TL;DR
#GivingTuesday (December 2, 2025) is a global generosity movement that churches can leverage to inspire first-time and lapsed donors, create momentum for year-end giving, and highlight real-world impact. Billions are raised annually, and faith-based organizations are among the top beneficiaries.1.
Key Takeaways for Church Leaders:
- Join the movement: Align with a worldwide culture of generosity.
- Attract new donors: 54% of givers support new organizations on #GivingTuesday.
- Build year-end momentum: Early wins fuel December giving goals.
- Think digital-first: Seamless online and text-to-give tools are essential.
- Plan ahead: Avoid last-minute efforts to maximize impact.
Why Churches Participate in #GivingTuesday
It’s important to set the right expectations: #GivingTuesday won’t magically solve budget gaps or replace year-round generosity. Think of it not as a button you push, but as a lever you pull: When pulled with intention, it can activate first-time givers and re-engage lapsed donors, creating momentum that carries into December.
The real question for every church is: Should we even have a #GivingTuesday strategy?
The answer: Yes. Billions are raised on this day, and churches that step into the movement can use it as a gateway to lifelong generosity within their congregation.
What Is #GivingTuesday?
#GivingTuesday began in 2012 as a worldwide initiative to encourage acts of kindness and financial support following the consumer-driven Black Friday and Cyber Monday. It falls on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, making it December 2, 2025, this year.
In 2024, U.S. donors contributed a record-breaking $3.6 billion—a 16% increase over 2023—with over 36 million participants engaging in various forms of giving.2. While traditionally driven by non-profits, faith-based organizations have increasingly joined in. For churches, it's an opportunity to participate in a broader movement of generosity while highlighting your mission's impact.
Why Should Churches Participate in #GivingTuesday?
Many churches overlook #GivingTuesday, missing out on its potential to boost giving and engagement. Yet, with 97% of faith-based givers actively contributing to causes they care about, this day can prime your congregation's hearts for generosity.
Here are key reasons to get involved, based on our experience helping churches raise thousands through targeted campaigns:
1. Join a Global Movement: Your members can express their faith through giving as part of a worldwide effort, where billions are donated annually. This fosters a sense of community and compassion, showing your church's outward focus.
2. Attract New Donors: #GivingTuesday is ideal for drawing in first-time givers. About 54% of donors are open to supporting new organizations on this day, and tracking these gifts helps you understand what resonates for future appeals.
3. Build Momentum for Year-End Giving: An early win here—such as funding a community outreach—creates excitement and encourages repeat generosity, propelling your fourth-quarter goals.
4. Enhance Your Church's Image: In a time when positive PR is a win, participating demonstrates your commitment to real-world impact, like feeding the hungry or supporting global missions.
Leverage High Engagement: Statistics show 72% of Americans are likely to donate if prompted by friends or family, and younger generations (like millennials at 28% awareness) are particularly tuned in. With 36% of U.S. participants donating money in recent years, it's a prime time to connect.3.
Despite these benefits, participation among churches remains low compared to other sectors. Don’t let that be your story—strategic involvement can turn this into a cornerstone of your generosity culture.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
After supporting many churches through #GivingTuesday, we’ve noticed a few pitfalls that can limit results:
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Ignoring It Altogether: Billions will be raised globally, and your donors will likely give somewhere—make sure it's through your church.
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Focusing on Internal Needs: Appeals for budget shortfalls don't compete with world-changing causes from other non-profits. Instead, direct funds to external impacts, like humanitarian aid.
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Poor Digital Execution: This is an online-driven event; without seamless tools, you lose momentum. OnlineGiving’s platform is perfectly designed to easily execute your #GivingTuesday campaign.
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Last-Minute Planning: Rushed efforts yield poor results. Start preparing now for maximum impact.
Your #GivingTuesday 2025 Action Plan
To make this day a success, follow this step-by-step strategy tailored for churches:
1. Define Your Compelling 'Ask': Choose an inspiring cause outside your walls, such as community support or global missions. The more vivid the impact (e.g., "Help us provide clean water to 500 families"), the better.
2. Build Buzz in Advance: Use social media in the week leading up to December 2 to share stories, images, and teasers. Highlight how gifts make a difference—remember, a picture speaks volumes.
3. Launch on the Day: Send targeted appeals via email blasts, text messaging, and social posts. Include direct links to your giving page for easy donations.
4. Track and Follow Up: Monitor gifts, especially from new donors, to refine future strategies. Send personalized thank-you notes to every giver—these can even encourage additional contributions.
5. Integrate into Your Fourth-Quarter Push: Use #GivingTuesday as a springboard. Follow up with vision-focused communications and ramped-up appeals in December.
This plan has helped church partners raise significant funds and gain loyal donors. For more ideas on social media's role, check out our post: Should Your Church Use Social Media?
Why OnlineGiving.org Is Your Perfect Partner for #GivingTuesday
#GivingTuesday thrives on digital giving, and our platform leads the industry in making it simple and engaging. With custom giving pages, text-to-give, and donor tracking, we help you capture that first gift and build lasting relationships. Our system supports special campaigns seamlessly, ensuring every donation advances your mission. Plus, we offer resources like playbooks with tips and samples—free for church partners.
Ready to maximize #GivingTuesday 2025? Contact us at (615) 206-4000 or support@onlinegiving.org for a free demo. Let's turn this day into a catalyst for generosity that echoes throughout the year.
The Stewardship Coach
Billions will be raised on #GivingTuesday 2025. Will your church be part of the movement?
— Online Giving (@onlinegivingorg) September 22, 2025
Check out these proven strategies to inspire generosity & attract new donors:https://t.co/M4o62jvHHB pic.twitter.com/gDgQPevZNM
1. “Get Ready for GivingTuesday — December 2, 2025,” GivingTuesday.org. (date confirmation). GivingTuesday
2. “GivingTuesday 2024 Record-Breaking Results: $3.6 Billion Donated & 36.1 Million People Participated,” GivingTuesday.org (Dec 4, 2024). (U.S. totals and participation). GivingTuesday
3.“GivingTuesday — FAQ,” GivingTuesday.org. (annual celebration timing and overview). GivingTuesday
