Recurring Donations: A Simple Way to Increase Church Giving

Imagine a church where budgeting isn't a constant juggling act, essential programs aren't put on hold, and where the focus can truly be on serving those in need.

That can be your church with just one awesome resource: Recurring Donations

Online giving is gaining traction as the preferred way donors support the church. However, recurring donations can transform your church's fundraising strategy completely.

But why recurring donations? What makes them so much more potent than the traditional one-time offering? Here's why:

1. Overall Increase in Fundraising

Recurring donors give far more per year than one-time donors. Network for Good found they give 42% more, to be exact.

Not only that but a study by Classy found that recurring donors are also more likely to give one-time donations on special occasions (like a love offering) in addition to their standard giving. That's because donors who give regularly are likely your most committed supporters!

This is reason enough to launch a recurring giving blitz at your church! But just to further convince you, here are a few more reasons why your church should embrace it:

2. Everyone Prefers Recurring Giving

My generation (Millennials) is very comfortable donating online. But it's a myth that only us young whippersnappers prefer it. Older generations prefer it, too!

In a recent study by Nonprofit Tech for Good found that a majority within all age groups (Boomers, Gen X, & Millenials) prefer giving online over all other giving methods. In a more recent study, they found that 57% of all donors in North America, across all age groups, are enrolled in a recurring giving program, with many choosing monthly giving.

Here's a video we made to illustrate just how important recurring donations are and how all generations have come to prefer it:

Online giving is an established donation option. And the numbers suggest that as people discover recurring giving, they tend to prefer it.

3. Accept Recurring Donations for Better Donor Retention

This is the second biggest reason why you could see increased giving at your church. Recurring giving helps you maintain consistent income over a longer period.

That same study by Classy found the average duration of a recurring gift was 13 months. That's a significant degree of donation capture! Churches that don't give this option to their members miss out on long-term, consistent giving.

4. Predictable Revenue Stream

Recurring donations offer a steady flow of income, allowing churches to budget confidently and plan for the future. No more last-minute fundraising scrambles or agonizing over unexpected expenses.

With better donor retention and an overall increase in giving, your church could experience the financial stability of your dreams.

5. Donation Tracking Is Easier

Let's face it, manually recording donations each week can be time-consuming and resource-intensive. Recurring donations streamline the process, freeing your time and energy for what truly matters – ministry itself.

ChurchTrac Online Giving automatically reports donations to your church giving software. Recurring donations allow both you and your donors to "set it and forget it!"

How Do I Promote Recurring Donations?

It can be tough asking for more donations. So much so that we made a video about how to ask for donations (without really asking) that you can watch here:

It can also feel tough to ask people to change how they give. But here are a few easy ways to promote your recurring donation platform so that more people jump on board...

• Make it easy and convenient: Offer multiple opportunities for setting up recurring donations. The churches that see the most success are the ones that train volunteers to walk members through setting it up so that members don't have to figure it out on their own
• Communicate the impact: Clearly articulate how recurring donations contribute to the church's mission
• Let donors choose the frequency: Allow donors to choose the frequency and amount of their contributions, providing options that fit their budgets and preferences
• Make recurring donors feel appreciated: Regularly thank your donors and show appreciation for their support. Highlight their contributions and celebrate milestones achieved through their generosity.

Verdict: Recurring Donations for Nonprofits Are Crucial

Remember, every recurring donation represents a deeper commitment to the church's mission. By promoting and making the process seamless, churches can see greater overall giving, better financial stability, and higher donor retention.

Move beyond the offering plate and turn your donors into recurring givers!