Ministries rely on financial support to implement their missions. Like many other nonprofits, faith-based organizations offer support to vulnerable communities and foster a sense of belonging. Fundraising campaigns are often the best way to fund faith-based efforts.
Many religious organizations require consistent fundraising avenues to stay afloat. If your traditional methods of giving aren’t producing the results you are looking for, it may be time to start a fundraising campaign. Faith-based fundraising campaigns are a fun way to get congregant members involved in your organization’s mission.
Without the proper preparation, fundraising campaigns can get overwhelming. However, your faith-based fundraising campaign will be on the road to success if you follow these simple tips.
Choose the Best Mobile Giving Resource
Online fundraising isn’t the future; it’s the present. Online giving is simple, fast, and secure, so people feel more confident in participating. With mobile giving, no frustrating exchanges at the ATM are required for donors to take part. Instead, people can donate right from their phones, which are almost always with them.
Finding the best faith-based mobile giving resource is essential for your fundraising campaign. Using a credible online system will provide your members with confidence that their donation is secure. You can set up mobile giving through your existing website, on-site QR codes, or both.
Your church can set up on-site mobile giving by utilizing QR code pew kits. Quick Response (QR) codes are a type of barcode that can be scanned with a smartphone camera. Scanning a QR code redirects the user to a website that is linked in the code. So, when your congregants scan the QR code on the pew, they will be redirected to your ministry’s online giving portal, where they can donate an offering in a matter of seconds.
CheqrPay’s dynamic faith-based online giving technology creates a QR code that you can add to:
- Weekly newsletters
- Service bulletins
- Screen projections
- Displays in community rooms
Tell a Visual Story
You’ve heard the saying, “a picture is worth a thousand words.” When it comes to fundraising campaigns, that phrase is especially true. Visual content is one of the most powerful ways to grab people’s attention today. Visual stories often evoke more emotions than words alone.
It is essential to use relevant photos on your fundraising webpage. The most compelling images showcase your congregants and mission efforts. If you don’t have clear, high-quality photos to use, it is worth hiring a professional photographer. If your budget doesn’t allow it, see if a skilled member can donate their photography talents. Use photos in slideshows and email newsletters.
Videos are an exceptionally dynamic way to encourage donations. For example, your religious organization can create an impact video to share on your donation webpage. These videos should demonstrate how your members put your mission into action in your community.
Additionally, you can create a call-to-action video for your members. In a short, concise, visually impactful way, encourage your members and visitors to give to a specific fundraising need. Call-to-action videos are great for fundraising purposes, such as:
- Sanctuary renovations
- An overseas mission effort
- A faith-based youth outing
- Hiring new staff members
- Building expansions
- Community programs
- Summer camps for kids
Update Your Website and Social Media
While you’re spending time taking new photos and creating video campaigns, it is worth your time to update your organization’s website and social media accounts. Since your donors will utilize an online giving resource attached to your website, you want to be sure that your website is updated and easy to navigate. An outdated website can turn people away, especially young donors.
Don’t overlook social media for your religious organization. Social media is a fantastic way to connect with your community and increase your reach. You can even utilize live streaming and customized ads to expand your fundraising campaign’s effort.
Plan Faith-Based Fundraising Events
Instead of relying on in-person events or mobile giving for your campaign, maximize your efforts by combining them! For example, if your ministry is fundraising for a specific purpose, you can plan a special event that encourages further donations. Fun events include:
- Family game nights
- Church outings to a local sporting event
- Selling church cookbooks
- Trivia night
- Religious movie night
Since QR codes are easy additions to any piece of paper, you can place the codes in many visible areas at your event. Encourage participants to give on your organization’s online giving platform, and be sure to describe how the funds will be used.
Delegate Tasks
Even though your faith-based organization is a nonprofit, it still needs to be run like a business. Delegating tasks is a great way to ensure that your fundraising campaign is successful. If one person is in charge of all fundraising efforts, campaigns will quickly become overwhelming. Ask for congregant volunteers, or hire staff positions for the following measures:
- Board of directors
- Budget planning committee
- Event planning committee
- Accounting and taxes
- Communications and media
Transparency Is Key
Ultimately, transparency will go a long way with your congregant donors. Ensure that your ministry is straightforward with what donated funds will be used for, how much money is needed, and the current status of funds. If your faith-based organization is transparent with its budget, donors will feel confident contributing their funds to your mission.
Be sure to express thanks to your donors for sharing their financial gifts with your mission. You can even set up an automated thank-you email to send after every online donation. Additionally, once your campaign is fully funded, your ministry can create a thank-you video that updates members on the mission’s status.
Don't Wait to Begin Your Faith-Based Fundraising Campaign
Once you feel adequately prepared to begin your religious fundraising campaign, don’t wait to get started. With the help of an innovative mobile giving platform like CheqrPay, your faith-based organization can increase fundraising efforts like a breeze. Maximize your work with visual content, social media, and fun events.
If you’re curious about mobile giving for your religious organization, reach out to CheqrPay today to request a demo. We have the experience needed to help you maximize your faith-based fundraising efforts.
