Objective
This article introduces the ParishSOFT Giving platform and highlights the key features, functionality, and differences from Faith Direct. By reading this guide, you’ll gain a high-level understanding of where to find essential reports, manage donors and funds, and navigate the system confidently.
Why the Change?
Faith Direct has migrated to the ParishSOFT Giving platform. While many of the features will feel familiar, ParishSOFT Giving offers enhanced control, transparency, and flexibility for managing gifts, donors, and events—all in one centralized location.
Watch the Video Tutorial:
Dashboard Overview
When you log in, you land on your Dashboard—a snapshot of giving activity.
Top Metrics:
- Total Giving Volume (Current Calendar Year vs. Last Year)
- Total Donors Signed Up
- Average Transaction Amount
- Recurring Gifts
Note: This shows the number of gifts, not the number of givers. (One donor with multiple recurring gifts will be counted more than once.)
To view unique recurring givers, run the Recurring Gifts Report and filter out duplicates.
Giving Trends
A dynamic graph shows donations by:
- Source (online, mobile, app, text-to-give, kiosk)
- Date Range (last 3 months by default, up to 24 months)
- Totals across all time and the past 30 days
Navigation Menu Breakdown
🧾 Reports
- Recurring Gifts
- Filter by frequency, donor, status (active, paused), and fund
- Click the three-bar menu to edit, view payment methods, or send thank-yous
- Modify or cancel recurring gifts if needed (e.g., donor calls in)
- Transactions
- View all donations by donor, fund, and date
- Equivalent to Faith Direct’s Giving History reports
- Filter and customize fields (donor ID, email, fund code, etc.)
- Pledges
- Used for campaign tracking
- View total pledged, amount given, status, and donor info
- Deposits
- View bank deposits and fee breakdowns
- Covered in detail in a separate Deposits article
👥 Donors
- See all donor records with name, contact info, and envelope number
- Use Potential Duplicates to merge donor profiles
- Merge by name, email, or address to keep records clean
📩 Contribution Emails and Statements
- Customize Tax Statement Emails (subject, message, sender name, BCC, etc.)
- Generate Contribution Data Reports by date range, fund, or transaction type
- Statements can be emailed in bulk
Fund Management
- Set processing dates and recurrence rules (e.g., annual giving on feast days)
- Choose whether recurring gifts continue after the goal is met
- Add and manage funds under the Fund Management section
🔄 If you allow yearly recurrence, donors are automatically scheduled to give annually on the selected date (e.g., every June 26).
🎯 Pledge Drives
- Name your campaign and link it to a fund
- Set goal amounts, expiration dates, and recurrence behavior
- Choose whether to stop accepting gifts after goals are met
Form Management
All-in-One Hub
Faith Direct forms were already powered by ParishSOFT Giving—now all Giving Forms and Event Registrations live under the Forms tab.
- Use filters to view published, unpublished, or expired forms
- Click into any form to see exactly what your donors see
- Donors can schedule one-time gifts for future dates (not limited to the 4th or 15th!)
Form Settings
- Add QR codes, embed links, and direct URLs
- Manage fund list and tax-deductibility flags
⚠️ The tax-deductible setting only affects new donations. Be careful when creating new funds.
Submission & Payment Options
- Customize post-submission message
- Choose which payment methods to offer (e.g., disable Google Pay for appeals)
- Optional billing address requirement
- Confirmation email options for donors and staff
✅ Always click Save & Publish after changes. Saving as a draft can lead to confusion.
Creating New Forms
- Choose from:
- Giving Form
- Event Registration
- Contact Form
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Custom Templates
Selecting the correct form type now matters for assigning permissions to different managers or volunteers
Engagement Resources
- Access bulletin graphics and images for promotion
- Ask your Client Relations Manager about Seasons of Giving materials sent quarterly
Refunds – Now Self-Service!
You now have the ability to process your own full or partial refunds directly from the platform.
Still not comfortable? No problem—your Client Relations Manager or donor support can still assist with refunds.
Need Help or Have Questions?
We’re here to support your success:
Contact your Client Relations Manager, or email managed.giving@ministrybrands.com
Thank you for choosing ParishSOFT Giving—we’re excited to walk alongside your mission!
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