Digital Offering Plates: Italian Churches Embrace Contactless Donations in Landmark Initiative
Modena, Italy – A quiet revolution is unfolding in Italy’s places of worship. The Duomo in Modena has become the first church in the province to install a digital donation totem, marking a significant shift towards contactless giving and a broader national project aimed at modernizing charitable contributions. This breaking news signals a growing acceptance of fintech within traditional institutions, and a fascinating adaptation to changing donor habits. The move isn’t about replacing traditional methods, but expanding access and convenience for those wishing to support the Church’s vital social work.
From Coins to Contactless: A New Era for Church Giving
For centuries, the clink of coins in the collection plate has been a familiar sound in churches worldwide. Now, that sound is being joined by the subtle beep of a card reader. The new totem, part of the “100 totem in 100 churches” project spearheaded by Banco BPM and Numia in collaboration with the Italian Episcopal Conference (CEI), allows worshippers to donate via credit card, debit card, or digital wallet. The process is remarkably simple: select a language, choose an amount (with a minimum donation of one euro), and tap a card. It’s a move designed to make giving easier, particularly for younger generations accustomed to digital transactions.
The new donation totem installed in the Duomo of Modena, Italy.
The ‘100 Totem’ Project: A National Push for Digital Inclusion
Launched last November, the ambitious “100 totem in 100 churches” project aims to equip some of Italy’s most visited churches with these innovative donation systems by 2025. Banco BPM and Numia are investing in this initiative to not only facilitate donations but also to support the social and solidarity activities carried out by parishes and dioceses across the country. The totems feature multilingual touchscreen panels and intuitive graphics, ensuring accessibility for both Italian residents and the many tourists who visit these historic sites.
This isn’t simply about convenience; it’s about adapting to a changing financial landscape. According to Luca Vanetti, Marketing and Omnicanality Manager of Banco BPM, digital payments already surpassed cash transactions in Italy in 2024 in terms of transaction value. This project acknowledges that trend and seeks to ensure that religious organizations aren’t left behind.
Beyond Modena: The Wider Implications for Charitable Giving
The rollout of these digital donation systems raises interesting questions about the future of charitable giving. While the emotional connection to physically offering a donation remains strong for many, the ease and security of digital payments are undeniable. This initiative could serve as a model for other religious organizations – and even non-profits – looking to modernize their fundraising efforts. The project’s emphasis on inclusivity, with multilingual support and user-friendly interfaces, is particularly noteworthy.
Stefano Bolis, Institutional Manager and Third Sector of Banco BPM, emphasized the bank’s commitment to supporting the Jubilee 2025 celebrations through this project, highlighting the desire to be “precursors in bringing the innovation of payments through POS in churches.” The partnership with Mastercard and Numia further underscores the collaborative effort driving this change.
The shift towards digital donations isn’t just a technological upgrade; it’s a reflection of a broader societal trend towards a cashless future. As more and more transactions move online, organizations must adapt to meet donors where they are – and in this case, that’s increasingly with a tap of a card or a scan of a smartphone. This initiative in Modena is a compelling example of how tradition and technology can coexist, fostering a more accessible and sustainable future for charitable giving. Stay tuned to Archyde for continued coverage of this evolving story and the latest developments in fintech and its impact on society.
