During the COVID-19 crisis, many churches have lost income usually received from collections, visitors, and church hall lettings. Here are some top tips for encouraging giving, in order to resource your parish’s ongoing mission and ministry.
Don’t forget the offering!
It is vital to give thanks to God for his generosity, and to value and bless those financial gifts people are continuing to give electronically. Creating that sacred space and quiet moment to consider our offering to the Lord is certainly different during an online or hybrid service, but still important. Liturgy such as these introductory sentences and offertory prayers could be of use to you.
Why not post a link to your online donation site at the end of any service you are streaming on YouTube or Facebook or use the Church of England animation about giving?
Keep in touch with the church community
Find ways to share your story. It has been very exciting to see so many examples of churches being creative in their care and support of their congregations and communities. In this time of isolation, people appreciate contact, being included, and invited to help. Giving is important to enable our churches to be sustainable.
Find ways to tell people what their giving is enabling in your church, talk about your vision. Whilst we need to be sensitive to people’s different financial circumstances, please consider how to appeal for extra financial help.
Make it easy for people to give
Whilst we cannot be gathered in our church buildings, using an online giving page can enable people to still contribute to your mission and ministry. See our page on online giving for more information.
Encourage safe ways to give
Encourage those who usually give regularly by cash, via the plate or in envelopes, to reimagine the way they give and change to give via PGS, standing order or online donation. Read our sample letters of how you might do that and adapt our sample pew card for your church.
Make precautions for cash: don’t pass the plate, only have one person handle the collection, provide gloves and hand sanitisers for those counting money, and keep up to date with government advice.
Explore contactless giving
These are easy to use and ideal for people who don’t carry cash e.g. visitors or for topping up a regular donation. See our contactless giving page for more information.
Say thank you
Sending an annual, personal “thank you” to regular givers makes them feel valued and provides an opportunity to encourage them by explaining how their gift is enabling the work of the church. If you haven’t sent a thank you letter this year, please do so. Templates are available from parishresources.org.uk.
Go for grants!
Keep a look out for local grants (see our fundraising and grants page) or use the time to research and prepare applications for grants for current or future projects.
For more help with encouraging giving within your parish community, please contact Gabby Parikh, Head of Giving.
