Less than one-third of congregations reported a decline in giving for the first half of 2009, according to a recent study done by the Lake Institute of Faith & Giving at Indiana University and the non-profit research firm The Alban Institute. The findings are part of the 2009 Congressional Economic Impact Study and was based on more than 1,500 congregations and their experience with fundraising.
At a recent church service my pastor explained that our giving for this year has increased and membership continues to grow. We all know that the recession has affected most everyone; however, this study found that Americans are continuing to give. More than two-thirds of congregations in the study reported that their fundraising increased or remained the same earlier this year compared to last year.
Almost 37 percent of congregations reported an increase for the first half of 2009, compared to 2008. And another 34 percent reported steady giving. One thing that has helped churches is their creativity, such as giving aid to the homeless and emergency cash assistance to others. The study showed that congregations (or “growth congregations”) with $600,000 to $1 million in revenue, weekly attendance of more than 300, younger attendees and higher income families were more likely to report an increase in fundraising receipts.
Although the news of increased giving is encouraging, still 30 percent of congregations saw a decrease in giving earlier this year – 8.1 percentage points more than reported a decline in 2008. Those churches called “survival congregations”, which have a 10 percent or more drop in finances and attendance, were more likely to report a decline in giving. Other congregations that were likely to report a decrease are those with annual revenue of less than $150,000, weekly attendance of less than 100, older congregants and those with a lower average income.
Not all congregations are alike. Many are struggling to make ends meet, but many more are holding their own and growing, says the study.