Simply Giving
What is Simply Giving? It's an easier, simpler way to make your regular contributions to our congregation through automated giving.

An Easy, Generous Choice
The Simply Giving program is designed to help you conveniently, consistently and joyfully give financial gifts to our congregation's ministry. By participating in the program, you can use electronic funds transfer to give your weekly, semi-monthly or monthly offering.

What is the Simply Giving program?
Think of the Simply Giving program as a modern-day stewardship program. It's a convenient, safe and simple way for our members and donors to make their church offerings and charitable donations through electronic funds transfer (EFT) directly from their checking or savings accounts.
This automated giving program allows payments to be deposited directly into our congregation's account on a steady, uninterrupted basis. In this way, you enjoy greater financial stability, less bookkepping, and more confidence in meeting your financial goals and obligations.

Many Lutherans already know how convenient EFT is for paying bills and simplifying their financial records. The Simply Giving program allows you to provide this same convenience for offerings, and donations.

How the Simply Giving program Works
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is the developer and owner of the Simply Giving program. The processing of transactions is performed by Vanco Services, LLC, a Minnesota-based financial-technology services company that Thrivent Financial has contracted with to provide administrative services for the program. The primary steps involved in the Simply Giving program are:

1. Individual members and donors sign up to participate in the Simply Giving program using the Member Enrollment and Authorization Form Click HERE for the Form
2. Submit the completed form to the church office for processing
3. Your electronic gift or payments are automatically withdrawn from your checking or savings account on the pre-authorized transfer date.
4. Your electronic gift or payment is immediately deposited in the church's bank account.
5. There is no charge for individuals to participate in the Simply Giving program - all transactions fees are paid by Thrivent Financial as their gift to the Lutheran community.
6. Account withdrawals are made only with proper authorization from the participant - No funds will be withdrawn unless the participant specifically authorizes the transaction to occur.
7. Participants can specify whether they want contributions made: weekly on a Monday or Friday,Semi-monthly on the 1st and 15th, Monthly on the 1st or Monthly on the 15th.
8. Participants never have to worry about "catching up" when they take a vacation or miss a Sunday with the Simply Giving program. Contributions continue

Frequently Asked Questions:
Do individuals need to be members of Thrivent Financial to participate in the program?
No, Participation is the Simply Giving program is open to all members, friends and students of congregations that choose to enroll in the program

Who sees the information on the Member Enrollment and Authorization Forms?
The Member Enrollment and Authorization Forms are seen by the Financial Secretary that handles Grace's offerings and contributions as well as by the Vanco Services, LLC employees who process them. (Vanco Services, LLC employees are bonded and have signed confidentiality agreements.) In addition, participant name address information may be provided to Thrivent Financial. Participant information will not be shared with any other organizations.

How much does the program cost?
All Simply Giving transaction fees will be paid by Thrivent Financial as their gift to the Lutheran community. It is Thrivent Financials intent to fund these transaction fees indefinitely. However, this program is a fraternal benefit, not a guaranteed contractual benefit.

How will the contribution information be delivered to the congregation for updating individual records and recording deposits?
For each EFT deposit made, a report will be made available to the church's Financial Secretary that handles Grace's offerings and contributions. This report will list all individual contributions or payments that are included in the deposit.

What if a transaction is rejected due to non-sufficient funds, closed accounts, etc.,?
The information will be e-mailed or faxed to the Financial Secretary that handles Grace's offerings and contributions immediately after Vanco Services, LLC receives notification from the bank. The Financial Secretary will be notified of the date on which their account will be debited for the amount of the returned payment. The congregation account will be debited for the amount of the returned payment.

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.

How do participants keep a record of the amounts they have contributed?
The participant's bank statement will include an itemized list of all EFT's from their account. In addition, Grace will provide a quarterly offering statement.

Can church members use the Simply Giving program to make contributions to multiple funds such as operating, path-to-growth, or missions?
Yes. Members use the Member Enrollment and Authorization Form to designate allocations to funds of their choice.

How do participants change the amount of their contribution or tuition payment, or change the account from which either is made?
Participants can change the amount of account from which it is made by completing a new authorization form and returning it to the church's office or by faxing the new authorization form to Vanco Services once you have set up your information.

Is there a minimum dollar amount for contributions made through the Simply Giving program?
Yes. The minimum amount that can be contributed to a congregation through the Simply Giving program is $5 per transaction.

Is there a charge for changing the gift amount during the year?
No. there is no charge for changing the gift amount.

Who should fill in the "Congregational Code,: Member Code," and Date: fields on the Member Enrollment and Authorization Form?
The "FOR CONGREGATION/INSTITUTION OFFICE USE ONLY" fields will be filled in by the Simply Giving administrator/ Grace's Financial Secretary.

You Can Make a Difference
Let the Simply Giving program help you build better stewardship by turning a simple choice into a generous response.