Fundraising in the Church: Unique Ministry!

In the nonprofit world, fundraising is often viewed through a transactional lens. We identify a need, communicate the impact, and invite donors to invest in the cause. This, in and of itself, is a sound process, and yes, we need to do all three of those things. But fundraising can, and should, be so much more—especially in our churches!

As our team at CGChurch has built, refined, and implemented our approach to church fundraising campaigns over the past number of years, we have not only honed our strategy and process, but just as importantly, we have built a fundamental framework for church fundraising’s unique culture and posture.

I’d like to share five short ways in which church fundraising campaigns are unique and special:

1. Church Fundraising is MINISTRY

Our core philosophy of fundraising at CGChurch is based on the spirit of partnership that we see portrayed by Paul in his New Testament letters. In Philippians 4, Paul writes to the church in Philippi, acknowledging them for supporting his ministry. Yet, he does so not out of a spirit of need or in an effort to sell them on an idea. Instead, he begins with an emphasis on his steadfast contentment and thankfulness as he recounts their “partnership in the gospel.” In verse 17, he offers what I believe to be the most powerful fundraising reference in Scripture:

“Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.”

Paul’s spirit, culminating in that wonderful verse, is what we believe fundraising campaigns can and should exemplify in our churches. These are not simply solicitations of gifts for a good cause. Campaigns are mutual walks in stewardship and generosity—they are even processes of discipleship! It is amazing, and fun, to watch our church clients experience the joy and excitement that comes through campaign success that is the result of this very dynamic taking root and growing among the body.

2. Church Campaigns are OVER AND ABOVE

Dedicated fundraising projects in the church (usually in the form of a capital campaign) are special projects executed within a finite timetable for a purpose that reaches beyond ongoing operation and core ministry, and are funded through the tithes and offerings of the congregation. Whereas in a nonprofit fundraising setting we approach donors personally to cultivate and request annual commitments, in the church setting, this activity takes place as a result of a broader process of discipleship in generosity and tithing. When we engage in an intentional, standalone fundraising campaign in our churches, this means that we are going to need to be prepared for the very natural reaction: “So, you’re asking us to give significantly and sacrificially, over and above what we’re already tithing?” Even as we answer that question in the affirmative, we must do so confidently and with a sound rationale. Because campaigns ask members to give over and above their normal giving, clarity is essential. 

3. CULTURE Must Drive Strategy

In the church, more so than in any other fundraising arena, we must build a campaign fundraising approach from the ground up. Every church has its own culture. Leadership structures, congregational and relational dynamics, communication styles, and general “ways of life” all vary greatly, as can expectations for something as potentially disruptive as a capital campaign. Cookie cutter processes and guides may yield some level of results, but: 1) your potential will not be reached; and 2) your people might not like it very much.

Certainly, there are core processes and methodologies that need to characterize any fundraising campaign, including sound phasing of the timetable, infrastructural needs, and much more. But, beyond these, the success of your church campaign is going to be determined by how well you listen and learn from your community and the care with which you approach this hugely important project.

Each of us at CGChurch are members and officers ourselves at churches of various shapes and sizes, and each of us has been through fundraising campaigns in our own churches. Like you, we are very aware of the rhythms, sensitivities, and spiritual dynamics that shape church life. How well we shape our fundraising efforts around these dynamics is going to play a big part in our outcomes.

4. Church Campaigns Are GENERATIONAL MOMENTS

Unlike many other settings in the fundraising world, campaigns in a church tend to be less frequent. And in many cases, they are generational projects. The majority of church campaigns (though not all of them) are done for the purpose of facilities expansion. You’ve been renting and are ready to purchase a permanent church home… You’ve got a wonderful property on which you’re ready to expand… Your sanctuary is bursting and you’re ready to replace or augment it. These types of projects are not something you do every 3-5 years; rather, these are generational projects that will be completed and serve as the foundation for the next 10, 20, 30 years of your ministry.

Because these projects are so significant—and so infrequent—the stakes are incredibly high. As one pastor put it to me in a recent exploratory conversation: “We’ve only got one shot at this.” What a wise perspective!

This is why a feasibility study is such a critical first step and why in 99% of scenarios it’s the step that you simply cannot afford to shortcut. A well-conducted study provides an honest assessment of congregational readiness, validates support for the proposed project, and helps determine the realistic fundraising potential of the church.

Without this step, churches risk launching prematurely. At best, that can lead to a stalled or false start, and at worst, it can damage trust within the congregation and create a black eye that can take years to heal.

A thoughtful and thorough feasibility study allows your church to move forward with clarity, confidence, and unity.

5. Church Campaigns Need PRAYER

Even as we use all of the resources and experience that God has given us to plan and execute a church campaign with excellence and care, we firmly believe in the centrality of prayer as a necessary staple of any successful campaign. God is the one who enables growth in the church, and if we believe that prayer is powerful and effective, we have no choice but to be organized and intentional in this area.

To that end, one of the core tenets of a healthy church campaign—and one we insist on establishing in any project we’re involved in—is the establishment of a dedicated campaign prayer committee.

This team serves a vital role throughout the process, praying for wisdom among leaders, unity within the congregation, and clarity about the church’s mission and direction. They also help cultivate a culture of prayer throughout the congregation through prayer events, guides, and integration of prayer for the campaign into regular church rhythms.

When prayer is intentionally woven into the life of the campaign from beginning to end, it keeps the church focused not simply on the project but on the Lord’s purposes for His people.

Pursue Your Campaign with JOY, not Apprehension

Campaigns in the church can be a scary thing. Your people give so much already, and asking for more, over and above, can be a tough proposition. Our message to churches is a simple one: You can do a campaign to meet your visionary needs, and you can do it with care and excellence in the spirit of Paul. 

If you are interested in exploring what this might look like in your church, we are always excited to talk with you about what you are building, whether we’re able to partner with you or not.

To get in touch with us, email us at church@canaangroup.com or click the button below.

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