What You Do Matters!
Why is the 24 hours after the first gift so important?
HELLO THERE,
As churches look to revitalize their fundraising efforts, one fundamental strategy often overlooked is the importance of capturing and acknowledging first-time gifts.
In a culture of spiritual curiosity and high transience, the most solid evidence any church has that someone is ready to engage and be seen is through their first gift. When someone gives to your church for the first time, they are communicating a profound message: "I want to be seen. I want to be part of this community."
In today's world, where charitable giving may be on the rise elsewhere, churches are experiencing a shrinking budgets. According to Philanthropy.com, in 2022 churches' contribution to the total of overall charitable giving has shrunk from 58% to 29%. Acknowledging and valuing the contributions of first-time donors could be the start of moving to thriving instead of merely surviving.
When individuals feel genuinely appreciated, they are more likely to continue giving. Churches should stand out as institutions where joy and gratitude are abundant, particularly upon receiving someone's first gift.
Consider the alternative: without a strong acknowledgment process in place, budgets may continue to dwindle, leaving your church dependent on just a handful of supporters. This dependency brings with it a troubling sense of knowing there is more your church could do for the community, yet feeling helpless to fulfill that potential.
At For Church Agency, we empower churches like yours to create exceptional donor experiences that not only increase giving but also foster deeper connections within your community. With nearly two decades of fundraising experience, we know that when donors feel appreciated and connected, they are more likely to increase their giving and involvement.
So how can you ensure your first-time givers feel recognized? Here's a simple approach:
Thank them immediately. Within 24 hours, they should receive a phone call, text message, and email from the pastoral staff.
Hear their story. Remember this is them saying, "I want to be seen."
Give clear steps to getting more involved. Let them know how they can connect with the community at their own pace.
We'd love to discuss more strategies on how to create a welcoming environment for first-time donors. Schedule a call with us today to learn how we can help your church grow in giving and community impact.
You’ve Got This,
Copper Nelms
CEO of For Church Agency
