Since getting its start in 2012, #GivingTuesday has grown year after year. People across the globe embrace this day of giving in the height of consumerism around the holidays—it’s a breath of fresh air. It reminds people to give back in a meaningful way rather than getting caught up in shopping days like Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
While this global day of giving doesn’t fall until the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, know that it’s never too early to start planning. #GivingTuesday is known to kick off the charitable season and last year over 2.5 million donations were given on this single day. In order to help your parish to better prepare, here are a few actions to take right now.
Select causes that are important to your parish
On #GivingTuesday, a lot of people donate beyond your parishioners. Many one-time donors search for causes in the community they’re passionate about. In the same vein, your parish may get motivated to give outside of the church on Tuesday if a specific cause is important to them.
By carefully supporting a cause on #GivingTuesday that’s aligned with your faith community, you’ll inspire bigger gifts from recurring givers AND see new people giving for the first time. For inspiration when choosing a cause to support, here are last years most discussed issues for #GivingTuesday:
- Public and Societal Benefits
- Education
- Health
- Human Services
- Environment and Animals
Set up multiple ways to give digitally
The primary way people engage and give on #GivingTuesday is online. Last year, over 300 million dollars were given online, and this year that number is expected to increase. By setting up multiple ways for people to give digitally, you’re better connected whether your parishioners are at home or traveling for the holidays.
Create a specific fund for #GivingTuesday, so people can seamlessly give in seconds through your website, mobile giving app, text, and Facebook app. If you have live outreach events planned, incorporate giving kiosks at welcome stations and show slides with the simple steps to give via mobile, text, and on your website.
If you don’t have a way for people to give online or you aren’t happy with your current provider, now is the ideal time to switch or sign up for a digital giving platform. Register for a ParishSOFT Giving webinar and learn how easy it is to get started with ParishSOFT Giving!
Choose your team and recruit volunteers
Assemble a team dedicated to planning your parish’s #GivingTuesday celebration. Schedules fill up quickly leading up to the holidays, so engage people early whether you’re recruiting volunteers or staff.
You can start with a small group of people to make the initial plans and timelines. Once you have a better idea of the work involved, bring in others to help fill in where needed.
Go online to help spread the word
The earlier you start spreading the word about #GivingTuesday—the better. Only 18% of people are aware of what #GivingTuesday is compared to 93% that are familiar with Black Friday. Utilize social media, your website, and email to make those first impressions. Send text messages and app notifications inviting people to save the date.
When spreading the word, be as detailed as possible about the cause your parish is supporting and how the funds will impact the community. While active givers are already confident their gifts make a difference, first and one-time donors need more reassurance and information.
You don’t have to ask for donations just yet. Simply send soft reminders to help inform your parish about your cause and that the day is nearing. Not only does raising awareness educate people about this global day of giving, but it also inspires them to participate!
Let ParishSOFT help make your #GivingTuesday celebration a success! Call 866-930-4774 x6 or email parishsoftsales@parishsoft.com to access multiple ways to give or to learn more.
