St Mary’s, Warwick has raised thousands from contactless donations in the first year of the Digital Giving Rollout.
Seven years ago, in 2017, debit card transactions overtook cash payments for the first time in the UK. The Covid-19 pandemic further caused cash payments to fall as many physical stores were closed and there were concerns over virus transmission through cash. It was clear that the ability to be able to accept digital donations would be key for churches for years to come. That’s why in 2022 the Church of England’s National Giving Team embarked on a three-year project to help thousands more churches get started with digital giving.
In 2024 our diocese took part in the digital device rollout. Led by Simon Jones, Diocesan Stewardship Advisor, 40 devices were given out to churches. One of these went to St Mary’s, Warwick.
St Mary’s already had a digital giving device at the entrance to the church and one in the shop. When they received the new device, they decided to put it in a different location – by the entrance to the Beauchamp Chapel.
Clare Gould, Chief Operating Officer at St Mary’s, says:
“We are very lucky at St Mary’s to have the Beauchamp Chapel, which is a big draw for tourists visiting the church. So, we decided having a digital giving device close to the chapel would be a good idea. Also, as there are no staff members or volunteers standing next to the device, people feel less pressured to give. It is down to the individual to give if they want to.”
As a Grade One listed building with some parts of the church dating back 900 years, donations given through the device are invaluable. The church has recently completed a £1.8 million refurbishment of their iconic tower.
Clare recommends the digital giving device to all churches:
“With the way the world is now, people very often do not even carry cash. People are very used to tapping their credit cards in shops. On the device, people can select the amount they would like to donate, making it very easy for them. What we now get through digital giving is more than what we get through regular cash donation.”
Although the digital giving scheme has ended, if you would like information and support on digital giving, please email Simon Jones, simon.jones@coventry.anglican.org.
To help encourage parishes to make the step to contactless giving, the diocese will be embarking on a ‘Try before you buy’ scheme where churches can loan a digital giving machine. Please contact Simon to register your interest.