How to create an effective, affordable capital campaign website by Jason Smith, Founder of GivingTools Capital campaigns are all about people: welcoming their ideas and building a shared vision, and then asking the right people at the right time for the right gift to make that vision come to life.…
“Money is tight. We’ll have to cut our budget again this year. People just aren’t giving like they did in the past.” “Half of our families don’t give anything to the church. How can we turn that around?” “I’m just uncomfortable going to church; they’re always asking for donations.” Money…
The changes to the tax code enacted by Congress in 2017 may have a negative impact on charitable organizations, especially churches. But not all will experience a downturn. Opportunities abound to deepen our faith in God, to improve the means by which we support our ministry financially, and to…
Snowflakes in the air, carols everywhere, Olden times and ancient rhymes of love and dreams to share Yes, Christmastime is here, and just a few days more to write the Christmas sermon! Here are five Christmas Carols to keep you mindful of generosity and stewardship during this hectic season.…
How many of you had this experience as a child? Sitting in church with your family, the offering time arrives, the ushers come forward, the music begins, and you proudly place your offering in the plate as it goes by. My earliest memories of giving occurred in church. My parents…
The first time the trust department of the local bank called me, I was totally unprepared. According to the bank, the church would be receiving a bequest worth nearly $250,000. This planned gift was nearly double the entire annual budget of the church! We immediately agreed to meet in person…
The impact of your church’s ministries can inspire generosity, but only if you help people see the lives that are changed. Kevin Lee of Vanco Payments recently encouraged churches to communicate the impact of their ministries: Use the 80/20 Rule to Be a More Effective Church Steward Kevin promotes online giving…
The goal of the Annual Pledge Campaign is to grow generous givers. The Finance Committee of your church may disagree. But the Annual Pledge Campaign is not about money, and it’s not about the budget. Our mission proceeds from the Great Commission – to go out into the world, baptizing…
When was the last time you received a personal thank-you note in your mailbox? I was reminded of the impact saying thank you can have during the Lake Institute on Faith and Giving’s 12th Annual Thomas H. Lake Lecture. Dr. Christian Smith of Notre Dame presented some of the findings…
No doubt about it: managing an effective capital campaign takes planning and organization. So what are the benefits? People will work very intensely during the campaign. Undertaking a campaign will be a major congregational activity for a period of months. Church leaders will devote even more time than that to…
