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Last year, faith-based organizations received the largest percentage of online gifts on #GivingTuesday compared to other nonprofit sectors. Yet, many churches are on the fence about whether they should participate on November 27th.
For some churches, this is the first year they’ve heard about #GivingTuesday. They’re not quite sure what to expect from the global day of giving that started in 2012. For others, they may not know if participating would help further their mission.
Fortunately, even if you’re undecided about joining the generosity movement, you still have time to plan. There are plenty of last-minute tips and ways to successfully launch your generosity campaign if you choose to get involved.
For now, let’s look at whether your church should participate on #GivingTuesday (and how you can get started).
Do you have online giving options available?
The global day of giving is designed to be celebrated online. Last year, $45 million was raised through Facebook, so it’s essential to share that you’re participating on this social platform. At easyTithe, our plans come with a Facebook app integration. This allows givers to donate from your Facebook page or their own home screen.
Millions of people also give via text and mobile giving, so be sure these options are available. Use branded donation pages because people are 7X more likely to give on a branded page versus an unbranded one. Always use a platform that is Level 1 PCI compliant to ensure your church and givers are protected.
Once your church offers multiple ways to give online, you’ll not only be better prepared for #GivingTuesday—you’ll be ready for all the biggest giving days of the year!
Is there a special charity your church is inspired by?
Churches are involved in a lot of missions, but if you have a local or global charity your members are particularly inspired by, #GivingTuesday is an excellent time to highlight it. It’s important to choose a specific cause that you’ll be raising funds for because people beyond your congregation will be looking for places to donate.
Has your church family shown interest in participating?
When deciding to participate in #GivingTuesday, find out if anyone in your church family has expressed interest. Speak with leaders, admin, and volunteers to see what they think about this day of giving. An open discussion with those familiar with the church gives helpful insight as you decide if it’s the right time to join.
Are you curious if #GivingTuesday will be good for your church?
#GivingTuesday isn’t going away. If your church is curious about whether it’s worth participating, then it may be worth trying it once. Measure the results, take notes, and then decide if the experience adds value to your church and helps further your vision.
Perhaps there’s a charity your church has wanted to get involved in but hasn’t had the funds. This November is an excellent time to test the water and see if others are also passionate enough to donate.
If you do decide to participate, we’ve got plenty of #GivingTuesday resources that you can find right here. We also have a free kit that’s filled with helpful information for year-end giving, professionally designed social media graphics, and a customizable email template.
At easyTithe, we partner with churches to help them grow. Contact us at 1-888-778-4843 or sales@easytithe.com
