Maximize Church Giving: Proven Tactics from Givelify’s Generosity Experts

With only 22 Sundays left this year, the countdown is on. How will you make each one count to ensure you reach your giving goals? 

Whether you’re off track or exceeding expectations, there’s still time to turn your financial goals into reality. 

We recently sat down with Givelify’s generosity experts to uncover their best advice for meeting your annual church giving goals, no matter where you stand.

Meet Givelify’s generosity experts 

Givelify’s generosity experts have dedicated their careers to helping organizations achieve their financial goals. 

These seasoned professionals coach some of the largest organizations on Givelify, providing invaluable guidance and strategies to enhance church giving. 

With 130 years of combined experience, they have served hundreds of churches and places of worship across the U.S., empowering congregations of all sizes to cultivate a lasting culture of generosity. 

Many have held leadership roles in church, giving them a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities faced by places of worship like yours. 

Now, let’s dive into their insights and discover how you can achieve your giving goals! 

Q: What should we do if our church’s giving is not on track or where we want it to be? 

Connect your mission to your giving strategy 

“If your organization’s giving is falling short, it’s crucial to connect your mission directly to your giving strategy. Ask yourself, is giving actively promoted or taught within your community?  

82% of givers agree that giving is a core tenet of their faith, according to our recent research. Educate your donors on how their contributions are integral to stewardship and the broader mission. 

Communicate clearly the impact of their donations, whether it’s supporting specific programs or just keeping the lights on. Inspire and empower your donors by explaining the ‘why’ behind the ‘ask,’ making it clear why giving to your organization matters.” 

Make mobile giving easy 

“77% of givers utilize at least one digital means to make donations to their place of worship, according to our latest Giving in Faith report. In today’s digital age, simplifying mobile giving can significantly boost your organization’s donations. 

Incorporate digital giving options into your services and broadcasts, using lower third banners to display clear calls to action and information about how to give. 

Utilize tools like Givelify’s Snap-To-Give QR code, making it readily available during services or events. This makes it easy for donors to contribute instantly using their smartphones, increasing the likelihood of spontaneous giving.” 

Don’t have a Snap-to-Give code? Reach out to our award-winning support team to request one for your organization. 

Make giving accessible 

“Making giving visible and accessible is essential, both for those who worship in-person and virtually. Based on the latest research, 61% of faith-based individuals primarily attend worship services virtually or in some hybrid format. 

Ensure that giving links are prominently featured on your social media pages and website, allowing for convenient online donations at any time. 

Consider integrating donation links in every post to encourage anytime, anywhere giving. This consistent visibility can remind your community to support your mission regularly.” 

Q: My organization is on track or exceeding our goals. How do we continue the momentum? 

Express gratitude and foster connection with donors 

“To maintain and build upon your success, it’s vital to express gratitude and foster a deeper connection with your donors. At a minimum, routinely say thank you during service — it’s a simple yet powerful way to show appreciation. 

Leverage tools like Givelify’s Analytics Studio to respond to messages and express thanks. Additionally, send personalized thank-you cards alongside digital messages. 

Consider dedicating a day to personally call major donors. These gestures of gratitude can strengthen donor relationships and encourage continued support.” 

Showcase impact and celebrate success 

“Regularly showcasing the impact of donations and celebrating success is key to maintaining donor support. Share compelling stories that highlight the tangible difference their contributions make. This not only generates excitement but also acknowledges and celebrates the contributions of your supporters. 

Keep your community informed by regularly sharing these impact stories. When they see the positive outcomes of their generosity, they’ll feel even more motivated to continue giving.” 

Show donors what’s next 

“To keep the momentum going, clearly communicate the next steps and ongoing needs of your organization. Show the gap: thank your donors for helping you reach this point, but also explain where you need to go next. 

Personalize this by bringing up someone who has benefited from the donations or sharing a heartfelt story. 90% of givers say helping those in need is a key reason to give, according to the 2024 Giving in Faith report.  

Celebrate your achievements, but then pivot to explain why further support is necessary. Clearly articulate your vision and goals, demonstrating why continued donations are crucial to achieving future objectives.” 

Q: Whether we’re on or off track, what tactical things can we do today to make an impact on giving? 

Integrate giving education for new members 

“One effective tactic is to welcome new members and integrate giving education from the start. Incorporate teachings on responsible giving into new member classes or onboarding programs. 

This ensures that new members understand the importance of giving and how it supports the organization’s mission. Establishing this foundation early on can lead to a more engaged and generous congregation.” 

Embrace online engagement and build connections 

“To make an immediate impact, embrace online engagement and build strong connections with your community. Actively engage with members and followers on social media, responding to their comments and welcoming them into your organization. 

Ensure that every person feels like a valued member, whether they participate in-person or online. This proactive approach can deepen relationships and encourage consistent giving.” 

Put these tips into practice 

“Implement these strategies through the remainder of the year, especially during key giving seasons like Thanksgiving, GivingTuesday, Christmas, and end of year. Use these dates as opportunities to discuss the importance of giving and how contributions make a difference. 

Highlight GivingTuesday and how people are supporting various causes. Use Thanksgiving and Christmas to focus on giving back to those in need. Emphasize the end of the year as the last chance for donors to make their contributions count for 2024, both for tax purposes and to meet their personal giving goals.” 

Your roadmap to financial success 

Reaching your giving goals is a journey that requires strategic planning, consistent effort, and the right tools. By connecting your mission to your giving strategy, making giving accessible, expressing gratitude, and showcasing the impact of donations, you can inspire and motivate your congregation to support your church’s mission. 

Remember, every Sunday counts. Utilize the insights and strategies shared by Givelify’s generosity experts to create a thriving culture of generosity in your church. With dedication and the right approach, you can achieve your financial goals and continue to make a lasting impact in your community.