Using Digital Giving for Special Events, Missions, and Outreach

Churches are often at the forefront of community impact, organizing events, supporting missions, and leading outreach initiatives. These efforts require financial support, and digital giving for church events has become an effective, accessible way to engage donors. By leveraging digital platforms strategically, churches can streamline fundraising, increase participation, and make giving easier, more transparent, and more inspiring—especially during special campaigns.

Why Use Digital Giving for Events and Outreach?

Traditional methods like checks or cash donations are declining. Digital tools meet people where they are—on their phones and online. Whether you’re funding a mission trip or collecting for a food drive, digital giving:

• Increases convenience for donors
• Enables real-time giving
• Provides built-in tracking and reporting
• Broadens reach beyond your local congregation

Key Strategies for Maximizing Digital Giving

1. Create Campaign-Specific Giving Options

Set up unique funds or categories for each event or outreach effort. Label them clearly so donors know exactly where their money is going.

2. Use QR Codes and Short Links

Place scannable codes on print materials, event signage, and screens during services. Short URLs work well for social media and email.

3. Tell a Compelling Story

Donors give to causes they connect with emotionally. Share the “why” behind the event or mission. Use photos, short videos, and testimonies to highlight the impact.

4. Make Giving a Part of the Event Experience

If you’re hosting an outreach or mission-focused event, include a brief giving moment:

• Display giving links during slides or videos
• Offer mobile giving stations or kiosks
• Encourage text-to-give from the stage

5. Promote Through All Channels

Use email, social media, your website, and service announcements to invite giving. Repeat the message often and clearly explain how to give.

6. Celebrate Progress and Outcomes

Keep momentum going by sharing updates:

• Track progress toward financial goals
• Show how donations are being used
• Thank donors publicly (when appropriate)

7. Enable Recurring Giving for Ongoing Outreach

For missions or community efforts that extend beyond one event, encourage recurring gifts. This provides stable funding and makes participation easy for supporters.

Digital Tools That Help

• Giving Platforms: Tithe.ly, Pushpay, Givelify, and Subsplash offer features like event-based funds, mobile apps, and recurring options.
• ChMS Integration: Sync giving data with your church management system for better tracking and follow-up.
• Analytics and Reporting: Use built-in dashboards to monitor donor engagement and campaign performance.

Conclusion

Digital giving isn’t just for weekly tithes—it’s a powerful tool for fueling your church’s events, mission and outreach. With the right setup and messaging, you can make it easy for people to give generously to causes they care about. Whether it’s a single event or a long-term campaign, digital giving allows your church to inspire action, track impact, and reach supporters wherever they are.