A number of years ago I read that sixty percent of the charitable giving in the United States is done between December 10th and 28th. I do not know if this statistic is still accurate but my experience as a church fund raising consultant and as a recipient of fund raising appeals finds it believable.
 
A recent article in the Chronicle of Philanthropy suggested that the current Capitol Hill tax debate could spark giving before the end of 2010. Some fund raisers believe the uncertainty about taxes (especially those on the wealthy) could make this the busiest year-end in quite awhile.
 
End-of-year giving has always been important to churches. It may be important for balancing the budget and paying the bills. However, end-of-year giving can be much more than that. It can be an opportunity to give more and to give creatively.
 
Instead of just asking parishioners to fulfill their 2010 financial commitment, ask for additional gifts for mission, ministries, mortgages, and maintaining the church property. Let potential givers know how their extra gift will make a difference in people's lives and in your church's ministry.
 
Open the door for giving from current income but also for giving from accumulated resources. Certainly, you will gratefully receive gifts of cash, but what about stocks, mutual funds, real estate, life insurance policies?
 
This year many charities will be asking your parishioners for end-of-year gifts. So in the Advent and Christmas seasons of giving, ask your parishioners to do extra and creative giving. As always, when they give, thank them.
 

                         Written by Don Schultz, Director

The James Company