Across our diocese, something quietly transformative is happening in the life of our parishes. As giving habits change and fewer people carry cash, parishes that have embraced contactless giving through DONA digital donation machines are seeing generosity grow, not just in theory, but in real, measurable ways.
In the last twelve months alone, parishioners and visitors have made over 40,000 contactless donations, with 4,693 gifts given in the most recent month. That generosity is translating into sustained financial growth. So far in 2025, nearly £450,000 has already been donated through DONA, continuing a remarkable upward trend that has been building year on year.
The growth tells its own story. Since the first full year of contactless giving in 2022, the value of donations made through DONA has increased by almost 300%, while the number of individual donations has grown by more than 320%. Even in the past year alone, contactless giving has risen by almost 50%, both in value and in the number of donations made. This is not a short-term spike, it is a clear and sustained shift in how people choose to support their parish.
What may surprise many is not just how often people give digitally, but how generously. The average donation via DONA is £11-12, noticeably higher than a typical loose-plate gift. In addition, around 40% of contactless donations include Gift Aid, unlocking vital additional income for parishes with far less administration than traditional methods.
For parish finance teams, the impact is tangible. Parishes that have introduced DONA in the last one to two years are seeing an average annual increase of between 5% and 10% in offertory income. Although the data does not tell us if this is due to the DONA machine being introduced, growth is being achieved without replacing standing orders or the offertory collection at Mass. Instead, contactless giving is capturing generosity that would otherwise be missed, from visitors, families attending sacramental celebrations, and parishioners who simply no longer carry cash.
At present, around 45 parishes, over three quarters, across the diocese are using DONA machines, and together they are already seeing the benefits. In the 2024/25 financial year, nearly 6% of all offertory income was given via contactless. While that figure may sound modest, it represents new and growing income and it continues to rise each year.
Just as importantly, DONA is proving to be a practical and pastoral tool. Parishes are using the machines not only for the main offertory, but also for second collections, special appeals, and fundraising projects, with the ability to set up multiple campaigns on a single device. Donations are quick, secure, and easy, typically taking just a few seconds to complete.
The message emerging from the data is a hopeful one. Contactless giving is not about replacing what has always sustained parish life, but about strengthening it for today’s reality. By offering a simple and dignified way to give, parishes are ensuring that generosity can be expressed whenever people feel moved to give, even when they have no cash in their pocket.
As more parishes come on board, the opportunity grows. The experience of those already using DONA shows that embracing contactless giving is not just a financial decision, but an act of good stewardship, helping parishes remain welcoming, resilient, and mission-focused for the years ahead.
For parish leaders and finance teams considering their next steps, the good news is clear: when we make giving easier, generosity follows.
You may also be interested in the following webinar hosted by DONA for the latest information on digital giving:
Digital Giving Made Easy: Increasing Donations for Charitable Organisations
Time: Tuesday 20 January 2026, 11:00–11:45am
RSVP: https://forms.gle/z28J7a3nX2nMbqe89
Advance registration is required.
