Secure donation services are provided by Vanco Services, LLC. Vanco processes electronic donations for more than 10,000 churches and nonprofit organizations. The Simply Giving® Program endorsed by Thrivent Financial Bank is operated by Vanco Services. Simply Giving® is a registered trademark of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Thrivent Financial Bank assumes no responsibility for the products and services offered by Vanco Services under the Simply Giving® Program.
Online Giving
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What are the major advantages of electronic giving by direct debit?
A. Direct debit is all about convenience for you and consistency for the church. Electronic giving eliminates frequent check writing and helps members stay on track with pledges even when they are unable to attend services. The church in turn benefits from much-needed donation consistency and a reduction in the volume of check and cash contributions that must be handled and manually processed in the church office.
Q. How does Direct Debit Giving work?
A. Contributions are transferred automatically from your checking or savings account to the church’s bank account.
Q. How are my automatic contributions deducted and transferred?
A. Contributions are transferred through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network—the same system used for mortgage payments, utility bills, and direct deposits like payroll or Social Security. This process can be done directly from your bank account or by using a debit card. Direct debit may also be referred to as Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT), automatic payment, or ACH.
Q. When will my contribution be debited from my account?
A. A debit to your account will occur each month on the date you specify on your authorization form.
Q. How will I keep track of contributions in my check register?
A. Since your contribution is made at a preestablished time, you simply record it in your check register on the appropriate date. Electronic contributions will appear on your bank statement.
Q. What can I use to prove I made a contribution?
A. Your bank statement will show an itemized list of electronic transactions that can be used as proof of your contributions.
Q. Is giving by direct debit risky?
A. It is certainly less risky than writing checks or carrying cash to church. To process electronic donations, the church uses Vanco Services, LLC—an established and highly-regarded company that moves funds directly from church members to the church on the same day without any delay. Vanco processes contributions for more than 10,000 churches and nonprofit organizations.
Q. How much does direct debit giving cost?
A. There is no cost to you if you give through ACH directly from your bank account. For contributions made via debit or credit card, Vanco charges a small processing fee. However, donors have the option to cover this cost during setup, ensuring the church receives the full intended donation.
Q. What if I try electronic giving by direct debit and don’t like it?
A. You can cancel your authorization at any time by notifying the church.