You know, I’ve been fundraising for over 27 years, and I’m often amazed at the generosity that flows during the Christmas season. I’ve seen organizations raise a quarter, sometimes even two-thirds, of their entire annual budget during this time of year. That’s the power of the holiday season—when people feel inspired to give and support causes that make a difference.
I want to encourage each of you to consider launching a Christmas Giving Campaign for your ministry. This is an incredible opportunity to connect with your congregation, to share a message of hope, and to invite them to make an impact in the lives of others. To help you get started, I created a YouTube video that walks you through the steps of building an effective, heartfelt campaign that reflects the values of your church community.
7 Steps to a Powerful Christmas Giving Campaign
Here’s a quick overview of the steps I cover in the video to get you started. Each of these steps is designed to help you inspire generosity, build momentum, and make a meaningful difference through your ministry this holiday season.
- Define the Purpose of Your Campaign:
Before anything else, get clear on the “why.” Identify a specific need within your church or community that you’re asking people to support. Is it the food ministry? Assistance for families in need? Funding for youth programs? When the purpose is clear and specific, people will connect with it on a personal level. - Set a Realistic and Inspiring Goal:
Establish a goal that feels achievable but stretches your congregation just a little. If you’re aiming to raise $ 10,000 to support 50 families, break it down so people see exactly what their gift will accomplish—like $200 to help one family. When donors understand the impact of their contribution, they feel even more inspired to give. - Craft a Heartfelt Story:
One thing I know about Black churches—we know how to tell a story. And the holiday season is the perfect time to tell a story that reflects the mission of your ministry and the lives it touches. Share a story about a family that has been impacted by your work or paint a picture of what the season could look like for a family in need with a little extra support. Remember, people give to people. Make it personal and relatable. - Use Multiple Channels to Reach Your Congregation:
Announce your campaign in church, whether it’s virtual or in-person. Use your website, email newsletters, and social media to keep the message front and center. And don’t underestimate the power of a personal touch—sometimes a phone call from a trusted church leader can make all the difference. - Offer Giving Levels to Engage Everyone:
Create a “giving ladder” with different levels, so everyone can participate. Maybe $25 covers a meal, $100 helps a family for a week, or $500 sponsors a family for the season. These giving levels allow everyone to feel like they’re contributing in a meaningful way, no matter the amount. - Keep Your Congregation Updated on Progress:
As the campaign moves along, keep everyone informed. Use visuals, like a thermometer on your website or social media, to show how close you are to the goal. When people see the progress, they feel more connected to the impact and motivated to give. - Thank and Recognize Your Donors:
Finally, make sure to thank every single donor. Send personalized thank-you notes, celebrate the campaign’s success during a service, and share stories of impact that show the difference their generosity made. Recognition builds trust and strengthens long-term relationships with your supporters.
Watch the Full Video Guide
If you want more details on each step, be sure to watch the full video on our YouTube channel: “A Season of Giving – Launching Your Christmas Campaign” (YouTube Link) . In the video, I break down each step with examples, tips, and advice to help you create a campaign that’s meaningful, effective, and true to your church’s mission.
Make This Holiday Season a Time of Hope and Generosity
The holiday season is a special time—a season when we’re reminded of the blessings we’ve been given and inspired to share those blessings with others. By launching a Christmas Giving Campaign, you’re inviting your congregation to be part of something bigger, something that brings hope and support to your community.
Thank you for the work you do every day to serve and uplift. May this season be filled with generosity, community, and compassion. Together, let’s make it a season of positive change.
Wishing you and your church a wonderful holiday season!