Create a Holiday Giving System

I have talked with over seven pastors today. I have asked most of them, "What is your holiday giving plan?" Their response has been: "uhhh...."

To answer this question, I will just give you a simple system to help you prepare for year-end giving. You have a great opportunity every year, so take advantage of it! People are more generous around year-end.

1. Establish a year-end giving goal
The old adage of "if you aim for nothing, you hit nothing" is true, so set a goal.

2. Call it something
People like to give to "something." Create a name like, "Season of Hope" or "Generosity Gone Wild" (okay, that might be a little too cheesy, but you get the point).

3. Communicate
Your first communication should start in early November. Try to strive for one touch a week. The more creative, the better! Plain letters in the mail or emails don't work. Instead, get creative with a Flip video camera and grab stories from people's lives who have been changed and get those out there on your website and in church.

4. Pinpoint a day!
Give people a Sunday to bring their gifts. I would do the Sunday before Christmas. On "the day" take up two offerings: one regular offering and then have a special time for year-end giving. Challenge people to give generously!

5. Thank people quickly
When people give to the year-end offering, send a thank you note or letter within a week. It will go a long way towards building credibility with them!

For a free sample year end giving letter, email me: cgraham AT thechangegroup.tv and I'll send it to you.

This article was published with the permission of Casey Graham, who originally wrote and published this as a blog post in October of 2009. Casey Graham is the Chief Bean Creator and Co-Founder of The Change Group. The Change Group provides a service that allows churches to have a CFO and bookkeeper for less than the cost of a part-time bookkeeper! You can connect with Casey and The Change Group through their website.