At the Steier Group, one of the most common concerns we hear from churches considering a capital campaign is: “If we are asking people to contribute to an extraordinary fundraising effort, won’t we see a decrease in our weekly offertory, which we need to meet our basic needs and keep the lights on?”
This concern is understandable, but there is good news: clients who partner with the Steier Group for a capital campaign typically see an increase in their offertory giving after the campaign concludes. Several factors contribute to this trend, primarily the heightened sense of community and spiritual engagement that donors experience during the campaign, which often inspires continued generosity.
Whether your church is planning a campaign or not, boosting your offertory is essential for maintaining a sturdy foundation and planning for the future. Here are five strategies we recommend to boost your offertory:
Articulate a clear vision for your community
As a church leader, it is crucial to have a clear vision for your organization – and the people you serve – in order to communicate it effectively. Clearly define what your church stands for and why you are seeking support. This vision should inspire and unite your community, showing them the impact of their contributions on both a personal and communal level. Our experience shows that when the vision is clear and well-articulated, financial support naturally follows.
Make online giving the preferred method
Implementing an online giving platform reduces barriers to donations. If your church does not have an online giving option, establish one and promote it extensively. Make it prominent on your website and discuss it with your community. Online giving often results in higher and more consistent donations, especially when donors can set up recurring contributions.
Preach on stewardship and the importance of giving
While pastors may hesitate to address financial matters from the pulpit, it is essential to guide your community on this topic. If pastors do not teach about stewardship and money, the secular culture will fill in the gap, usually with a message contrary to the Gospel. Scripture frequently addresses wealth and material possessions as gifts from God to be used in service to the church and others. Preaching on stewardship helps your community understand how to use their resources to grow in their discipleship.
Demonstrate your parish’s value
Building on the first point above, it is critical to show donors how their contributions are making a difference. Highlighting tangible effects helps build a connection and a sense of relationship, which is at the heart of effective stewardship. Share success stories, project updates and testimonials from those who have benefited from the parish’s work. Visual aids, such as photos and videos, can further illustrate the positive effects of your people’s generosity.
Embrace transparency with your parish finances
Regularly share a brief financial update in your bulletin or newsletter, showing the amount received from the offertory compared to the budget. This transparency helps your community understand the church’s financial needs and health, making them more informed and comfortable about their giving.
By implementing these strategies, your parish can foster a culture of generosity and ensure a steady, reliable offertory. This reliable offertory in turn not only meets immediate needs but also enables the parish to plan and execute future initiatives, enhancing its ability to serve the community and fulfill its spiritual mission.
