Simply Giving FAQ
Note: Text in italics are annotations clarifying how GSLC performs a specific function.
Q: Do you have to be a member of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans to participate in the Simply Giving® program?
A: No. This program is available to anyone whose church or Lutheran institution is participating and to any parent whose child is enrolled in a participating Lutheran school. Good Shepherd Lutheran Church is a Simply Giving® participant. Therefore, any member of GSLC may and is encouraged to participate in the Simply Giving® program.
Q: How does the Simply Giving® program work?
A: Your offerings are transferred electronically from your bank or credit union checking or savings account. They are deposited directly into your congregation's, account. As a result, your contributions cannot be lost, stolen or forgotten. Automated Clearing House (ACH) rules and regulations apply. GSLC's Administrative Assistant receives via email, a detailed report listing each participant's completed transaction during the period. This information is recorded in the member’s financial offering record - a summary statement is sent at years end for members tax preparation purposes. Authorization (enrollment), change, cancellation and reports are filed at the GSLC Church Office for 2-years, after which they are destroyed.
Q: Are there any fees involved with the program?
A: No. There are no fees charged to individuals or churches.
Q: What is the minimum amount a person may have withdrawn for a contribution?
A: $5.
Q: How often can funds be withdrawn electronically from my account?
A: They can be withdrawn once a week, every other week, or monthly.
Q: Can contributions be directed to specific funds within the church?
A: No. At GSLC there is a unified budget.
Q: Can participants make a temporary stop payment or change the amount that is being withdrawn from an account?
A: Yes. Participants can suspend, change or stop withdrawals by contacting the institution benefiting from their giving. If participants are not able to reach the institution, they may contact Vanco Services, LLC or Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Change should be requested at least five business days before the transfer is scheduled to take place. At GSLC please first contact the Administrative Assistant to forward your changes (enrollment, changes, or cancellation) to Vanco Services LLC. Our Administrative Assistant has the forms and resources to quickly submit your change requests.
Q: Whom do I call if I have more questions about Simply Giving®?
A: Simply Giving® will be administered by Vanco Services, LLC, an outside vendor that Thrivent Financial for Lutheran has contracted with to provide administrative services. Individuals should contact the institution benefiting from their giving. Institutions should call Vanco Services at 800-675-7430. Your financial representative with Thrivent Financial also may be able to answer your questions. Understandably, Vanco requests a Simply Giving® Contact Person to answer member questions, provide members with Member Enrollment And Authorization Forms, and conduct all communications with Vanco Services, LLC. At GSLC, members are to first contact our Administrative Assistant - refraining from direct contact with Vanco Services LLC.