Church communities have always been rooted in shared purpose and stewardship. Encouraging financial giving isn’t just about meeting budgets. It’s also about inviting people into meaningful participation in the life and mission of the church.
If your congregation is looking to strengthen offerings or explore new fundraising opportunities, here are 20 creative, values-aligned ideas to consider.
1. Share Impact Stories Regularly
People give more when they see the difference their contributions make. Highlight real stories, locally and globally, of lives touched through your church’s work. Social media, your website, and sermons can focus on stories of particular interest.
2. Host “Vision Sundays”
Set aside a Sunday to clearly share your church’s mission, goals, and future plans. Tie giving directly to that shared vision. This might also be a wonderful opportunity to recruit volunteers to various committees and ministries.
3. Introduce Themed Giving Months
Focus on specific causes (youth, outreach, building care, food security) to give offerings a clear and compelling purpose. Linking these to external, real-world events can also be helpful. For example, since Earth Day is in April, that could be a good time to encourage giving in support of environmental ministries. Donations to food security always seem appropriate around Thanksgiving.
4. Encourage Small, Consistent Giving
Promote the idea that steady, smaller contributions add up. This can feel more accessible than occasional large gifts.
5. Offer Digital Giving Options
Make it automatic and easy. Pre-authorized giving is an efficient and dependable way for church participants to give. Online giving, mobile apps, and e-transfers can remove barriers and meet people where they are. Be aware the expensive fees can often come along with credit cards. Encourage pre-authorized giving through scheduled bill payments and e-transfers when possible.
6. Create a “First Fruits” Practice
Encourage members to give at the beginning of the month or pay cycle, aligning with spiritual rhythms of gratitude and trust.
7. Organize Community Meals with a Purpose
Host dinners or other food events where donations support a specific cause. These also build connection and belonging. One local church hosts a quarterly spaghetti supper, with the proceeds going to support their outreach ministries.
8. Launch a Skills-Based Fundraiser
Invite members to share talents such as baking, woodworking, or music lessons, with proceeds going to the church. Youth or young adult ministries can offer tech support to seniors for a small donation.
9. Start a Giving Challenge
A matching campaign (i.e., a donor matches all gifts up to a certain amount) can inspire broader participation. If you have a particularly generous member, have a conversation with them about using their gift to spur on giving from others.
10. Celebrate Milestones
Acknowledge progress toward financial goals with gratitude and transparency. People appreciate knowing they’re part of something growing. This is as easy as a monthly or quarterly update in the church bulletin.
11. Offer Financial Stewardship Workshops
12. Create Legacy Giving Opportunities
Invite members to include the church in their wills or estate plans as part of long-term stewardship. This may require some one-on-one conversations. Abundance Canada has helpful resources.
13. Host Seasonal Markets or Craft Fairs
Engage the wider community while raising funds. Think Christmas bazaars, spring garage sales, or autumn pumpkin festivals. One local church sells fresh Christmas trees each year.
14. Encourage Volunteer-Led Initiatives
Empower small groups to lead fundraising efforts aligned with their passions. Where possible, encourage members of your congregation to take the lead on their fundraising ideas.
15. Use Amazon Wish Lists for Needed Items
Your church school, youth group, or hospitality team can create an Amazon Wish List. Members of the congregation can then purchase items on the list and have it shipped directly to the church. People love purchasing books for church school
16. Introduce “Sponsor a Need” Opportunities
Break down expenses into tangible items (i.e., “support a youth retreat participant” or “fund a community meal”).
17. Create Intergenerational Giving Moments
Invite children and youth into giving practices to build lifelong habits of generosity. Provide giving envelopes designed with them in mind, or purchase small “piggy” banks for them to collect coins. Encourage parents to talk to their children about saving, spending, and sharing.
18. Express Gratitude Often
Host a simple appreciation gathering for volunteers and donors. This reinforces a culture of thankfulness. Regularly feature volunteers in church communications, such as newsletters and e-blasts. Write handwritten thank you notes and include a thank you message with tax receipts.
19. Invite Prayerful Reflection on Giving
Encourage members to consider their giving as a spiritual practice, not just a financial one. Consider including scriptural inspiration such as:
Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice. Psalm 112:5 NIV
You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 2 Corinthians 9:11 NIV
Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7 NIV
Growing generosity isn’t about pressure. It’s about invitation. When people feel connected, informed, and inspired, giving becomes a natural expression of shared purpose.
Kindred understands churches and can help your congregation manage their resources and Make Peace with Your Money. Download Kindred’s Church Finance Toolkit for a variety of helpful tools that can help you manage every aspect of your church’s finances.