GC Connect - Getting Started

GC Connect integrates seamlessly with The Social Fundraising Platform and Giving Forms by GiveCampus and allows you to accept gifts by swiping a card, inserting an EMV chip card, or tapping a mobile wallet (e.g., Apple Pay). Unlike card readers that need to be plugged into another device, a power source, and/or an ethernet cable, GC Connect is completely mobile and communicates via Bluetooth for maximum flexibility and versatility.

1. Download the App

1. On your iPhone or iPad (iOS 15 or later) go to the App Store and search for “GiveCampus Connect”. 

2. Install the app.

3. Make sure your administrator account for GiveCampus has been granted access to the GC Connect app:

   • Navigate to Administrator → Notifications under Online Giving.

   • Check the box under the column “GC Connect Access”

   • If you don't see that column, contact support@givecampus.com 

4. Once access is granted, you log into the mobile app with the same credentials you use for your GiveCampus administrator account.

2. Charge Up Your Reader

• Use the USB charging cable included with your reader and plug it into any USB port. Once charged, you can unplug it and use it anywhere.

3. Turn On Your Reader

Old reader (pre-2022 model):

• Press and release the power button (on the side) to turn it on. Status light turns on to indicate power.

• If no paired device connects within five minutes, the reader auto shuts off.

• To manually turn it off: press and hold the power button until the status light goes dark.

• Note: The reader does not need to remain connected to the USB charging cable to be used. 

New reader (2022 and later):

• Press and release the power button. The status LEDs light up and the reader emits two beeps. 

• The reader waits for a Bluetooth connection for about five minutes before auto shutting off. 

• Once paired to a device running the app, the reader’s status lights flash four times, then the first status light begins flashing every five seconds.

• The reader remains connected to your iOS device while in standby, and will exit standby when activity resumes.

• If inactive for ~10 hours, the reader turns off automatically. You can also turn off manually by pressing and holding the power button for four seconds. You don’t necessarily need to turn it off just to conserve power. 

4. Pair Your Device

1. On your iPhone or iPad: enable Bluetooth in Settings.

2. Open the GiveCampus Connect app and log in.

3. In the app, tap the “Reader” tab (lower right corner). Then choose “Discover Readers”.

4. Your in-range reader devices will appear in a list (each labeled by its serial number, which is printed on the back of the reader). 

5. Tap the serial number of the reader you wish to pair.

   • For old models: once paired, the reader’s status light becomes a steady blue. 

   • For new models: once paired, the reader’s status light becomes a steady green. Also, if a firmware update is available, it will install when you pair.

5. Accept Gifts

• In the GiveCampus Connect app, select the campaign or donation form where you’d like to accept in-person donations. 

• Enter the donor’s basic information as required on the form.

• Have the donor provide their payment method: swipe, insert, or tap their card/mobile wallet.

• Follow the prompts in the app.

  • Older readers: One beep when the card is read; two beeps when removed.

  • Newer readers: LEDs light in sequence; a beep confirms a successful read and another confirms completion.

• Once approved, the donor receives the same confirmation email they would get from any online GiveCampus form.

Tips & Best Practices

• Make sure your iOS device remains charged and Bluetooth is enabled.

• Test the reader ahead of your fundraising event to verify pairing and connectivity.

• Keep your reader charged — a full charge supports many transactions (up to ~1,000).

• If you haven’t used your reader in a while, check for firmware updates at pairing time.

• If you have multiple readers/devices, label the serial numbers and keep track of pairing to avoid confusion.

• After pairing and before going live, run a small “test donation” (internal or minimal amount) to verify the workflow.

If you’d like assistance or run into any issues, you can email: support@givecampus.com