In the United States, churches have long been a part of the charitable sector. According to Giving USA, in 2016, religious organizations were the third-largest recipient of donations after education and human services. In addition, Americans donated over $122 billion to various causes, with religious organizations receiving just over $17 billion of that amount. While this number has decreased in recent years, religious organizations are still a major force in philanthropy, and people are still looking for ways to give to churches online and in the real world.
So how can your church manage giving in the modern era? Here are a few tips:
Establish a giving policy.
This will help ensure that all donations are handled consistently. Your policy should include information on who can make donations, how donations will be used, and what payment methods are accepted. Additionally, your policy should state if donations are tax-deductible and what the church’s refund policy is.
Use technology to make it easy to donate.
Donors should be able to give easily online, in person, or by mail. Make sure your website is up-to-date and that you have donation envelopes or cards available at services. You may also consider using a donation app or a giving kiosk. This will make it easy for donors to give without carrying cash or writing a check.
Accept multiple methods of payment.
Your church should accept credit and debit cards and ACH payments. This will allow donors to give in the most convenient way for them. In addition, it would be best to consider accepting Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other mobile payment options.
Track donations.
Use a donation tracking system to keep track of all online and offline donations. This will help you ensure that donations are being used properly and that donors are getting the tax deductions they are entitled to. Tracking donations will also allow you to send thank-you notes and annual giving statements and make accurate forecasting for future budgeting.
Consider using crowdfunding.
Crowdfunding can be a great way to raise money for specific projects or causes. You can use several platforms, such as GoFundMe, Kickstarter, or Indiegogo. Be sure to do your research and choose the right platform for your needs.
Set up a giving page.
A giving page is a dedicated page on your website where donors can go to donate. This page should be easy to find and use, and it should include all the information donors need to make a donation. In addition, include a call-to-action on your giving page, such as “donate now” or “support our ministry.”
Promote your giving options.
Make sure everyone in your church knows about the different ways to give. Promote giving at services, on your website, and social media. Let people know that their donations are appreciated and that they are making a difference in the lives of others.
Create a donor recognition program.
Donors should feel appreciated for their contributions. A donor recognition program can help show your appreciation and create a sense of community among donors. For example, some churches give plaques, certificates, or special privileges to donors who contribute at certain levels.
Create a giving portal.
A giving portal will allow donors to donate to your church easily. Ensure the portal is easy to use and includes all the information donors need, such as donation amounts, frequency of payments, and payment methods.
Create donation categories.
This will make it easier for donors to understand how their donations are used. For example, you can create categories such as building repairs, scholarships, and missions trips. This will also help you track donations more easily.
Bringing Giving Into the Modern Age: Some Best Practices
The modern church has many opportunities to reach people for Christ and to engage in ministry. To do this effectively, it is important to have a handle on the finances. This means not only being good stewards of the money that is donated but also making it easy for people to donate. Here are some best practices for managing giving in the modern church.
Be Transparent
Transparency is key when it comes to finances. Donors need to know where their money is going and what it is being used for. Therefore, you should create a financial statement available to all donors. This statement should include an overview of the church’s income and expenses and a breakdown of where donations are being used.
Make Giving Easy
In the past, giving to the church often meant carrying cash or writing a check. But in the modern world, there are many different ways to give. Therefore, your church should accept credit and debit cards and ACH payments. You should also have a giving page on your website where donors can make donations online.
Make It Personal
Donors want to feel appreciated for their contributions. Therefore, you should create a donor recognition program that honors donors for their generosity. This could include naming rights to areas of the church or plaques or certificates of appreciation. You could also give special privileges to donors who contribute at certain levels.
Some Additional FAQs About Giving
Here are some additional FAQs about giving that may be helpful for your church.
Q: How can I make my donation go further?
A: There are several ways to make your donation go further. You can choose to donate to a specific cause or project, or you could give to the general fund. You can also specify that your donation is used for a specific purpose, such as scholarships or building repairs.
Q: What if I don’t have cash or a check?
A: You can still give! Many churches accept credit and debit cards, as well as ACH payments. You can also give online through the church’s website.
Q: How often can I give?
A: You can give as often as you like. Some donors make a one-time donation, while others contribute monthly or annually.
Q: How will my donation be used?
A: Your donation will support the church’s ministries and operations. You can specify that your donation is used for a specific purpose, such as scholarships or building repairs.
Q: Is my donation tax-deductible?
A: Yes, donations to churches are tax-deductible. Be sure to keep a record of your donation for your taxes.
