Customizable samples provided by ParishSOFT at www.parishsoft.com/onlinegiving/kit/
Recommended Timeline
Six weeks to one week prior to
launch
Creates sense of anticipation, gets
members comfortable with language
Post a link to the Online Giving
system on church website
Include FAQs and program information1
May use the Online Giving button1
Send Program Introduction Letter
and Mailing Insert on Online
Giving1
Date Completed
 Pre-launch announcement
____/____/____
 Link on website
Any time prior to launch
____/____/____
Publish to arrive just prior to Week
#1 Announcement
 Intro letter to members
____/____/____
Mail/email to all church members
Announce1 at Church Services
Begin with the Week #1 Pulpit
Announcement
 Week #1 ____/____/____
Time with your readiness to accept
gifts from families in the Online
Giving system.
 Week #2 ____/____/____
 Week #3 ____/____/____
Announce in bulletin, newsletter,
website
Begin with the Week #1 Bulletin and
Website Announcement1
 Week #1 ____/____/____
Time to coincide with weekly Pulpit
Announcements
 Week #2 ____/____/____
 Week #3 ____/____/____
Test Drive for Members
Internet connection, administrator-created
“false personas” required
Place Online Giving Posters1 in
Gathering Areas
Hallways, coffee room, classrooms,
bulletin boards
Stock Info Cards In-pews1
Place at pew ends or in songbooks
Stock “I Gave Online” Cards1
Place in church entryway, recycle and
replace after offertory for reuse
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Week #2—Add to Pulpit
Announcement
 Test Drive ____/____/____
Time to coincide with Week #1
Announcement
 Poster ____/____/____
Time printing so cards are available
when you deliver Week #1
Announcement
 Info Cards
Time printing so cards are available
on same weekend as Week #1
Announcement
 “I Gave Online” Cards
____/____/____
____/____/____
Online Giving Ongoing Promotion Checklist
The most successful Online Giving programs are those that are kept “in the news” on an
ongoing basis. Continue to grow your Online Giving income by blending your creativity
with the checklist items below.
1
Customizable samples provided by ParishSOFT at www.parishsoft.com/onlinegiving/kit/
Promotion Task
Goal
Run a Marketing Campaign1
You can look for ideas on our website!
Incorporate themes that will resonate with
your various demographics.
Date Completed
 Campaign #1 ____/____/____
Begin any time after initial launch
to generate new and continued
interest in Online Giving.
 Campaign #2 ____/____/____
 Campaign #3 ____/____/____
Post Financial Results
Online versus physical donations.
Consider reporting monthly income rather
than weekly in printed and pulpit
announcement. Provide quarterly reports,
as well. Include with promotional inserts,
pledge drive appeals, etc.
Be open and transparent. Increase  Offertory Report (Weekly/Monthly)
members’ comfort level with the
____/____/____
program. Point out the growth or
steadiness of online gifts versus
 Statements (Monthly/Quarterly)
physical collections.
____/____/____
Report Number of Families Giving
As your numbers increase, make it part of
your church dialog, especially during a
special marketing campaign or when you
reach goals (50, 100, etc. givers),
Recognize Online Givers
Thank them during mass—ask them to
stand up if your numbers are large
enough. Send thank you letter1 to
families.
Promotes comfort level, safety of
the program for members.
 Link on website
____/____/____
Reach a broader audience through  Recognition from Pulpit
written and verbal thanks. During
____/____/____
mass, recognition lets members
see who is giving online and
 Thank You Letter
addresses concept that “no
envelope” does not indicate “no
____/____/____
giving.”
Ask for and Share Testimonials
Ask families in person or via email why
they like Online Giving, and get
permission to publish their comments—
either with their name or anonymously.
Promotes comfort level, safety of
the program for members.
Share Success Stories
How is Online Giving benefiting your
church? Tell your members. When
conducting a special campaign, report
your results.
Share church goals and
accomplishments as well as
personal experiences from
members.
Learn/Address Members’ Concerns
Not signed up for Online Giving yet? Why
not? You can use our FAQs1 to answer
questions.
Test Drive for Members
Internet connection, administrator-created
“false personas” required.
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Pub M817 Online Giving Marketing Kit
Learn and address their concerns.
The test drive is an ideal way to
capture this type of feedback.
 Testimonials ____/____/____
 Success Story
____/____/____
 Learn/Address Concerns
____/____/____
Let members experience the ease
and convenience “hands on.” Time
 Test Drive ____/____/____
test drives to coincide with your
marketing efforts.
Online Giving Announcements
For Your Bulletin, Website, or Pulpit
Use these pulpit, bulletin, and website announcements as is, or modify them as you like
to encourage your members to participate in Online Giving. We’ve given you several
options because we think changing up your message throughout the year will allow you
to emphasize the various benefits of Online Giving, and parishioners will be more likely
to read an announcement if it looks new and seasonally appropriate.
Launching Online Giving
Week #1: Pulpit Announcement
We’re pleased to announce that [Your Church Name] now provides Online
Giving—a convenient and safe way to make a one-time or recurring donation.
Getting started is easy—just visit our website, [www.yoursite.com], and click our
Online Giving link. When you participate, your gift will transfer directly into the
parish bank account. And you won’t have to remember to write a check or stop
by the ATM on Sundays! [Optional: And if you still want to place something in
the offertory basket, just pick up one of our “I GAVE ONLINE” cards on your way
into church and use that at offertory time.] You can find out more about Online
Giving in this week’s bulletin.
Week #1: Bulletin & Website Announcement
[Your Church Name] now provides Online Giving—a convenient and safe way to
make a one-time or recurring donation. Getting started is easy—just visit our
website, [www.yoursite.com], and click our Online Giving link. When you
participate, your gift will be securely transferred directly into the parish bank
account. And you won’t have to remember to write a check or stop by the ATM
on Sundays! [Optional: And if you still want to place something in the offertory
basket, just pick up one of our “I GAVE ONLINE” cards on your way into church
and use that at offertory time.]
Week #2: Pulpit Announcement
Last week we announced that we’re now offering Online Giving. If you manage
your bills online, why not give to your church online? It’s safe and secure, and
you decide exactly when your gift is made and where it goes. So if you forgot
your envelope last week, [or if you missed our second collection], you can go
online and make a gift to the [special collection] fund or our regular offertory.
Please check the bulletin or visit [www.yoursite.com] to find out how to give
online. [Optional: Or take a test drive today and make a “pretend” gift on one of
our parish laptops after mass. We’re using a false persona for these test drives,
so go ahead and give millions if you like! Volunteers are available at each laptop
in the gathering space to answer your questions.]
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Pub M817 Online Giving Marketing Kit
Week #2: Bulletin & Website Announcement
Last week we announced that we’re now offering Online Giving. If you manage
your bills online, we’re sure you’ll like giving to your church online. It’s safe and
secure, and you decide exactly when your gift is made and where it goes. Online
Giving lets you set up a recurring pledge or a one-time gift to our offertory and
special collections, so you’ll be able to give the way you want—even if you’ve
forgotten your envelope. Please visit [www.yoursite.com] to get started with this
convenient giving option.
Week #3: Pulpit Announcement
Thank you to the [many or xx actual number] families who have come on board
and signed up for Online Giving. Your gifts and your participation are a blessing
to us. This convenient giving option is available from our church website at
[www.yoursite.com]—just click the link that says Online Giving. When you
participate, you can view your giving history and pledge progress any time just by
logging in. Learn more in this week’s bulletin.
Week #3: Bulletin & Website Announcement
Thank you to the [many or xx actual number] families that have signed up for
Online Giving! If you manage your bills online, we’re sure you’ll like the
convenience of giving to your church online. It’s safe and secure, and you decide
exactly when your gift is made and where it goes. You can even view your giving
history and pledge progress at any time, just by logging in. Please visit
[www.yoursite.com] and click the Online Giving link to get started or access your
existing account.
Seasonal
Beginning of the Year
Track Your Giving in [insert new year]!
Have you considered using Online Giving? By creating a login and contributing
online you’ll always have a report of your giving history available. You can
access your report easily and securely via the web, and your information will
always be up-to-date with your latest contributions. You can find the Online
Giving link on [www.yoursite.com].
New Year’s Resolution
This year, we encourage you to make a New Year’s resolution that will make a
big difference for you and [Your Church Name]: commit to consistent giving. This
can be difficult, but we have a tool that will make it just a bit easier. Those who
give online tend to give more and give consistently. Through our secure Online
Giving program, accessible from [www.yoursite.com], you can set up recurringor
one-timegifts, contribute to specific funds, and see your giving history at anytime.
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Pub M817 Online Giving Marketing Kit
Lent
Lenten Discipline: Stewardship
Lent is a time of discipline.And the discipline of stewardship—of planned and
consistent giving—is appropriate for this time. As you spend time in
contemplation this season, consider planning your giving for this season as well
as seasons to come. You can use Online Giving—our secure giving option
accessible through our church website—to plan and give this season. You can
use Online Giving for your regular tithes or to contribute to special funds. You
can find the Online Giving link on [www.yoursite.com].
Busy in the Office—Help out by Using Online Giving!
You can probably tell from just the church bulletin that we get pretty busy this
time of year! [List some of your seasonal activities]. You can help us out by using
Online Giving instead of giving by envelope. Did you know church staff spend
approximately [your churches # of hours] hours processing checks/cash
contributions every week, but it only takes [your churches # of hours/minutes] to
keep tabs on what we receive online? That’s because onlinegifts go directly from
your bank account to ours… no physical processing required! Online Giving is
secure and easy for you to use. Just look for the link on our [www.yoursite.com].
Spring Time (Growth Season):
Watch Your Giving Grow as You Help Us Grow Our Ministry!
If you give through Online Giving—our secure giving program, accessible from
the church website—you can watch your giving grow this season… and
throughout the year! When you create a login, your gift and pledge history will be
stored so that you can access it at anytime. This will allow you to accurately
assess how much you’re giving to what so that you can make informed decisions
and plan your future gifts. It also helps us in the church office; there’s much less
processing for online gifts than for envelope gifts!
Memorial Day (Beginning of Summer)
Keep [Your Church Name] in Mind during Your Summer Travels
Have fun on your summer vacations! We know you’ll be out of town for a few
Sundays this summer, but that doesn’t mean you can’t participate through
yourregular tithes. With Online Giving you can contribute from wherever you
are… you can even set up payments in advance if you like! And when you give
online, it helps us make our budget, even when attendance is low. Visit
[www.yoursite.com]for the Online Giving link.
Your Church Staff Enjoy Vacations Too!
Help us save a little extra time this summer by switching from giving via envelope
to giving online. It takes much less time for us to process online gifts (and we bet
it will take less time for you too!) We could really use the extra time this summer,
and we think you’ll like the easy-to-use and secure Online Giving program. Look
for the link on [www.yoursite.com].
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Pub M817 Online Giving Marketing Kit
Beginning of the School Year
Simplify with Online Giving
Looking for ways to simplify your busy back-to-school schedule? Try Online
Giving. It’s a secure and easy way to tithe and make other contributions. You can
even set up automatic payments that will occur periodically so you don’t have to
worry about remembering when to give. Look for the link on [www.yoursite.com].
Give Your Tithe and Pay Your Tuition at the Same Time!*
If your children attend [Name of Parish School], then you’re now accustomed to
our Online Giving system. Did you know that we also accept tithes and other
contributions through Online Giving? If you choose to use Online Giving, you can
set up automatic payments, check your giving history, and make your
contributions from anywhere and at anytime you like! We like it when you give
online because it’s easier for us to process online gifts.
*Only use this one if your church accepts school tuition through Online Giving.
Thanksgiving
Give Thanks with Online Giving
We have much to be thankful for! Consider using Online Giving to make a special
“Thanksgiving Gift.” You can use the “Quick Give” feature to give a one-time gift
without creating a login, and you’ll see a list of our special funds from which you
can choose to contribute. We’ll also be giving thanks when you use Online Giving
because it’s so easy for us to process!
December
Don’t Forget, Gifts to [Your Church Name] Are Tax-Deductable
If you are considering making a tax-deductable gift before the end of the year,
consider funding our ministries at [Your Church Name]. We appreciate the
generosity of our members, and we even have Online Giving, a safe and secure
way for you to contribute via the web. Funds are transferred directly from your
account to ours, and when you login, you’ll be able to view a report of your
transactions that shows your total tax-deductable contributions. Look for the link
on [www.yoursite.com].
Other
You Don’t Have to Take a Rain Check on Your Tithe
Even when the weather is bad and you can’t make it on Sunday, you can still
tithe! With Online Giving, you can give from anywhere and even set up
contributions in advance. This creates a safer flow of cash for [Your Church
Name] because we know when we can expect your support,and it allows you to
participate in giving even when you can’t make it here. Look for the link on
[www.yoursite.com].
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Pub M817 Online Giving Marketing Kit
Online Giving: Just Try It!
We have started accepting contributions through Online Giving, a secure
program that allows you to easily transfer funds from your account to ours. If you
like, you can try out the system without creating an account.Instead, select the
“Quick Give” option which is right underneath the Existing User Login section.
The website will then take you to a page that describes the Quick Give process.
From there, click “Continue Quick Give” and make your donation.
Defray Transaction Costs with Online Giving*
So far we have [x] members using Online Giving! Thanks for using our new
system! Did you know that Online Giving gives you the option to defray the
transaction cost of your gift? (It costs us about $3 for a credit card transaction
and just a few cents for a payment through your checking or savings account.) If
you like, you can check the box that says “I would like to give an additional gift of
$3.00 to offset fees”or add $3 to your regular gift, and give a little extra to cover
our costs. Thanks again for supporting our ministries!
*Use this when you have a good number of givers already.
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Pub M817 Online Giving Marketing Kit
Program Introduction Letter
Sample letter from the pastor to church members
that asks families to consider giving online
Dear [Member Name],
We are excited to inform you that we now offer Online Giving on [www.yoursite.com]! As a
church that seeks to serve, we wanted to provide you the convenience of being able to give the
way you want, whenever you want. Online Giving offers you the opportunity to make secure,
automatic contributions from your bank [or credit/debit card] account to our church. Online
Giving costs you nothing and provides many advantages to you and the church:
Benefits for You
Benefits for the Church









No check writing or ATM stops before
church
Safe, secure, and confidential transactions
Use your checking/savings account or
credit/debit card
Schedule recurring or one-time donations
Change a gift or account anytime you like
Choose offertory, special funds, pledges
View your giving history anytime




Reduces check processing fees
Allows staff more time to focus on
ministries
Creates peace in knowing your data and
auto-deposited gifts are secure
Accommodates special funds and tuition
Provides giving history for tax
statements
Reaches a wider demographic of givers
As we begin this new program, you may notice your neighbors placing “I Gave Online” offertory
cards into the collection basket instead of traditional envelopes. However you choose to give
your time, talent, and treasure, we thank you! Our church ministries thrive only with your help.
We ask that you consider using this service—especially if you currently manage your bills or
banking online. For more information about Online Giving, please visit the church website at
[www.yoursite.com], or call [Contact Name] at [Contact Phone #].
Sincerely,
[Father's Name]
Pastor
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Pub M817 Online Giving Marketing Kit
Thank You Letter
Sample letter from the pastor to church members thanking Online Giving
families and encouraging other families to consider giving online
Dear [Family Name],
We appreciate your contributions to the church community and would especially like to
recognize those who are now using our Online Giving service. If you would like to donate online
and have not yet had a chance to do so, please visit our church website at [www.yoursite.com]
and click the Online Giving link. If you don’t have web access, please contact [Contact Name] at
[Contact Phone] to have an automatic payment plan set up for you.
Our church families are choosing Online Giving because it lets them:

Give When They Want
Flexible weekly, monthly, quarterly, annual or one-time gift options

Give the Way They Want
Donate directly from checking, savings, and credit/debit card accounts

Designate Gifts
Give toward pledges, special collections, offertory, even tuition fees

Change Donations
Adjust amounts or update account information anytime, anywhere

Keep Gifts and Account Information Safe
Highest security standards ensure safe and confidential transactions

View Giving History
Access your contribution records which are available 24/7 year-round

Go Paperless
No paper forms, checks, or ATM stops before church on Sunday
To get started or to learn more about Online Giving, please click the Online Giving link on our
church website at [www.yoursite.com]. If you would like help, please call [Contact Name] at
[Contact Phone], or e-mail us at name@churchwebsite.com.
God Bless,
[Father's Name]
Pastor
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Pub M817 Online Giving Marketing Kit
Online Giving FAQs
Your parishioners may have questions about Online Giving, especially
during the initial launch. Make this FAQ sheet available to them and be sure
to distribute it with initial mailings about Online Giving. It’s also a good resource
for staff to review so that they can be prepared to answer these questions.
Is Online Giving Safe?
Online Giving meets the highest banking-level security standards set forth by the Payment Card
Industry (PCI) to ensure safe and confidential transactions. In fact, your banking information is
encrypted in the system and is not accessible to any users or administrators of the Online Giving
system. When you manage your own account information, your church never needs to handle
checks or worry about locking up documents containing your account information. And you’ll always
be certain that your gifts are direct-deposited into your church’s account.
What are the advantages of Online Giving?
It makes it easy to give, even when you are unable to attend church. You never have to bring cash
or checks to church. Giving electronically also helps the church save money and plan its budget!
How are my contributions automatically deducted from my account?
Once you complete the online registration form, the contribution amount you specify will
automatically be transferred from your bank account to the church's bank account.
When will my contribution be deducted from my account?
Your electronic contribution will be debited on the date you specify on the "My Gifts" page of the
Online Giving system.
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. Electronic contributions are recorded for you on your bank statement as
well as your online reports.
Without a canceled check, how can I prove I made my contribution?
Your bank statement and the Online Giving system both provide reports that document your
electronic transactions.
Can I put different amounts in offerings and have all of them withdrawn at different times?
You can contribute to different offerings at different times; however, you will have to do each one
separately. You will receive a receipt for each one.
What if I change bank accounts?
Log in and update your account information in the My Payment Methods window. Each
checking/savings/credit/debit card can be changed using the edit button, deleted completely, or new
accounts can be added on the right side of the screen.
How much does Online Giving cost?
It costs you absolutely nothing!
What if I try Online Giving and don't like it?
You can cancel your authorization by cancelling your gifts and donation dates at any time.
How do I sign up for Online Giving?
1. Visit your church website at www.yourchurchwebsite.com
2. Click on the Online Giving link
3. Complete the online registration form
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Pub M817 Online Giving Marketing Kit
Button for Church Website
Download the Online Giving button use it on your website to link members to your church’s
Online Giving portal. The button will draw attention to Online Giving and make it easier for
parishioners to find where they’re supposed to contribute.
Printable Resources
In-pew or Letter Insert
A list of the benefits of Online Giving for families and churches on a brochure
ideal for a pew insert or letter enclosure.
Download template for easy customization and printing – 3 inserts per 8.5x11 page.
Promotional Poster
Customize this poster to any size and format you like and display in your church
gathering spaces.
Download template for easy customization and printing – 1 poster per 11x17 page.
Mailing Insert
Two-sided insert for your periodic mailings, like quarterly or end-of-year
statements, stewardship efforts, or pledge drives. Change the content of these
inserts to match your current marketing campaigns for even greater impact.
Download template for easy customization and printing – 4 inserts per 8.5x11 page (print
double sided).
Offertory Cards
2 x 3.5 sized cards that you can provide in the pew for members to physically
participate in the offertory. The 2 x 3.5 card is standard business card template
size, making this a cost-effective, reusable offertory card that you can print
yourself. For even greater visibility, print on brightly colored cardstock. When your
cards start looking a bit too “used,” simply recycle them and print a fresh batch.
Download template for easy customization and printing – 10 cards per 8.5x11 page.
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Pub M817 Online Giving Marketing Kit
Marketing Campaigns
Use our customizable marketing campaigns or come up with
your own creative ways to engage members and drive
home the benefits of using your Online Giving program.
You can download our campaign ideas—complete with ideas for themes, prizes, and promotions, as well
as a campaign checklist to help you tailor your campaign and make it happen.

Be a Saint | download worksheet
Plan a campaign to coincide with All Saints Day or another feast day that is meaningful
for your church. Set a goal for an achievable number of givers, and offer an incentive to
families who make any online gift during this timeframe—this group can include members
already using Online Giving.

End of Year Giving | download worksheet
The end of the year is a great time to promote Online Giving. Often people are looking
to make a tax-deductable end-of-year contribution, and what better place to give to
than their own church? Remind members that giving online means less transaction
time—the money goes directly from their account to yours—and they can view and
print a giving report at anytime, which is handy for taxes!

Snowbirds and Vacationers | download worksheet
Keep track of parishioners who go out of town for a season (or even just a weekend)
by pinning their locations on a map prominently displayed in your church lobby.
Encourage parishioners to stay connected through Online Giving. They can set up
contributions before they leave! Their gifts will be processed and received as
scheduled, regardless of where they are!

Special Funds | download worksheet
If some of your parishioners are having a hard time letting go of their envelopes, try
introducing Online Giving to them by using it for payments and special funds. Add
special funds so that members can pay for retreats, fundraisers, etc. via Online Giving.
They’ll acclimate to the system without having to give up the familiarity of their
envelopes or make the decision to switch right away.

Why Not? | download worksheet
ParishSOFT user Anne Good and her pastor sat in their parish office one afternoon
and came up with a series of fun and catchy slogans, all born from reasons people
should give online . . . or excuses they may use not to give online. Adapt Anne’s ideas
to suit your own members.
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Pub M817 Online Giving Marketing Kit