The fastest way to give on a Sunday
Quick answer
To set up text-to-give: (1) connect a payment processor like Stripe, (2) enable your public giving page, (3) turn on text-to-give to get a dedicated number and keyword (e.g. text GIVE to your number), (4) choose funds and allow recurring gifts, and (5) promote the number on screens, bulletins, and your website. Most churches finish in about 20 minutes.
Text-to-give is the fastest way for someone to give during a service — no app to download, no website to dig through. They text a number, tap one link the first time, and they are done. Here is the exact setup.
Step 1 — Connect a payment processor
Before any donation can reach your bank, you need a processor connected. In Relius, open Giving then Overview and start the Donation Activation checklist; the first item is Connect payments (Stripe). This links your church bank account so donations deposit automatically. If you have never used Stripe, leave a few extra minutes to verify your bank and organization details.
Step 2 — Enable your public giving page
The first time someone gives by text, they get a secure link to a page where they enter their card or bank details. Turn this on under Enable public giving. It is hosted securely and PCI-compliant, and doubles as your online giving page, so it does double duty. Preview it before going live.
Step 3 — Turn on text-to-give and set your keyword
Go to Giving then Text-to-Give and switch it to Active. You get a dedicated giving number and a keyword (the default is GIVE). Donors can text the keyword to start, or text a dollar amount directly — texting 50 starts a fifty dollar gift. Pick a memorable keyword if you like, such as OFFERING or your church name.
Step 4 — Set funds and recurring options
Decide what donors can do once they are in:
- Funds — let them choose General, Missions, Building, or Youth, and keep a sensible default (most use General).
- Recurring — allow weekly or monthly gifts so a one-time donor becomes a regular giver in one tap.
Step 5 — Promote it (where most churches stall)
A text number only works if people know it. Use the Print Card and shareable graphic, and put it everywhere:
- On the giving slide before and after the offering
- In the bulletin and welcome card
- In your website footer and a pinned social post
- Said out loud from the front at least monthly: to give right now, text GIVE to your number
Make it automatic
Once giving is live, gifts flow straight into your reports and year-end statements — no manual entry.
What it costs
You pay standard payment-processing fees on each donation (Stripe is about 2.9% plus 30 cents for cards). On Relius there is a small platform fee, and donors can opt to cover fees so 100% reaches your church. There is no separate per-text charge on the giving itself.
Frequently asked questions
How does text-to-give work for churches?
A donor texts a keyword or dollar amount to your church dedicated number. The first time, they get a secure link to enter card or bank details. After that, every future gift is a single text that processes instantly.
How much does text-to-give cost?
You pay standard processing fees per donation (about 2.9% plus 30 cents for cards) plus any platform fee on your plan. Donors can choose to cover the fees so the full gift reaches your church.
Is text-to-give secure?
Yes. Card details are entered on a secure, PCI-compliant page hosted by your processor, not stored in the text. Your church never sees full card numbers.
Can donors give to a specific fund by text?
Yes — you can offer funds like General, Missions, or Building, and let donors set up recurring weekly or monthly gifts.
How long does setup take?
About 20 minutes once your processor is connected. First-time Stripe setup can take longer if you still need to verify your bank.
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