> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.lightpost.app/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.lightpost.app/add-on-features/online-giving/setup.md).

# Setup

Lightpost uses Stripe.com as the payment processor for online giving.  To get started, follow the instructions below.

## Setup Process

### 1. Create your Stripe.com account

To get started, navigate to **Data → Online Giving → Online Giving Setup** in Lightpost Admin:\
<https://admin.lightpost.app/finance/giving>

Click the `"Connect with Stripe"` option to create your Stripe account, and connect Lightpost to your Stripe account to enable the ability for Lightpost to act on behalf of your new payment processor account.

Make sure to have all your congregation financial and legal information available for the full setup process.

After the account creation process, it should bring you back to Lightpost and Lightpost will show your Stripe account as **Connected**.

{% hint style="info" %}
If you come back to Lightpost and it does not show "Connected" — just click the "Connect with Stripe" button again to make the connection. Sometimes if the sign-up process takes a while to complete, the connection process may not be successful on the first attempt.
{% endhint %}

### 2. Online Giving Settings

Open **Online Giving → Settings** ([admin.lightpost.app/finance/giving/settings](https://admin.lightpost.app/finance/giving/settings)) and choose what members can use:

* **Giving - Allow ACH / Bank Account as a payment method.**
* **Giving - Allow Debit/Credit Card as a payment method.**
* **Giving - Enable recurring giving**

Check **Enable for Members** for each option you want. Changes are saved automatically.

Guest giving, which lets visitors and other non-members give without a login, is turned on from its own page: **Online Giving → Guest Giving**. See [Guest Giving](/add-on-features/online-giving/guest-giving.md).

{% hint style="info" %}
Changing these settings requires the **Manage Account** permission.
{% endhint %}

### 3. Choose Giving Categories

Members can give to income categories marked **Contribution Category?**. Review your categories under **Online Giving → Finance Categories** and drag them into the order members should see. See [Finance Categories](/add-on-features/financial-management/finance-categories.md).

Once Stripe is connected, members will see **Giving** in the web app and the mobile app.