Let’s Talk About GivingTuesday: Is it Right for Your Church?

If you’re unsure about GivingTuesday, you’re not alone. Many churches feel that a global giving day might not align with their mission. But what if GivingTuesday could amplify your church’s impact and unite your congregation in support of the causes they care about most?

For countless organizations, this global day of generosity has become a meaningful way to harness generosity, rally support for important causes, and engage their supporters in something larger than themselves. 

In this post, we’ll explore what GivingTuesday is and why it might be worth considering for your church. And, if you choose to take part, we’ll share resources to help make it impactful and manageable. 

What is GivingTuesday? 

In 2012, GivingTuesday launched as a response to the consumerism of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, with a mission to inspire generosity worldwide. The idea was simple but powerful: create a day dedicated to giving back, where people and organizations unite to support the causes and communities they care about. 

Since then, GivingTuesday has grown into a global movement, with millions of people and organizations participating each year. In 2023, 34 million individuals united to give back, raising an incredible $3.1 billion in donations. 

Last year, on Givelify alone, more than 20,000 generous donors contributed $3.3 million to nearly 9,000 organizations. This overwhelming response demonstrates the power of collective generosity. 

GivingTuesday is more than just a day — it’s a global movement that unites people around the world in the spirit of generosity. This year, the National Day of Giving will take place on Tuesday, December 3, 2025. 

One reason to consider GivingTuesday for your church 

Faith communities demonstrate incredible generosity. According to the 2024 Giving in Faith report, 97% of faith-based givers contributed money, time, or items in 2023. Over 95% of those givers donated money to one or more places of worship, registered nonprofits, mutual aid groups, or directly to individuals in need. GivingTuesday offers churches an opportunity to channel this generosity toward the causes that matter most to their mission and community. 

Many of your congregants are likely already giving to charitable causes outside of your church. In 2023, the 2024 Giving in Faith report found that more than half of faith-based givers supported registered nonprofits. With 70% giving over $100 to causes like youth and family services, education, poverty alleviation, and disaster relief.

By participating in GivingTuesday, your church can channel this goodwill toward initiatives that resonate deeply with your congregation — amplifying its mission and bringing real, positive change to communities.

Is GivingTuesday right for your church? 

It’s natural to have reservations about whether GivingTuesday is a good fit for your church. You may feel that it’s only for large nonprofits with big budgets or that a successful campaign requires extensive marketing and resources. In reality, GivingTuesday is designed for organizations of all sizes, and churches can participate in ways that are simple and meaningful without added stress.  

If you’re unsure whether GivingTuesday is right for your place of worship, consider the following factors: 

• Congregational readiness: Is your congregation enthusiastic about giving? Would they be receptive to an invitation to participate in a national giving day? 

• Alignment with your mission: Does your church already have community-oriented goals that would benefit from a GivingTuesday campaign, like supporting local food banks or youth in your community? 

• Available resources: Do you have the capacity to promote and manage a GivingTuesday campaign? If resources are limited, Givelify’s GivingTuesday toolkit for congregations offers templates and tips to help you make the most of the day with minimal effort. 

• Potential for long-term engagement: Could GivingTuesday be a springboard for new programs or initiatives within the church that inspire ongoing support? 

Remember, GivingTuesday isn’t solely about raising donations; it’s about mobilizing communities around shared values of generosity and compassion. For some churches, a successful campaign might lead to increased volunteer engagement, while for others, it could raise awareness for a specific ministry. The key is to view this day as an opportunity to inspire your congregation, whether through small acts of kindness, volunteering, or giving. 

Resources to make GivingTuesday easy 

If you’re considering participating in GivingTuesday this year, Givelify has developed a toolkit specifically for congregations like yours, filled with resources to help plan and execute a successful campaign. 

This free toolkit includes everything you need to inspire generosity and maximize your church’s impact on this National Day of Giving. Here’s a look at what’s inside: 

• Planning resources to tell your story: This toolkit includes step-by-step resources to help you create a GivingTuesday plan, share your story effectively, and spread the word. By highlighting the impact of donations and aligning them with your church’s mission, you can inspire deeper engagement and generosity. 

• Tips for making the most of Givelify: Learn how to use Givelify’s mobile and online giving platform, including congregation-friendly features like giving envelopes. These tools can simplify the donation process for your members, making it easy for them to give on GivingTuesday and beyond. 

• Customizable email and social media templates: Use pre-written templates with images that you can easily personalize and share with your congregation. These templates are designed to encourage giving and help you reach more people within your community. 

Participating in GivingTuesday can be as simple as making an announcement during a service or sending out a single email. With Givelify’s free toolkit, you have all the necessary resources at your fingertips to make your campaign seamless and effective. 

Embrace the spirit of giving this GivingTuesday 

GivingTuesday is an opportunity for your church to lead with faith, inspire action, and make a meaningful difference. By joining this global generosity movement, your church can tap into the spirit of giving that’s already alive in your congregation and direct it toward creating lasting change. 

Are you ready to get involved? Download Givelify’s GivingTuesday toolkit and join a movement that celebrates the power of generosity to make the world a better place — one gift at a time.