Raising money for your church isn’t just about covering costs—it’s about bringing your mission to life. Whether you’re funding a new building, sending youth on a mission trip, or just keeping the lights on, a good donation campaign can make all the difference. And trust me, we’ve seen it firsthand: when churches get clear on their goals and use the right tools, giving becomes easier, more joyful, and a whole lot more effective.
Today’s givers are busy. They want to help, but they need it to be simple, fast, and meaningful. That’s why smart, well-planned campaigns matter so much. With the right plan, your church can connect with more people, raise more funds, and build stronger relationships in the process.
If you’re looking to start a donation campaign that actually works—and keeps working long after the kickoff—we’ve got you covered.
Set the foundation for a successful church campaign
Before you even think about sending your first donation message, take a step back. What exactly are you raising money for? Is it a new roof, a mission trip, or ongoing ministry work? The more specific you are, the easier it’ll be for people to connect with your campaign.
Set one clear goal. Not five. Just one. Then break it down into smaller milestones. For example, instead of “We need $50,000,” try “Let’s raise $10,000 this month to get the church HVAC fixed before summer.” People like knowing where their money is going—and they like progress they can see.
Also, think about the length of your campaign. A lot of churches go too long or too short. We’ve found that 4–6 weeks works well for most churches. It keeps energy high without wearing people out.
If you’ve got a few folks who are especially passionate about the project, invite them to be part of a small campaign team. Just 2–3 committed volunteers can help you spread the word, cheerlead behind the scenes, and keep momentum going.
Starting strong makes everything else easier. So slow down, get organized, and make sure your church family knows what they’re giving toward and why it matters.
Engage your congregation and beyond
Once your goal is clear, it’s time to get people excited. And not just the folks who already give every Sunday. You want your whole church—and even your wider community—to feel like they’re part of something meaningful.
Start with your church members. Talk about the campaign from the pulpit, in small groups, and during announcements. Use simple, heartfelt language. Share what this campaign means to the church, and how it’ll help people or improve lives. When people see the purpose, they’re more likely to pitch in.
And don’t be afraid to go outside your four walls. Local businesses often love to support churches, especially if it helps the neighborhood. Ask if they’ll sponsor an event, match donations, or just share your campaign with their customers. You’ll be surprised how generous people can be when they understand the mission.
Also, get creative. Maybe a church member runs a bakery and wants to sell cookies for the cause. Or your youth group could host a car wash or community cleanup day. These kinds of fundraising events don’t just raise money—they build momentum and pull new people in.
People give when they feel connected. So the more personal, visible, and community-driven your campaign is, the better.
Diversify your fundraising efforts
Not everyone gives the same way. That’s why having a mix of options is so important. Some folks love a big event. Others prefer a quiet online donation. When you offer a variety of ways to give, you reach more people—and you make it easier for them to say yes.
Let’s start with fundraising events. These are great for energy and connection. Think church dinners, youth talent shows, or even a pancake breakfast. These events bring people together, and they’re a natural way to talk about your campaign without it feeling like a pitch. Bonus: they’re also a great spot to meet new supporters from outside your usual crowd.
Next, lean into your digital tools. Put a QR code on your Sunday bulletin so people can give while they’re sitting in the pew. Set up a mobile-friendly donation page that works in seconds. You can even include giving links in your text messages and emails. If someone feels moved to give, they shouldn’t have to go digging for how to do it.
And don’t forget about recurring donations. A lot of people would love to support your church monthly—they just need the option. A simple checkbox on your form can turn one-time gifts into long-term support.
The more ways you give people, the more chances you have to connect. Keep it simple, flexible, and always easy to act on.
Optimize your donation experience
When someone is ready to give, your job is to make it quick, simple, and meaningful. If your donation process feels clunky or confusing, people might stop halfway through—or not even start.
Start with your donation page. Keep it clean, easy to read, and mobile-friendly. A lot of people will be giving from their phones, especially if you’re using QR codes or texting links. Make sure the page loads fast and gets straight to the point.
Include suggested donation amounts. Not everyone knows what to give, and seeing numbers like $25, $50, or $100 can really help. You can even explain what each amount does. For example, “$50 helps feed 10 kids during our mission trip.” That kind of detail sticks with people.
Also, offer options. Some folks want to give once. Others prefer a monthly setup. Show both clearly. Recurring donations are huge for long-term support, and many people are open to it if it’s presented simply.
And last—make sure you say thank you right away. Whether it’s a confirmation message, a quick follow-up email, or even a text, showing appreciation builds trust and keeps people coming back.
A smooth, friendly giving experience can turn a one-time donor into a lifelong supporter.
Communicate consistently and clearly
Once your campaign is rolling, the key is to keep talking about it. Not just once or twice—often. And in a way that feels personal, not pushy.
Start by sharing regular updates. Let people know how it’s going. “We’ve hit 40% of our goal!” or “Thanks to you, we’ve raised enough to cover the first phase of the building project!” These kinds of updates show progress and keep the excitement alive. You can share them during services, in your bulletin, on your website, or in your church emails.
Use every channel you’ve got. Text messages, social media, church groups—go where your people already are. A quick message with a link to your donation page can go a long way. And don’t forget about visuals. A simple graphic or short video can get more attention than a big block of text.
Keep your language simple and clear. Tell people what’s needed, where the money goes, and what impact it’ll have. And always circle back to the “why.” People give to people, not just to projects—so remind them who they’re helping.
Most of all, don’t go silent. Regular, heartfelt communication builds trust and keeps your campaign top of mind.
Analyze results and improve future fundraising
When the campaign wraps up, don’t just move on—take a moment to look back. What worked? What didn’t? Understanding the results helps you make your next campaign even better.
Start by checking the basics. How many people gave? What was the average gift? Did more people give online or in person? If you offered recurring donations, how many signed up? These numbers tell a story, and you’ll start to spot patterns over time.
Also, take note of the messages or events that got the most attention. Was there an email that brought in a lot of gifts? A fundraiser that packed the room? A Facebook post that sparked conversation? Those wins give you clues on what to repeat—and what to skip next time.
And don’t forget to say thank you. A thank-you note, a shoutout during service, or a small gift of appreciation goes a long way. People want to feel like their gift mattered—and they’re way more likely to give again if they do.
Tracking and learning doesn’t have to be fancy. Even a simple spreadsheet can show you what to focus on next time. And the more you learn, the more confident you’ll feel the next time you’re ready to raise funds.
Build lasting support
A strong church campaign isn’t just about hitting a dollar amount—it’s about building a lasting community of believers who stand behind your mission. When you set clear goals, make giving easy, and keep people engaged, you create something bigger than a fundraiser—you grow trust, connection, and long-term support.
But even with the best intentions, managing campaigns can feel overwhelming. That’s where Harness comes in. We’re more than a nonprofit fundraising platform—we’re a partner with years of experience nonprofits raise more with less hassle. From personalized giving pages and automated thank-you messages to expert guidance at every step, we help you focus on what matters most: your people and your purpose.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to raise funds for a church capital campaign?
The best approach is to combine clear messaging with simple giving tools. Start with one focused goal, then use both in-person and digital methods—like text-to-give, QR codes, and donation pages—to reach more people. Events and updates help build momentum, too.
How do I encourage recurring donations from church members?
Make it easy and visible. Show the impact of monthly giving and include a recurring option right on your donation form. Even small monthly gifts add up over time and create steady support for your church.
Can small churches run successful donation campaigns?
Absolutely. Small churches have close-knit communities and deep relationships. When you communicate clearly and make giving easy, people will step up—especially if they see how their gift helps someone they know.
What should a church donation page include?
Keep it simple and mobile-friendly. Use preset donation amounts, add a clear mission statement, and explain what each gift will help accomplish. Include a recurring gift option and a thank-you message right after someone gives.
How do we involve local businesses in our church campaign?
Reach out and be specific. Ask if they’d like to sponsor an event, match donations, or help spread the word. In return, you can thank them publicly or include their name in your materials. It’s a great way to support each other and build stronger ties in your community.
