By Rev. Canon Lisa G. Vaughn
All around us are generous people who are willing to give to support a worthy cause. As we move to more of a cashless society, a swift, secure electronic means can boost donor participation. The Cathedral Church of All Saints, Halifax, is employing one such approach to make it easy for people to contribute to their ministries.
The congregation’s new staff member, Engagement Leader, Gillian Doucet Campbell, has an extensive background in the social-profit arena, with expertise in development and fundraising. She introduced the Cathedral to a giving gadget that is making a positive financial impact. Here is an interview with her about that.
Q: WHAT is this device (officially) called?
A: TipTap
Q: WHO is it for?
A: Who carries cash anymore? Not many. This device supports the mission and ministry of a church simply by the tap of a debit or credit card – which is very helpful for those who no longer carry cash or cheques.
Q: WHY does the Cathedral use these?
A: Inspired by a trip to an art gallery, we realized that at the Cathedral Church we have our doors open in the summer months for tours too – why not provide a way for people to show their appreciation easily? So, we invested in three different TipTap machines, a $5 option, a $10 option, and a $20 option. We also saw an increase in their use at Christmas services and special events.
Q: HOW does it work?
A: Like a Square or Debit Machine – but even easier. A person simply pulls their card of choice out and taps it against the small square box. I can tell when a person gave through our TipTap account. TipTap provides real-time updates of each donation, type of card used, and amount. They also provide electronic fund deposits twice a month. We always know how much to expect and when it is deposited.
Q: WHEN are they used? Are there times, events or activities that these are especially useful?
A: There are so many ways we have come to use these machines. We have used them for ticket sales, by donation events, and have them out near the Greeter’s table for all our services. We have even had people ‘tap’ when they have come for a funeral.
Q: WHERE did you get it? How can it be obtained?
A: You can learn more at https://tiptappay.com/
Q: HOW does it affect regular offerings and revenues?
A: It has helped to increase regular offerings and revenues as people who are new, or guests have been able to provide a gift easily. This is particularly true as fewer people carry cash and even less have cheques.
Q: WHAT is the commitment of the congregation to try these?
A: TipTap was designed to be used for one major event, or a short campaign of a few months, to long-term usage. It is a month-by-month contract. You can return the machines at any time.
Q: IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE that you can share that would be helpful for congregational leaders to know?
A: There is a one-time set-up fee and then a monthly rental cost. You also must order three machines at once, but can return one or two right away, lowering your monthly rental. These machines can be plugged in, or you can request a battery pack for an additional monthly cost.
There are different display options and TipTap makes it easy for you to create signage that matches your parish or campaign. This giving option is not meant to replace regular givers as (generally) you cannot provide a tax receipt. However, the vast majority of users for this type of giving understand they will not receive a charitable receipt. And don’t worry – unless the credit or debit card is touching the TipTap square itself, there will be no ‘accidental’ gifts.
