One of the biggest mistakes churches make is assuming a first-time gift means someone is bought in for the long haul. It doesn’t. What it means is they were moved by something—maybe a sermon, a story, or a personal ask—but that’s just the start.

I’ll never forget one church we worked with in Baltimore. They were running an after-school program for teens, and during a campaign, they got a $500 donation from someone they didn’t recognize. No note, no context, just the check. Most churches would’ve said thank you and moved on. But instead, the pastor made a phone call.

Turns out the donor had seen a flyer about the program at their kid’s school. They had no real connection to the church, but the work caught their eye. That phone call led to a coffee meeting. That meeting led to a tour. And within six months, that donor had not only given again—they’d joined the board and brought in two other major donors.

So what made the difference?

Intentional follow-up.

If someone gives once, they’re raising their hand. They’re saying, “Hey, something you’re doing matters to me.” Your job is to respond to that hand being raised. That means:

  • A real thank-you. Not just an automated email. A phone call, a handwritten note, or a quick video message can go a long way.
  • Show impact. Tell them exactly what their gift made possible. Don’t just say “you helped kids”—say “your $500 helped feed 20 kids for a week.”
  • Invite them deeper. Ask if they’d like to see the program in action. Bring them behind the scenes. Make them feel like an insider.

And you can’t do this halfway. You need a process. A system for tracking first-time givers and a plan for how you’ll reach out within 48 hours.

Because here’s the truth: a one-time donor becomes a long-time supporter when they feel seen, valued, and invited to be part of the story. If you’re not doing that, you’re leaving money—and relationships—on the table.

This isn’t about manipulation. It’s about stewardship. People want to give. But you’ve got to give them a reason to keep showing up.

Want help setting up that kind of follow-up system? Book a clarity call and let’s see if it makes sense to work together.