The spirit of generosity is usually at its peak during the final months of the year. With giving in the hearts of most people, it’s an opportune time to jump into your year-end giving campaign.
Nearly 1/3 of annual giving occurs in December, with 13% of giving happening in the last three days of the year. Yes, this is quite the last minute, but when you start your campaign early, you’ll give your donors time to think and pray about what they want their year-end donation to be. It also gives them a moment to adjust their budget if needed and plan so they can make that last-minute gift.
What is a Year-End Giving Campaign?
As a church leader or finance team member, you already understand the importance of giving campaigns and how they can inspire generosity. A church’s year-end giving campaign is an important effort to raise more funds at the end of the year. Because people are feeling generous and many want to have higher tax deductions, they consider donating at the end of the year. A fund campaign can help inspire generosity and increase giving for your church.
Below are five ideas to have a successful year-end giving campaign.
1. Reach Out to Volunteers
Volunteers are some of the top contributors to churches and nonprofits. That’s probably because they are already passionate about the work and ministry that your church is doing. In fact, 79% of a nonprofit’s volunteers also donate to that organization.
Don’t miss the incredible opportunity of involving your volunteers in your year-end giving. Reach out to them personally and let them know how their giving can make an even greater impact. Because they share your church’s vision, they are also likely to want to donate to your cause.
2. Make an Appeal
The whole point of a year-end giving campaign is to let people know about it! If people aren’t aware of the opportunity, they’ll be less likely to give. So, don’t be afraid to make the ask.
Share your giving link on social media, send an email inviting them to donate, or make an announcement during your weekend services. Tell them what you’re doing and why you’re doing it.
3. Share the Goals
Accelerate generosity by sharing the vision. Don’t simply ask people for money. Nobody likes that. But when you inspire people with the mission of what their financial gifts could do, they’ll want to participate.
Consider creating various funds for certain projects or ministries your church has planned for the coming year. Letting your congregation know how their gifts can make a difference will curb any doubt they may be having.
4. Reflect on the Good
What did your church do in the last year that impacted others’ lives? Along with casting vision, look back at all of the good that happened through your church and people.
Include stories or testimonies from people who were blessed. Do an interview with a volunteer who was excited to serve. Share how somebody who gave last year was inspired by what happened through their donation.
5. Send an Annual Report
Use your annual report to highlight the mission and impact of financial contributions in the previous year. Take time to thank your donors and make a case for donating at year’s end. This is a terrific opportunity to show transparency and build trust with your congregation.
Make your annual report visually appealing with graphs, charts, and photos. Share the stories we talked about above. Then, send it out to your donors via email or traditional mail. Don’t forget to include information about how to give and that it’s not too late.
Tip: How to Inspire Generosity Across the Generations
- Silent or Lucky Generation (1946-1954)
- Baby Boomers (1955-1964)
- Generation X (1965-1980)
- Generation Y or Millennials (1981-1996)
Integrated ChMS Can Help Your Giving Campaign
FellowshipOne’s integrated ChMS and Online Giving will make your year-end campaign simple and efficient for administrators and easy for donors to give. We’re here to help you reach your goals, expand your vision, and share the gospel with more people. Download the End of Year Tips for Your Ministry Toolkit or contact us today for more information!
