Giving Counter — User Guide

Everything you need to record and submit giving collections quickly and accurately.

📋 Overview

Giving Counter is a simple tool for recording cash and check donations during a giving collection event. Entries are tallied in real time and submitted as a single batch to a secure database.

It is designed to be used by counters — the people who count and record giving envelopes or loose donations after a service.

🚀 Getting Started

Open the app on any phone or computer. No installation is required — it runs entirely in your browser.

  1. Open the appNavigate to the Giving Counter URL. The app loads instantly with no login required for counting.
  2. Select your service / eventIf your admin has set up categories, you will see category buttons (e.g. General, Designated). Choose the appropriate one before adding each entry.
  3. Add entries one by oneFor each envelope or donation, fill in the type (Check or Cash), amount, and any required details, then tap Add Entry.
  4. Review totalsConfirm the running totals on the right match your physical count before submitting.
  5. SubmitTap Submit to send the batch to the database. A confirmation code is shown after a successful submission.

✏️ Add Entry

Category

Tap a category button to select where this donation belongs. General covers regular tithes and offerings. Designated is for gifts earmarked for a specific purpose — you will be prompted to enter the designation name.

Entry Type

Choose Check or Cash. For checks, enter the check number so the record is traceable.

Amount

Enter the dollar amount. Use the decimal point for cents (e.g. 25.50). The app accepts any positive number.

Note (optional)

Add a short note if something needs clarification — for example, a partial check or a special instruction from the donor.

Tip: You can add multiple entries before submitting. The totals update instantly after each entry so you can double-check as you go.

📊 Totals & Summary

The Current Totals panel shows a running subtotal per category and a Grand Total. Tap the Grand Total to open a full summary view listing every entry.

Use the summary to cross-check your physical count before you submit. If you spot a mistake, close the summary and remove or re-enter the incorrect item from the Entries list.

Tip: If you need to remove an entry, find it in the Entries list (below the Add Entry form) and tap the delete button next to it.

📤 Submit

When you are satisfied with all entries and totals, fill in the Counter Name and Service Date fields in the Submit section, then tap Submit Giving.

A confirmation message will appear with a submission ID. Keep a note of this ID — it can be used by an admin to look up the record later.

Important: Once submitted, entries are sent to the database and the local form is cleared. Make sure all entries are correct before submitting.

🔐 Admin

Admins can log in using the Login button in the top navigation. After logging in, an Admin menu appears with access to:

  • Giving Counter Admin — view, search, and export all submitted giving records.
  • Event Signup Admin — manage event registrations (if the Event Signup tool is also in use).

Admin credentials are managed by your organization's system administrator. Contact them if you need access.

💡 Tips

  • Works offline for data entry — entries are stored locally until you submit, so a brief network hiccup won't lose your work. Submission itself requires an internet connection.
  • Multiple counters — each person can open the app on their own device and submit separately. The admin can then reconcile totals from multiple submissions.
  • Dark mode — tap the ☀ / 🌙 button in the nav bar to switch between light and dark themes.
  • Language — use the language selector in the nav bar to switch between English and Chinese (中文). Your preference is saved in the browser.