Churches have always found unique ways to encourage giving, but a new tool is turning heads: giving vending machines.

These aren’t your standard snack dispensers. Instead of chips and candy bars, they offer donors a chance to fund things like meals, school supplies, and clean water for those in need (or even a goat!).

But is this approach the right fit for your church? Let’s break down the pros and cons.

What is Giving Vending Machine?

The idea of giving vending machines started in 2017 as part of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Light The World giving machine initiative. These machines allow people to make charitable donations by purchasing items for those in need, such as food and nutrition, water, shelter, or livestock, instead of receiving something for themselves. All proceeds go directly to global and local charities, with administrative costs sponsored by the church, ensuring that every donation is used towards transforming lives. It's all about serving others and experiencing the joy of giving.

Giving Machine Locations

The concept was first introduced in Salt Lake City, Utah, with additional machines in locations like New York City. Since then, the initiative has expanded around the world, offering an innovative way to promote charitable giving during the holiday season. 

Giving Machine Sponsors 

The success of the Giving Machines is also thanks to the Christ of Latter-Day Saints sponsors and other nonprofit organizations who cover all operational costs and logistical expenses. These sponsors, including local businesses, community organizations, and individual donors, play a crucial role in keeping the initiative running smoothly. Their support ensures that more donations reach those in need, enabling the Giving Machines to raise over $43.4 million since their 2017 debut in Salt Lake City.

Why Churches Love the Idea of a Giving Machine

The concept of giving vending machines is gaining momentum because it combines technology with a tangible, visual giving experience.  Imagine a machine in your church lobby where people can buy items like meals for the homeless, school supplies for children, or support for missionary work. It has the same excitement as a snack vending machine, but instead, you just bought a family two goats or a chicken!

Churches love this idea for several reasons... 

1. It Gets People Excited About Giving

These machines are a conversation starter. They create a fun, hands-on way for people to give, especially during the holiday season. It’s not just an abstract concept anymore—it’s immediate and visual. Whether you’re supporting meals for the homeless or providing clean water for communities, it’s easy to see exactly where your donation is going. This helps people feel more connected to their giving and more excited to participate.

2. Encourages All-Around Giving

Each donor gets to choose what they’re supporting—whether it’s local food drives or global relief efforts. This personalized approach can make giving more meaningful, leading to higher engagement. People are more likely to engage when they feel like they are making a difference in something they truly care about. By putting the power of choice in the donor’s hands, these machines can lead to higher participation rates and larger donations.

3. Appeals to Younger Generations

Let’s face it: younger folks are drawn to new tech. Younger generations, especially Millennials and Gen Z, have grown up with technology, and they expect to see tech integrated into all aspects of their lives. A giving vending machine can be a cool, innovative way to draw them in and make them feel connected to your church’s mission in a unique way.

4. Simplifies Donation Tracking

Since everything is digital, it’s easier to keep track of donations for specific causes, making reporting and thank-you notes a breeze. Instead of manually entering donation amounts or trying to match physical cash to specific donations, everything is logged in real time and easily accessible. This not only saves time for staff but also provides donors with a more streamlined experience.

Cons of Giving Machines

As exciting as giving vending machines can be, they're not a one-size-fits-all solution. While this digital approach may appeal to larger or more urban congregations, smaller churches or those rooted in more traditional giving methods might find this concept a bit overwhelming-- or even unnecessary.

There's also the question of practicality. Who will maintain the machine? Can you keep it stocked with meaningful giving options? And will the novelty wear off, leaving the church with an expensive piece of tech gathering dust in the corner? These are the kinds of real-world challenges every chuch needs to address before jumping on the bandwagon. 

Let's delve into the challenges of giving machines... 

1. Costs Can Be a Big Deal

Let’s be real—vending machines don’t come cheap. Not just the upfront cost, but also the maintenance and stocking it with meaningful giving options. If your church is small or doesn’t have a high foot traffic, the investment might not be worth it. While it might be an exciting idea for bigger churches with lots of visitors, smaller churches could end up spending a lot of money on something that collects dust in the corner...

2. Might Not Work for Smaller Churches

The bigger your church, the better a giving vending machine could work. For churches with lots of visitors, it can quickly become a hit. But for smaller churches with fewer members or less foot traffic, it might feel like a fancy gadget that just takes up space. In those cases, simpler options like a donation box or online giving could be a more practical and cost-effective solution.

3. It Takes Work

These machines aren’t exactly "set it and forget it." They need upkeep: loading new "giving options," handling maintenance, and troubleshooting tech problems. For smaller churches, this could add an extra layer of work that might take away from other important tasks.

4. Could Shift Focus from Regular Giving

While a giving vending machine is fun and visual, it might distract people from the regular tithing that helps keep the church running. If everyone’s excited about donating through the vending machine, they might forget to contribute in the more traditional ways. It’s important to make sure that regular giving is still part of the conversation, even with this shiny new tool around.

Is It Right for Your Church?

When considering if a giving vending machine will work for your church, it's all about figuring out if it complements your size, budget, and how your congregation currently connects with giving.

For Larger, Tech-Savvy Churches:
If your church regularly embraces new technology and hosts large events, a giving vending machine could be a powerful addition. It works particularly well during seasonal campaigns like Christmas or Easter, when foot traffic is higher, and congregants are already in a generous mindset. Think about placing it in high-visibility areas like the lobby, encouraging both members and visitors to engage with it.

For Smaller or Traditional Churches:
For smaller congregations, this might feel like a big leap, both financially and practically. Instead of fully committing, consider other interactive ways to inspire giving, such as digital kiosks or QR codes linked to specific causes. You can also start small by testing a short-term rental of a giving vending machine during a major event to gauge interest before making a significant investment.

Practical Questions to Ask:

• How often do we have events with high foot traffic?
• Do we have the staff or volunteers to maintain the machine?
• Will this complement or compete with traditional giving methods?

Tips for Churches Considering a Giving Vending Machine

• Test It Out First: Try it during a major event to see how your congregation responds
• Spread the Word: Use your website, social media, and announcements to explain how it works and why it matters
• Offer Options: Keep traditional giving methods available so everyone can participate in the way they’re most comfortable

Ultimately, giving vending machines aren't a perfect fit for every church. Weigh the costs, consider your size, and think about how it could complement your church's current giving methods. Whether it’s a fit for your church or not, the goal remains the same: helping people give in ways that matter.