OfferingMate: Getting Started and the Essentials

OfferingMate: Getting Started and the Essentials

We are thrilled to assist you on your journey to enhance your giving programs. Getting started with us is straightforward, but having the right information at your fingertips will ensure a smooth and efficient registration process. Below, we detail the essentials you'll want to have ready when setting up your OfferingMate with SteepleMate. Let's ensure you're prepared to begin with confidence.

We understand the importance of making your experience as smooth and straightforward as possible when setting up your church's online giving system. To ensure a seamless registration process and to comply with financial regulations, we follow "Know Your Customer" (KYC) requirements.

Here’s a quick guide on what you’ll need to get started:

    1. Articles of Incorporation: This document formally establishes the church as a legal entity. It includes details such as the church’s name, purpose, structure, and other crucial information.
    2. 501(c)(3) Documentation (if applicable): For churches that have obtained this tax-exempt status from the IRS, providing proof of 501(c)(3) status can be beneficial, although not all churches are required to have this.

  2. Employer Identification Number (EIN):

    1. The church must provide its EIN, which is a unique number assigned by the IRS for tax purposes.

  3. Personal Identification Information:

    1. Details of the church leaders or those who have significant control over the church's finances, such as a pastor or treasurer. This typically includes their full name, date of birth, address, and Social Security Number (SSN) or other identification numbers.

  4. Bank Account Information:

    1. To set up electronic giving or transactions, the church will need to provide details of its bank account, which might include a bank statement or a voided check to verify the account details.

  5. Physical Address:

    1. Proof of the church’s physical location, which could be verified with a utility bill or lease agreement.

  6. Contact Information:

    1. Reliable contact information to ensure the church can be reached for any verification processes or issues that might arise.

Depending on the financial institution's policies and the specific risk assessments, additional documents might be requested.
These requirements are part of the due diligence processes under the Customer Identification Program (CIP) and help prevent financial crimes such as money laundering. Each financial institution might have slightly different requirements based on their policies and the legal framework they operate under, so it's essential to check directly with the institution for their specific documentation requirements. Read more about Know Your Customer Here.


      • Related Articles

      • OfferingMate: Settings and Management Handbook

        Congratulations on starting your journey with SteepleMate! If you are reading this guide, you might already be set up with us—fantastic work! If you haven't signed up for OfferingMate yet, you can do so here. OfferingMate: Getting Started and the ...

      • Signing Up for OfferingMate

        Welcome to OfferingMate! Submitting your enrollment application is an essential step in setting up online giving for your church. By completing this process, you can start processing donations immediately. It’s important to ensure that all provided ...

      • Checklist for Getting Started with SteepleMate Free

        Welcome to SteepleMate! We're so glad you made it to SteepleMate! As you explore the system, you'll find many opportunities to fine-tune and configure settings to meet your needs. Getting Started Once you've created a SteepleMate account, we ...

      • Can Online Giving Features Be Hidden in the SteepleMate System?

        SteepleMate understands that not every church chooses to use online giving within the SteepleMate System. This preference is acceptable, and churches are free to determine the giving approach that best serves their congregation. A church’s decision ...

      • Using a Different Online Giving Provider with Your SteepleMate Website

        This article explains what you can and can’t change on your site, and how to share a third-party giving link with your church family. Do I Have to Use SteepleMate for Online Giving? No. You are not required to use SteepleMate online giving. Some ...

      • Recent Articles

      • Using a Different Online Giving Provider with Your SteepleMate Website

        This article explains what you can and can’t change on your site, and how to share a third-party giving link with your church family. Do I Have to Use SteepleMate for Online Giving? No. You are not required to use SteepleMate online giving. Some ...

      • Why Do I See “We Seem to Have a Problem Verifying Your Internet Connection” on the Giving Page?

        Overview When someone tries to give online through SteepleMate and sees a message about a problem verifying their internet connection, it usually means their connection is coming through: A VPN (Virtual Private Network) Certain types of public Wi-Fi ...

      • Can Online Giving Features Be Hidden in the SteepleMate System?

        SteepleMate understands that not every church chooses to use online giving within the SteepleMate System. This preference is acceptable, and churches are free to determine the giving approach that best serves their congregation. A church’s decision ...

      • Why Church Website Images Can Get Cut Off

        When updating your church website’s Home (Hero) section, it’s important to understand how responsive design works. Modern websites automatically adjust to fit different screen sizes, including: Desktop computers, Tablets, Mobile phones Because of ...

      • Connect Center (Web Kiosk) Customization

        What is the Connect Center (Web Kiosk)? The Connect Center, also referred to as the Web Kiosk, is the web-based interface churches use to allow congregants to: Sign in for prayer or fasting Submit prayer requests or testimonies View announcements ...