Faith-based organizations face unique fundraising challenges in today's rapidly changing world. Charitable giving remains strong, yet trends are shifting rapidly, especially in the faith-based sector. To effectively engage your congregation and donors, understanding emerging fundraising trends backed by credible research is essential. Here, we explore five significant fundraising trends for faith-based organizations, supported by data and actionable strategies.
30%
higher per-capita donations at churches using online giving vs. those without (Lake Institute)
1. Digital Giving Continues to Grow
Digital giving isn't just convenient — it's critical. According to the Lake Institute's 2023 Giving Trends Report, churches utilizing online giving methods experienced nearly 30% higher per-capita donations compared to those without digital giving options.
- Implement user-friendly online giving platforms such as Tithe.ly or Pushpay.
- Use impactful storytelling videos on your donation pages to highlight the direct impact of donations.
2. Transparency and Trust: Non-Negotiable Essentials
Trust is essential for donor engagement, yet Edelman's 2024 Trust Barometer indicates declining public trust in religious and nonprofit institutions. Organizations that prioritize transparency through clear communication and accountability are significantly more successful in retaining donors.
- Regularly communicate detailed reports on how donations are used through annual reports, newsletters, and storytelling.
- Utilize visual storytelling methods (photos and videos) to transparently showcase donor impact.
Declining public trust in nonprofits is real. Organizations that fail to proactively demonstrate transparency risk losing donors to those that do.
3. Recurring Giving: The Key to Financial Stability
Recurring donations offer financial predictability. Nonprofits using recurring giving programs report significantly higher overall donations, with a retention rate nearly double that of one-time giving according to Classy's 2024 Faith-Based Fundraising Trends Report.
- Clearly display recurring giving options on your website.
- Share monthly impact stories via email to demonstrate how ongoing contributions make a difference.
Recurring donors have nearly double the retention rate of one-time givers. Making recurring giving easy and visible on your platform is one of the highest-ROI changes you can make.
4. Engage Millennials and Gen Z with Digital Fundraising
Millennials and Gen Z are generous but prefer digital giving methods. Barna Group research shows that "79% of Gen Z donors discover causes via social media, and authentic storytelling significantly influences their giving decisions."
- Utilize platforms like Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts to inspire younger audiences.
- Frequently share personal impact stories highlighting individuals whose lives have been positively affected by your mission.
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View Our Portfolio5. Hybrid Fundraising Events Are Here to Stay
Hybrid fundraising events — combining online and in-person participation — surged in popularity during the pandemic and remain vital. Pushpay's 2024 State of Church Technology Report shows that hybrid events result in higher participation and greater geographic reach.
- Host events simultaneously in-person and online, leveraging live streaming and interactive digital engagement tools.
- Share compelling event recap videos online to extend engagement and encourage post-event donations.
Personalization: Speaking Directly to Your Donors
Modern donors expect personalized communication. Classy's report indicates that personalized experiences result in higher donor retention rates and more substantial long-term relationships.
- Segment your donor database to provide customized communications and tailored giving appeals.
- Send personalized thank-you videos or messages post-donation, emphasizing direct acknowledgment and gratitude.
A personalized thank-you video sent within 48 hours of a donation can dramatically increase the likelihood of a second gift. It does not need to be polished — it needs to be genuine.
Bringing It All Together: Your Fundraising Roadmap
| Trend | Key Action | Expected Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Digital Giving | Add online giving platforms | ~30% higher per-capita donations |
| Transparency | Publish impact reports with video | Stronger donor retention |
| Recurring Giving | Promote monthly giving options | ~2x retention rate |
| Gen Z & Millennial Engagement | Short-form video storytelling | Broader reach, new donor base |
| Hybrid Events | Livestream + in-person events | Higher participation, wider geography |
| Personalization | Segmented comms + thank-you videos | Deeper donor relationships |
Staying ahead of these fundraising trends positions your organization to consistently engage and inspire donors. Embrace digital tools, prioritize transparency, offer flexible giving options, and emphasize personalization to ensure sustained support and growth.
At Kolstad Media, we specialize in helping faith-based organizations elevate their fundraising efforts through strategic storytelling and cinematic video content. Our work consistently demonstrates measurable outcomes, significantly enhancing donor engagement and generosity.
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Ready to amplify your donations through strategic storytelling and impactful media? Contact Kolstad Media today, and let's create powerful videos that drive real results for your fundraising efforts.
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