Summer can be a challenging time for churches as many of their congregants are traveling and taking vacations, which can lead to lowered attendance. Fewer congregants often mean fewer donations, making it more difficult to cover expenses, fund essential projects like church repairs, and keep up with ongoing financial commitments. Fortunately, there are strategies that can help you ensure steadier funding for your church during the lean summer months.
Here are a few ideas that can help keep your church’s funding more predictable and consistent throughout the year:
- Diversify Your Fundraising Efforts: Tithing is an essential part of funding for churches, but it shouldn't be the sole source of income. Seeking out additional donations can help you keep cash flow steady even when attendance is down. This is also a great time to enter the digital age and embrace online donation platforms. Ensure your website features a donation button to facilitate online giving, making it easy for vacationing congregants to contribute while they're away from home. You can also encourage donors to set up recurring donations and offerings; this provides a reliable income stream that can stabilize your finances throughout the year.
- Organizing Special Fundraising Events: As a church leader, you have a unique understanding of your congregants and the community. You can leverage this knowledge to plan activities like picnics, bake sales, or car washes that boost fundraising, foster fellowship, and strengthen the bonds within your church community. These events aren't just about raising funds; they're about creating a sense of optimism, fostering a deep sense of belonging within the community, and inspiring hope for your church's future.
- Apply for Grants: Various organizations offer grants specifically for churches. These grants can be provided by local businesses, community foundations, or national organizations. Websites like Instrumentl and GrantScape can be great starting points for finding grants your organization may be eligible for. Pro tip: Grant writing is a demanding process. If the process is new to your team, consider hiring a professional or taking a course on grant writing to boost your chances of success.
- Budgeting for Repairs and Maintenance: A detailed budget is essential for managing any entity's finances, but it's especially important for church maintenance and repair funds. The annual budget should account for all regular expenses while setting aside funding for unexpected costs. Establishing an operating reserve fund to provide a financial safety net during low-income periods is equally vital. Your reserves can help cover emergency repairs and maintenance without disrupting other church activities and programs.
- Engage Your Congregation: Transparent communication is key to engaging your congregation. It is crucial to regularly update them about the church's financial needs and how their donations are being used. This transparency not only builds trust but also encourages continued giving. Additionally, offering opportunities for congregants to volunteer their time and skills can reduce church costs and further strengthen those all-important community bonds.
Securing a steady stream of funding in tumultuous times requires a multi-faceted approach, but it's a mission that's crucial to supporting your church's vital work year-round.
At Myrick CPA, we specialize in helping not-for-profit organizations manage their finances effectively. Contact us to learn more about how we can assist your church in achieving its financial goals and continuing its important mission.