Contactless Giving in Churches and Places of Worship: A Modern Solution for a Generous Tradition - contactless donations

As more people move away from cash and embrace digital payments, churches and places of worship around the world—whether in the UK, the United States, Canada, or beyond—are rethinking how they approach giving. Sunday collections, tithes, and offerings are still central to many congregations, but fewer people are carrying bills or coins. That’s where contactless donation tools come in.

At We Are goodbox, we help churches and faith-based organizations modernize giving through contactless and digital donation technology that’s easy to use, secure, and respectful of sacred spaces. Whether you're a pastor in Texas, a parish priest in Ontario, or a mosque leader in London, the future of fundraising lies in meeting people where they are—digitally.

In this article, we explore the rise of contactless giving in churches and how your place of worship can benefit from adopting this new approach to fundraising.

The Shift Away from Cash Is Global—and It's Permanent

Across the globe, fewer people are using cash for day-to-day purchases. In the United States, contactless payments grew by over 150% between 2020 and 2023. In Canada, over 60% of in-person transactions are now made using tap-to-pay cards or mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay. Meanwhile, the UK has seen cash usage drop below 15% of all transactions.

For churches and other places of worship, this shift creates a challenge: how do you continue to collect donations, tithes, and offerings when your congregation doesn’t carry cash?

The answer isn’t less giving—it’s smarter giving. By introducing contactless donation tools, you allow your community to support your mission in the way that’s most convenient for them.

What Is Contactless Giving?

Contactless giving allows donors to make a contribution by simply tapping their credit/debit card or mobile device on a donation terminal. There’s no need for cash, no envelopes, and no physical contact—just a smooth, secure transaction.

At We Are goodbox, we specialize in designing sleek, intuitive contactless donation devices that are perfect for churches, synagogues, mosques, and temples. Our tools allow donors to:

• Tap to donate preset or custom amounts

• Choose between one-time or recurring gifts

• Access Gift Aid (in the UK) or tax-deductible receipts (in the U.S. and Canada)

• Donate using cards or mobile wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay

These devices can be placed at church entrances, fellowship halls, or near altars—anywhere that encourages generosity without disrupting the worship experience.

Why Places of Worship Are Going Contactless

Churches and religious nonprofits aren’t just keeping up with trends—they’re responding to real-world changes in behavior. Here’s why thousands of places of worship across North America and Europe are embracing contactless giving:

1. Increase Weekly Giving

Congregants still want to give, but if they don’t have cash, they simply can’t. Contactless devices eliminate this barrier, often leading to higher average donations and more consistent giving.

2. Meet the Needs of Younger Donors

Millennials and Gen Z are far more likely to use digital wallets than checks or cash. If your church is looking to engage the next generation of worshippers, digital donation tools are essential.

3. Enable Giving Outside of Sunday Services

With contactless donation stations, people can give throughout the week—before Bible study, after choir practice, during weddings, funerals, or even when passing by your church. Some organizations even place mobile units at community events.

4. Offer Safer, More Secure Giving

Cash handling can raise security concerns, from theft to counting errors. Contactless donations are immediate, trackable, and go straight into your account.

5. Make Giving Transparent and Trackable

Unlike anonymous cash, contactless tools give you access to real-time reporting. You can see donation trends, test different prompts, and optimize campaigns—all while staying compliant with privacy laws and tax regulations.

How to Introduce Contactless Giving at Your Church

Adopting contactless technology doesn’t mean changing your traditions—it means making it easier for your community to support them. Here’s how to get started:

1. Evaluate Your NeedsThink about when and where people give. Is it during Sunday services? Special holidays? Community events? Choose locations that are visible and convenient.

2. Choose the Right ToolsAt We Are goodbox, we offer a range of devices—from countertop units to freestanding kiosks—that fit seamlessly into church interiors. Our tools are customizable, secure, and easy to use for all age groups.

3. Educate Your CommunityWhen rolling out contactless giving, communication is key. Announce the change during services, include it in your newsletter, and display signage that explains how the new system works.

4. Set Suggested Donation AmountsOur research shows that giving increases when donors are guided by suggested amounts—like $5, $10, or $20—while still having the freedom to choose.

5. Highlight Tax BenefitsIn the U.S. and Canada, charitable donations are tax-deductible. Ensure your system can issue digital receipts or provide easy access to annual giving statements.

Real-World Success: Contactless Giving in Action

Churches around the world are already seeing results.

• A Presbyterian church in New York City saw a 35% increase in giving after adding contactless options at entrances and exits.

• A Catholic parish in Toronto added a mobile giving kiosk and received double the average wedding donations during the summer.

• A UK-based mosque partnered with We Are goodbox to streamline Ramadan donations, increasing total giving by 42% year-over-year.

These success stories prove that modern tools don’t dilute spiritual experience—they enhance it.

Why Partner with we are goodbox?

At We Are goodbox, we’re not just about tech—we’re about purpose.

Our nonprofit exists to elevate giving across the world, and we reinvest our profits into training under-25s and volunteer fundraisers, helping them build careers in the nonprofit sector. When you partner with us, you’re investing in your church and the next generation of changemakers.

Whether you're in Atlanta, Toronto, Manchester, or anywhere in between, we’re here to help you transform the way your congregation gives—without sacrificing tradition.

Final Thoughts: Faith and Innovation Go Hand in Hand

The way people give is changing, but the desire to give remains as strong as ever. By offering modern tools like contactless donations, churches and places of worship can keep their doors open to generosity—every day, not just Sunday.

Contactless giving is about more than convenience. It’s about meeting your community where they are, removing barriers to generosity, and building a future where giving is seamless, intentional, and impactful.

Ready to bring contactless giving to your church or faith community? Learn more at www.wearegoodbox.com.