Last year was record-breaking for #GivingTuesday with $274 million raised online. This year, experts predict that we’ll see a 21% increase in online gifts and raise over $330 million in total. While it’s taken a while for this global day of generosity to catch on, the impact noticeably grows year after year.
Since getting its start in 2012, #GivingTuesday has grown year after year. People across the globe embrace this day of giving in the height of consumerism around the holidays—it’s a breath of fresh air. It reminds people to give back in a meaningful way rather than getting caught up in shopping days like Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Recurring giving benefits the church and the giver. For the giver, donations are easy to manage, and consistent giving helps develop spiritual growth. For the church, forecasting is more accurate and the average recurring giver donates 42% more annually.
When you stop to look around a crowded restaurant, park, or church before service starts, you’ll notice a lot of mobile devices out. Even if you don’t see them, chances are they’re tucked away in a pocket or purse. According to Pew Research, over 95% of U.S. adults own a cellphone of some kind, and 77% own a smartphone.
It takes time to grow membership and cultivate relationships that increase giving. While the main focus should always be helping your congregation deepen its relationship with Christ, there comes a time when focusing on developing a culture of generosity is also a necessity.
Heading into summer, churches across the U.S. prepare for the dip in attendance that occurs in peak vacation months. Unfortunately, these empty seats often result in a decline in giving as well. While the summer slump is a challenge, there’s one statistic that offers a solution to the decrease in gifts.
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