Church Leaders Overestimate Giving Numbers

Although church leaders estimate that 53 percent of attendees give consistently, only 30 percent actually do so, according to a new survey by Givelify Philanthropic Research & Insights

“Generosity is already deeply rooted in faith communities, reflecting the longstanding work of pastors and church leaders who have faithfully cultivated cultures of generosity, service and spiritual growth within their congregations,” said Wale Mafolasire, founder and CEO of Givelify. “The fact that 95 percent of faith-based donors aspire to give consistently speaks to that foundation. Building on that reality, this report provides churches with a deeper understanding of what helps consistent generosity take root and endure over time.”

The survey report introduces three frameworks that church leaders can use to better support generosity in ways that are grounded in the spiritual lives of their congregants, including:

• A new operational definition of consistent giving. The report establishes a shared, measurable definition of consistent giving grounded in actual giving behavior and is designed to support a clearer understanding across churches, donors and researchers.
• Four donor profiles. The research identifies distinct groups within congregations — from devoted and steady givers to awakening and unengaged givers — each reflecting different motivations, habits and barriers related to generosity.
• A consistent giving model. The report introduces a blueprint for understanding the factors that shape consistent generosity and help sustain giving over time.

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Researchers estimate that even modest improvements in consistent giving could amount to $30 billion annually in additional support across U.S. faith communities. For a typical congregation, that could mean approximately $50,000 in additional annual giving. This increased support could help churches that rely on steady generosity strengthen the vital services they already provide every day, including outreach programs, food ministries, counseling services, youth initiatives and other forms of community care, at a time when many communities need them most.

The full report is available at www.givelify.com/giving-in-faith/.

–Dwight Widaman

–Image by wirestock on Magnific