QR Codes and Online Donations
If you aren’t ready for contactless, you can still take online donations in church using QR codes. You don’t even need a website to do this. By registering with GiveALittle and SumUp you can create online appeals and QR codes that can be scanned by a mobile phone. QR codes can be printed on posters, postcards, pew sheets, donation envelopes and bookmarks, so if you have no mobile phone signal inside encourage people to take the literature home – or outside.
The Giving Team has a step by step manual to help you set up with SumUp and GiveALittle. Request a copy by emailing Anna Hardy (anna.hardy@salisbury.anglican.org) or Harry Neary (harry.neary@salisbury.anglican.org).
The best place to start is the Parish Buying website. Here you'll find complete step by step instructions for setting up online giving and the creating and use of QR codes in your church.
• Tips for creating and using QR codes (PDF)
• Examples of QR codes from around the Diocese (PDF)
You can also add a giving button to a Facebook page, or to your A Church Near You page.
• ACNY Checklist (Word Document)
QR codes offer a convenient and efficient way to enhance church donations. Here’s why they’re a good idea:
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Contactless Giving: QR codes allow givers to make instant donations via their phone or mobile device simply by scanning a special code. This contactless method is especially relevant in today’s world, where people are accustomed to using their smartphones for various tasks.
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Accessibility: Once you have an online giving page, making it accessible through QR codes ensures that people can give wherever they are – whether they’re in church, at home, or even on the street. Casual visitors, wedding attendees, and those who want to make a one-off donation can all benefit from this easy-to-use method.
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Ease of Use: Many new smartphone models can scan QR codes using their cameras. Users simply hold their camera in front of the code for a few seconds, and the phone automatically takes them to the correct webpage. This simplicity encourages more people to engage with your church’s giving platform.
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Versatility: QR codes work well for various scenarios:
- Weddings: Guests can easily contribute to the couple’s chosen cause by scanning a QR code.
- Church Services: Attendees can give during the service or take away the service sheet with a QR code for later donation.
- Life Events: Whether it’s a baptism, confirmation, or memorial service, QR codes provide a seamless way to give.
- Improving the Giving Experience: By incorporating QR codes, you enhance the overall giving experience. Donors appreciate the convenience, and churches benefit from increased engagement and financial support.
In summary, QR codes offer a truly contactless and efficient way for smartphone users to access your online giving page and contribute to your church’s mission. Consider implementing QR codes to encourage generosity and streamline the donation process.
An example QR code. This one takes you to this very page.
QR Codes for Fundraising
Online donation services such as Give A Little and the Parish Giving Scheme allow you to quickly and easily create QR that link to your account so visitors can make swift donations. Or you can use QR codes to link to your website, or sections of your website.
You can read more about using QR codes with Give A Little, PGS, and Stripe (for Apple and Google Pay) on the contactless giving page.
We've created an attractive Canva template which you can use with your own QR codes and the Parish Giving Scheme to create an attractive giving poster for your church.
