Summer seems to be the season of spending. Kids are home more because of summer break, families are taking vacations, moms are redecorating, garage sales are happening… and the list goes on.

Why is it that in the midst of all this spending, churches are the ones struggling to retain funds? Summer actually brings about a “giving slump” in churches, and it presents a challenge every year.

Though summer often doesn’t see the amount of giving that Christmas generates,  there are many creative ways to get people to increase their church giving during this time of year.

1. Encourage giving in all shapes and sizes

A willingness to give is all you need. If members are willing to give, then let them do so in many ways and with any amount. Can members donate online? Can you text them a link? Can you collect funds in more ways than at church or during the service?

Remember, even the smallest donation can make a big difference. Help the people of your church understand this. Let them know that you appreciate all funds given, no matter how these are provided or how many dollars.

2. Follow up with families after giving

It’s important to tell those who donate how much you appreciate them. After all, they have helped to improve or make a positive impact on your church. 

A few fun ways to do this are: 

• Create an email newsletter that thanks them for their donation and explains the impact they’ve made
• Send a handwritten note to their home to show them you took the time to thank them personally
• Include their name on something their donation(s) helped with such as an event sign for a free movie night

Everyone likes to feel appreciated. When other members learn how these participants are being thanked, it will start a pattern of gratitude.

3. Show the benefits of recurring giving

A tougher, yet more valuable approach to increasing summer church giving is encouraging recurring donations. While you will not be able to convince everyone to sign up upon suggestion, those who do sign up are now committed to donating something.

No contractual agreements or hard-lines, just a simple sign-up via Clover Give or other app. Think of it as virtual accounting. These apps will allow your members to choose the amount, frequency, and payment date for their recurring donations, therefore ensuring donations year-round!

4. Host a low-cost or free event outdoors for parents and children 

Lucky for churches, sometimes hosting a summer church event means you get to save money while making money.

Put on a free event such as a movie night in the park, or a field day for parents and kids. It’s giving back to the community and your members, rather than directly asking, that will help to increase donations.

Here’s a peek at some of our favorite ideas on how to ask for donations at a church event:

• Set up a tent in the front of the event manned by church members encouraging donations 
• Put a sign-up for people to see when they first walk in
• Have a 50/50 raffle in which winnings are split between one winner and the church
• Add a QR code to a paper handout you give to attendees that links to a payment page

5. Consider a management team for your church accounting

Any management team can help you plan and keep track of your budget, formulate new ideas to encourage and receive donations, and handle all your nonprofit accounting.

Our team not only does the above but also works to ensure your books are a benefit, not a burden. We do this through donation and contribution management, fund accounting, grant financial management and compliance, and day-to-day accounting.

As we like to say here at Temple Management, “No matter what stage your nonprofit is at, your accounting is what will propel you forward.”

Want to see if we can serve as an asset to your organization? Get a free consultation for your church here.

6. Raise money for a purpose

People donate for and with a purpose. Whether the purpose is to help an individual’s life, provide a kids’ playroom for parents attending church, raise money for summer camp at church, or save money to support a cause, church members want to know they are not just giving to give. 

They don’t want to be curious about where the money goes or how it will be spent. Your church members deserve transparency. Let them know that you are raising money for a purpose and a good purpose at that.

If you feel like any of these efforts could be better or more easily achieved with the help of a few financial experts, then we encourage you to reach out to us… even if just to see if we are a good fit for your church’s needs.