The Most Wonderful Time of the Year — for Giving!

Ah, December—the time each year when the weather gets colder, cities and towns all around the world are transformed with festive lights and decorations, and millions of people enjoy extra time with close friends and loved ones. For those of us in faith-based organizations, our minds might jump to the various special programs that the month brings, from children performing in Christmas plays to the choir scrambling to learn extra music.

It’s no wonder we sing about it being “the most wonderful time of the year” — but have you considered that December is also the most wonderful time of the year for giving? Year-end offers opportunities to give (and give back) that may not be available throughout the rest of the year, and the holiday season seems to generate a spirit of giving.

Both are relevant as you consider your church giving goals.

Giving Opportunities Are Abundant

First, opportunities to give are all around us during the holiday season. It starts with #GivingTuesday, an online campaign that drives charitable donations on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, and it continues with kettle-toting bell ringers in front of stores.

You see giving opportunities almost everywhere: toy drives, food banks, caroling for the elderly and infirm, bringing Christmas cheer to those who could use a little extra. While giving back may not cross some people’s minds during the rest of the year, the holiday season brings charitable giving front and center. No one can ignore it.

The Spirit of Giving

Think about the local homeless shelter. Why is it that so many more people volunteer during the holiday season than throughout the rest of the year? At least in part, it’s because the holidays are often a joyful time, and people want to share that joy with others.

This is reinforced in the culture, too. We see examples of giving on TV, we see it celebrated throughout town, and most of us see it modeled in our places of worship. With holiday cheer comes holiday compassion.

Is Your Church Giving Ready?

Since this is the most wonderful (giving) time of the year, consider getting a church giving checkup. Is your organization fully prepared to receive offerings and donations from those who feel moved by their holiday spirit? If you can only receive gifts during services in the form of cash or checks, you could be missing out.

What if one of your members feels compelled to give to your church at 11pm on a Thursday? Is she able to give right then and there, or will she have to wait until Sunday? What are the odds that she forgets all about what motivated her to give by the time Sunday rolls around?

Also, keep in mind those who are considering year-end donations for tax purposes. These can be sizable, and it’s entirely possible someone might forget to cut the check until they’re watching the New Year’s Eve special on TV and all of your services for the year have wrapped up.

The solution: implement a mobile giving solution that allows your supporters to give anywhere, any time, and in any amount. Once you do, you will see funds roll in throughout the week as your members experience the magic of the holidays and feel moved to give.