Giving in Faith: Rethinking Church Generosity Through Consistent Giving
Most faith-based donors aspire to give consistently, yet only a small share does, even with automatic recurring giving. Discover new research on donor behavior and data on consistent giving that shows how even modest improvements could unlock $30B to strengthen ministries and community impact nationwide.
The invisible consistency shortfall: $30B in giving potential
For many people, giving is an expression of faith, generosity, and spiritual growth. Yet while most faith-based donors aspire to give consistently, fewer actually do.
95%
of faith-based donors aspire to give one or more times a month
30%
of donors actually give monthly or more
Sources: 2022 and 2026 Giving in Faith reports. Monthly giving or more reflects giving in at least nine of 12 months.
At the same time, church leaders tend to view congregational giving patterns more optimistically, estimating that about 53% of congregants give consistently.
The challenge: The invisible consistency shortfall
The consistency shortfall emerges from a disconnect between faith-based donors’ desire to give consistently and the habits they sustain in practice, alongside church leaders’ more optimistic perceptions of congregational giving patterns.
As a result, churches may miss opportunities to strengthen generosity habits, sustain ministries, and expand the outreach and support their communities rely on.
The opportunity: Strengthening consistent giving
By better understanding donor behavior and the conditions that help generosity take root over time, faith leaders and pastors can better support congregants in building lasting giving habits and experiencing the spiritual fulfillment they aspire to through consistent generosity.
Even modest improvements in giving consistency could help the typical congregation increase annual giving by approximately $50,000 — strengthening ministries, expanding outreach, and deepening the support churches provide to their communities.
What you'll learn
What the consistency shortfall is and what it may be costing your congregation
A research-backed definition of consistent giving and the donor behaviors behind it
The four types of faith-based donors and how to better support each one
How digital tools and recurring giving can reinforce consistency — and where they fall short
In partnership with
Lake Institute on Faith & Giving
Features and mentions
Rethinking generosity through consistent giving
Take a closer look at the report, chapter by chapter, to explore insights into donor behavior and how churches can empower lasting generosity habits in their congregations.
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