The Growing Role of Digital Tools in Church Fundraising

From Envelopes to MPESA: The Shift in Tithes and Offerings

For decades, church fundraising in Kenya revolved around physical offerings, envelopes, and harambees. While these methods still have value, today’s congregation is increasingly mobile and digitally connected. As MPESA and online giving become the norm, churches must adapt to maintain consistent and secure support.

Why Transparency Matters to Modern Congregations

Church members want to know how their contributions are used. Donors appreciate:

• Immediate confirmation that their offering was received
• Access to progress reports and donation summaries
• Confidence that funds are being used wisely

By implementing modern fundraising tools, churches can meet these expectations with ease.

Understanding the Unique Needs of Church Fundraising

Regular Giving (Tithes and Offerings)

Weekly tithes and offerings are the financial backbone of most churches. They support everything from utilities and salaries to worship resources.

One-Time Appeals (Building, Outreach, Emergencies)

Churches often launch special campaigns for:

• Roof repairs
• Missionary support
• Charity drives
• Construction and expansion
• Land purchase drives

Accountability to Members and Leadership

Both elders and the congregation must be kept informed. Modern church fundraisers should prioritize reporting, transparency, and engagement.

The Power of MPESA in Church Contributions

How MPESA Simplifies and Secures Giving

MPESA allows church members to contribute without needing to carry cash. With mobile penetration above 80% in Kenya, MPESA is a natural fit for digital giving.

Reduces Cash Handling Risks

Cash can be lost, miscounted, or mishandled. MPESA eliminates these risks by offering:

• Secure transfers
• Instant digital records
• Clear audit trails

Allows Remote Giving from Diaspora and Travellers

Congregants who are away for school, travel, or work can still give consistently using MPESA—especially when connected to tools like ZenLipa.

Introducing ZenLipa: A Fundraising Tool Built for Churches

Real-Time Notifications via WhatsApp

Once a ZenLipa campaign is live, you can link it to your church WhatsApp group. Every successful donation sends a real-time update that includes:

• The updated donor list
• Amounts given
• Total amount raised

This eliminates the need for manual reporting by treasurers or church admins.

Live Donation Dashboard

ZenLipa provides a live dashboard showing campaign progress. Church leaders can access real-time data on:

• Number of donors
• Total funds raised
• Giving patterns

Custom Campaigns for Projects and Causes

You can run multiple campaigns simultaneously—each with its own goal. For example:

• “Church Fence Project”
• “Youth Conference Travel Fund”
• “Widows’ Offering Campaign”

Transparency and Trust: Core Values in Church Giving

Sharing Real-Time Updates with Members

ZenLipa’s WhatsApp integration means updates go out immediately—no need to wait for Sunday service to announce results.

Showing Donor Lists and Totals

Transparency builds trust. When congregants see their names in the donor list and the total rising steadily, they feel part of something greater.

Automating Reporting for Elders and Treasurers

Forget Excel sheets and paper notebooks. ZenLipa allows you to download reports that can be presented to the church council with full confidence.

Conclusion – A Spirit of Giving, Guided by Stewardship and Technology

The church is not just a place of worship—it’s a community of givers. To maintain trust and promote faithful stewardship, it’s essential to combine biblical values with modern tools like ZenLipa.

From MPESA convenience to WhatsApp transparency and automated reporting, the digital age is helping churches grow with integrity and grace.

👉 Ready to modernize your church giving? Launch your church fundraiser now and build with faith, trust, and technology.