Want to know how to use the last Sunday’s in December to raise funds? Read on…
Earlier in the year a study came out talking about the need to use multiple platforms to build your message to successfully reach your potential donor base. The gist of that study was that if you wanted to connect with people you needed various means of doing so. The reason why is that people process information differently. To get your message out you need to be where they are. Some use Social Media, some email and still others like old fashioned United States Postal Service snail mail! It is not simply finding the ONE platform but finding the right multiple platforms.
When using multiple platforms to increase end of year giving don’t forget one of the greatest platforms, Sunday morning!
Churches are the envy of the charitable world. The reason why they envy us is we get weekly face to face contact with our major donors. Do you realize some charities never see a donor at all or very rarely? You see yours almost every week. So, why not use the primary time you see them to cast your vision for end of year giving. Let’s talk about practical ways you can use your Sunday mornings to raise end of year dollars.
First, use all print materials. Even when I go to the most contemporary churches in America they almost always pass out literature that contains announcements. So, use what you have. Put short inspiring paragraphs into them about your end of year giving. Or you might consider putting together an insert that states what you are raising funds for and how they can give.
One thing I recommend is that you post a notification about when gifts must be in to count for 2013 tax deductions. That reminder is a non-threatening way to remind them about giving.
Next use the platform! Many of the churches that I work for have screens not only around the campus but on stage. They frequently run video slides through those. Why not use that tool to highlight end of year giving. I have a client that is having a Christmas offering to support work in the Philippines. We have a short Power Point showing the need that will run before and after services.
Elevator pitch your offering! Use the sixty seconds before the offering to position why your members ought to give. Most churches do a terrible job of setting up the offering. Use the time to cast a compelling vision of what gifts to your church accomplish then boldly ask people to give so that you can continue to fully fund all your missions and ministry endeavors.
Use your sermon. I know it is Christmas and I am not advocating a tithing sermon. What I am advocating is that during your sermon look for ways that you can segue from the sermon to why you are taking up an end of year offering. Look for ways in your final weeks of preaching that you can use a minute or two during your sermon to focus upon the need to give.
All of the above can be easily implemented by virtually any church! End of year giving plans don’t have to be difficult. By simply using the tools you have you can end the year well.
Mark Brooks
Founder and President
The Charis Group and Charis Giving Solutions