Why should I give online?
It's a personal preference, but here are a few of the benefits of online giving:
- You'll simplify your life. Your giving is automatically deposited on the schedule and date you decide. No writing a check, remembering to bring it, or sending it to church if you miss.
- You have complete flexibility. Contribute whenever and wherever you want. Make a one-time gift or schedule recurring gifts. Set the schedule you desire: weekly, monthly, twice monthly, etc. Stop, start, or change the schedule or amount any time. With eGive you're in control.
- You're exercising your faith. By scheduling your contributions, you're deciding in advance to give.
- You're helping the church. Counting, depositing and tracking donations is easier with online contributions. Scheduled contributions help with budgeting and planning.
How does eGive work?
By completing the eGive form you are instructing your bank to electronically transfer cash from your personal checking account to North Bridge Fellowship, either on a one-time basis or on an interval basis. If you wish to discontinue giving, or if you wish to change the amount and frequency of your giving, you simply change your giving instructions at eGive .
Is eGive safe?
Yes. eGive utilizes the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network, which is a nationwide electronic payments system used by more than 20,000 financial institutions, 4 million corporations, and 135 million consumers. The Automated Clearing House (ACH) processed a total of 10.017 billion automated clearing house payments valued at $27.4 trillion during 2003 according to NACHA – The Electronic Payments Association. As a result of this network, eGive guarantees an accurate electronic cash transfer from your account.
What kind of account can be used for eGive?
Any account that has a routing and transit number and account number in the United States. Checking, savings, NOW, SuperNOW, and some brokerage accounts are eligible for eGiving.
Can I test this by giving one time?
You may test online giving by selecting "One-Time Gift" in the Giving Amount and Date section of eGive..
I clicked the eGive link and nothing happened; what's wrong?
When you click the eGive link, a new browser window is opened. If you are using a pop-up blocker such as the Google Toolbar, Norton Internet Security, or Pop-Up Stopper, the window will not open. Most tools will allow you to permit pop-ups on a specific web site. In order to use eGive, you will need to allow pop-ups within northbridgefellowship.org.
How can I keep track of the amount I have contributed?
eGive will send a confirmation email to acknowledge your gift. Your bank statement will include an itemized list of automatic gifts given from your account. North Bridge Fellowship will provide you with a personal giving statement for your tax records detailing all online and other giving.
Can I give using my credit or debit card?
No. We chose to set up online giving through Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) rather than credit card for two primary reasons:
- Credit card processing is much more expensive. Per transaction fees would divert as much as 3% of your gift to the credit card company.
- We wouldn't want the potential of a person accumulating debt or paying credit card interest on gifts to the church . Although many pay off their credit cards each month or use debit cards that immediately withdraw the money from an account, that is not always the case. EFT seems the best way to encourage good stewardship in the church.
Q: What if I still have a question?
Contact us at giving@northbridgefellowship.org. We'll be glad to answer it. You can also learn more on eGive's website at www.egive-usa.com.
