How To Ask For Donations (Without Asking)
What if I told you that your church's giving could increase...all without asking your people to give?
Sounds crazy, right?
After working with hundreds of churches, I've noticed a pattern with almost every church that has developed a healthy donor base. And I've found 5 characteristics these thriving churches share when asking their people to give.
Or should I say how they DON'T ask people to give...
1. Make It Easy to Donate
It should take only seconds for a potential donor to figure out how to give to your church. Ask for money (without asking) doing the following:
- Promote your donation page on your church website and social media pages
- Include the donate link in your email newsletter and even share a link to donate via text a few times a year
- Display a QR code on the bulletin or welcome slides that link to your online donation form
- Place physical donation boxes in the sanctuary
- Share your number for people to give via text message
Whether someone wants to give in cash or an online donation, they should never have to search for an opportunity. Put opportunities in front of them so they can donate the moment they decide to.
2. Say Thank You
This one seems obvious, but you'd be surprised how many church leaders don't think to say thanks!
Show gratitude from the pulpit for the financial support your church receives. Make it a habit to show your members that you don't take their support for granted. A simple gesture like this can go a long way to promote a culture of giving at your church. Your fundraising efforts will multiply from this simple gesture.
3. Personally Follow up With All Donors
In addition to publically thanking your church for donations, privately reach out to your church's donors.
Personally email, call, or text each person that gives to your ministry. Whether someone gives $10,000 or $10, take a moment to thank them and share how that gift will be used to share the Gospel.
This helps cultivate a deeper connection between you and your donors, which helps them feel deeply connected to the ministry. Even when someone can't donate money but their time, a personal follow-up goes a long way.
Pro Tip: ChurchTrac lets you automate follow-ups with all first-time donors. That way, donors get a message from the church and you. That's a serious double whammy of gratitude!
4. Fundraising Show and Tell
There’s a good chance you have people who attend your church that give to other nonprofits but NOT your church!
Why?
Because you have not shown them what your church does with tithes and offerings you take in!
People need to feel confident that their tithes and offerings are going towards more than just staff salary or rent. They want to see how the church has been a steward of its money.
How has your church used donations to bless the community? What kind of impact has your church had on vulnerable people in your area? Share those wins with your congregation! You might be surprised by how excited they become to keep giving.
5. Email Their Donation History
I've found that the best way to create a sense of urgency with your donors is to show them their giving history.
Many donors assume they've given more to the church than they really have. I know I've thought the same...until I checked my donation history!
Consider sending contribution statements more than just once a year. I've spoken with church leaders who send statements once every quarter. And without asking, some members stepped up their giving. All because they wanted reality to match their assumptions!
How ChurchTrac Makes This Easy
This is where ChurchTrac will take a load off your shoulders.
- You can email everyone their contribution statement with the click of a button
- Donors can check their donation history in the church app
Showing members their giving history will probably do more to encourage donations than the rest of the ideas on this list. And ChurchTrac makes this process as simple as it ought to be.
An Easy Way to Ask for Donations
The easiest way to ask is to not ask at all! By making donating easy, sharing testimonies, and connecting with current donors, you can encourage a culture of giving without imploring your members for donations.
Need a church giving solution? ChurchTrac makes taking donations and following up with donors fast and simple. Start your free trial today and see why thousands of churches have partnered with us.
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Weston
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