Sharing the joy of giving

Thick stone walls and no Wi-Fi left Barton St David Parish Church doubtful that contactless giving would work where they are. But with help from the Giving and Funding team the device was quickly up and running and had paid for itself within three months. It was also used at the church’s annual plant sale, which raised four times the previous year’s total.

With help from Natalie Wainright, Bath and Wells Lead Giving and Funding Adviser, the team at St David’s introduced a CollecTIN device earlier this year. Since then, donations have become more frequent, and the average amount given has increased.

Charlie Painter, Treasurer at St David’s said, “Initially, we were highly sceptical that such modern technology would work inside our church, given its thick 12th-century stone walls. However, we took the plunge and stepped into the digital age with the kind and patient guidance of Natalie. who came to set up and demonstrate the device on a ‘try-before-you-buy’ basis. Because we do not have Wi-Fi in the church, she also helped us set up a pay-as-you-go mobile SIM card.

“Within three months, the CollecTIN device had paid for itself. In May, we used it at our Annual Plant Sale, which raised four times the amount achieved the previous year.”

Reflecting on the difference overall that introducing contactless has made, Charlie said, “The CollecTIN reader has transformed how our supporters contribute to our church, increasing both the frequency and the average size of donations. As people start to carry and use cash far less frequently, contactless giving has become second nature; our initial concerns that older parishioners might struggle with the technology proved completely unfounded.

“Furthermore, introducing the device has provided a natural opportunity to talk openly with our parishioners about stewardship and the joy of giving. As our community generously continues to sustain our church, embracing this kind of thoughtful innovation ensures that supporting our work remains easy and accessible for everyone.”

If you are considering introducing a contactless device in your church and would like some help and advice, please get in touch with a member of the Giving and Funding team.