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Most churches don’t have a donation problem. They have a connection problem.
Over the past decade, I’ve worked with hundreds of churches launching digital giving tools through Subsplash. And while technology makes giving easier, what really drives long-term generosity is something deeper: relationships, clarity, and trust.
For example, 70% of people need to trust an organization before donating. Yet, less than 20% of donors highly trust charities. What does this mean for your church?
Giving isn’t just about money—it’s about meaning. When people feel like their contributions matter, they’re more likely to keep showing up, give generously, and invite others to join your mission.
Let’s break down what actually turns a one-time gift into a lifetime of support—and how your church can build a culture where generosity isn’t just encouraged, but sustained.
The giving journey usually starts with a moment: someone walks through your church doors, joins a livestream, or comes across your social media.
Their first impression? It matters more than you think. If that moment feels welcoming and authentic, it sets the stage for future engagement—including a first donation.
Churches that see high first-time giving rates often make it easy and visible. Think in-service mentions, QR codes, or clear links on your website. But more importantly, they connect giving to impact.
Trust is also a prerequisite for generosity. People are wary of being scammed through generic giving pages as well as big platforms like PayPal and Venmo. That's why Subsplash Giving allows branding your giving page with your church’s name, logo, and colors so donors can give with confidence.
That first donation is more than financial—it’s emotional. It’s someone saying, “I believe in this enough to give.”
Whether it’s a few dollars or a monthly recurring gift, this is where their donor journey starts. But if you want it to continue, don’t treat that first gift like a transaction. Treat it like the start of a relationship.
Sharing the “Here’s what your gift makes possible” goes a long way in building trust, showing transparency, and connecting giving to your mission.
Thank first-time givers personally. A short note or follow-up email—ideally within 48 hours—can reinforce that their gift matters and their presence is valued.
Consistent giving often follows deeper engagement— joining a small group, serving on a team, or learning more about the church’s mission.
At this stage, people are moving from attending to belonging. This is where their donor participation becomes part of their discipleship journey. And when they understand the “why” behind giving, they’re more likely to stick with it even during tough times.
Churches that grow generosity usually do one thing well: They tell stories. Real ones. Stories about lives changed, families served, and communities impacted. This turns heartfelt generosity into tangible results.
Over time, givers become advocates, not only supporting your mission, but spreading it. They talk about the church with friends, invite others in, and often give toward specific projects that speak to their passions.
Some even go a step further by including the church in their estate planning or setting up long-term recurring giving. Members who are more financial-savvy may want to give non-cash donations like stock or cryptocurrency. Be sure these options are available to make that easy and hassle-free for them. That kind of commitment is more than just financial—it’s missional.
Make planned giving part of your discipleship conversation. Frame it to be more than just a financial decision, but a spiritual one. You know that the people supporting God’s Kingdom want to make a lasting difference, so help them by providing the right tools.
Lifetime donors give regularly because they’re emotionally and spiritually invested. They see your church’s wins as their wins. And often, their generosity becomes contagious, motivating others to do the same.
As Jesus said in Luke 6:38, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.”
But none of this happens by accident. It takes intentionality, communication, and most of all, a deep understanding that generosity is a journey—not a single moment.
Here are some research-backed, experience-tested practices my team and I have seen work again and again:
When your church focuses on building trust, creating clarity, and reinforcing impact, their giving goes beyond a simple transaction, it becomes part of a shared mission.
And that’s how you turn a first-time donor into a lifetime giver.
If you’d like to encourage more generosity, try out Subsplash Giving for free. My team will be there to help you get started, as well as provide you with the tools, resources, and strategies you need to succeed!
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