Online Giving Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.)

What is online giving? Online giving or an electronic contribution (EFT - Electronic Funds Transfer) is an automatic transfer program that allows you to make contributions without writing checks. You may do this yourself through your own bank or through us and our third-party provider, Smart Payment Solutions. How can funds be withdrawn directly from my account? Funds can be withdrawn only with your authorization. No one can deduct money from your account automatically unless you specifically authorize it. Are electronic contributions risky? No. An electronic contribution is safer than writing a check, and it can't be lost, stolen, or destroyed in the mail. All Electronic Fund Transfers (EFT) transactions are governed by strict federal rules and guidelines. Over four billion EFT transactions are processed annually in the United States. If I don't write checks, how do I keep my checkbook balance straight? Your contribution is made on a pre-established day, so you can deduct it from your check register then. How do I sign up for online giving? 1) If you pay your bills online, you can do this yourself through your own bank by adding Newman Hall - Holy Spirit Parish as a payee; 2) or you can do this through us and our third-party provider, Smart Payment Solutions, by filling out the attached form and returning it to the Reception Desk in the envelope provided; or you can go to the main page and click on the online giving link and follow the steps. Can I use a credit or debit card? No. At this time we have chosen to set up online giving through Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) rather than debit/credit cards. Can I make a one-time contribution? Yes, you can register for a one-time contribution on a specific date or you can set up an automatic recurring payment; whatever works best for you. How can I keep a record of the amount I have contributed? We can generate a record of your giving. Contact Peg McGowan, Finance Office, 510-848-7812 or newmanadmin@earthlink.net for more information. What if I change banks or accounts or want to change the amount of my contribution? We will become aware of these changes because your transactions will not complete. This will incur a service charge so we really appreciate your informing us of any changes to your accounts. If you want to change the amount of your contribution, call or email Peg McGowan, Finance Office, 510-848-7812 or newmanadmin@earthlink.net. Is there any charge to me from my bank to give online? No. Electronic funds transfers carry no bank fees for the donor. The church does pay a monthly service fee and a small per transaction fee to our third-party provider: Smart Payment Solutions. What are the intervals available for scheduling a recurring transaction? Recurring transactions can be scheduled weekly, bi-weekly (every two weeks), monthly, quarterly, or annually. Whom do I talk to if I have more questions or need to change a recurring transaction? Please call or email Peg McGowan, Finance Office, 510-848-7812 or newmanadmin@earthlink.net.