Contributions Direct™

What are the advantages for me?

I am able to give to my  congregation or other charitable organization on a regular, sustained basis automatically. My giving to my congregation is not subject to whether I can be present at each Sunday service. I do not have to make large "catch up" contributions at the end of a year in order to fulfill my tithing commitment. I am able to use electronic bill payment for all other online personal bill payment transactions—free!

What are the advantages for my congregation or charity?

1. My congregation or other charitable organization will not experience as many cash flow problems, particularly during summer holidays and vacation times when giving is usually low.
2. My church’s treasurer has fewer checks and less cash to count on Sundays.
3. Record-keeping is easier for both me and my congregation's treasurer.

Contributions Direct^™ is not designed to replace a congregation's offering, an important part of Sunday worship. Rather, Mennonite Financial suggests using Contributions Direct^™ for your tithing commitment and making the Sunday offering an experience of joy in giving an additional gift to God as you are able.

Is there a way I can still have something to put in the offering plate?

If you would like tangible evidence of your contribution for the offering, we have available contribution vouchers for your use. Print the PDF, fill out one of the vouchers each Sunday, and place in the offering plate.

How will my church’s treasurer know I am participating in Contributions Direct™?

Your contribution will come to your congregation or charity by check with a voucher that contains the information you put in the "memo" field when setting up your recurring contribution. This is why it's important to have your name and account number (if applicable) in this field. In addition, if you use the voucher indicated above, your treasurer will have another indication of your contribution.

Does my congregation or charity need an account at Mennonite Financial for me to participate?

No. Only the person making the direct contribution needs to be a member of Mennonite Financial. Contributions Direct^™ can be made to congregations and charitable organizations that accept U.S. funds all over the world.

Signing up

Before you can use electronic bill payment for Contributions Direct^™ for the first time, you need fill out an EBP application. Be sure to check the box indicating you will use EBP for Contributions Direct^™ in order to receive this service free.

Setting up a one-time contribution

1. Once you receive your EBP account number and PIN, log on to the EBP site.
2. Click on "payments."
3. Click on "payee list" and follow the instructions for setting up a payment to a specific congregation or charity.

Setting up recurring contributions

1. Once you receive your EBP account number and PIN, log on to the EBP site.
2. Go to "payments" and click on "make a payment" (not on "express payments").
3. Fill out the screen with the name of your congregation (or charity), the amount of the recurring payment, and your name (or organization's account number) in the "memo" box for identification purposes.
4. Click "yes" to the "recurring payment" option.
5. Fill out the schedule for the recurring payment in the drop-down boxes.