I began the last post with the statement that kids really do love to give more than (or as much as?!) they like to receive. Most children have a natural generosity of spirit, and their hearts are moved when they know they can help someone in need.
In this blog series, we’re looking at innovative ways to “age proof” your fundraising program in your church. Our goal is to offer you ideas for cultivating generosity among the different generations in your church.
We’ll talk today primarily about elementary school children, as this is an age where they can grasp and understand both basic financial concepts and the bigger picture of charitable giving. Many children at this age are receiving a small allowance for helping around the house or at least sometimes are gifted money for birthdays. Having agency over a small amount of funds is a great place to start when talking about what God asks of us as givers and how God blesses those who bless others.
Children in this age span not only love to get their hands dirty helping on projects, but they also can understand the goals of a giving project. We’ve seen churches use their Sunday School or elementary children’s groups to put together “backpack blessings” of either weekend food for kids in need or school supplies.
Consider a small goal the children can help contribute to the project – it could be a coin challenge or dollar challenge, but the funds raised help purchase something toward the end goal. Involve kids in selecting the project, if you can, and certainly in celebrating as the thermometer creeps closer to the goal.
Churches that get kids in the habit of looking for ways to serve and help others as God’s instrument in the world will build strong, healthy youth groups and future congregations. Don’t wait until kids are in high school or college to involve them in both service and fundraising projects your church is leading in your community. Start young!
Middle and high school students can embrace similar projects – they often have first jobs, and more say in determining where their earned funds go. Build projects that tap into their passions and concerns as a youth group and challenge them to help meet the goals they set!
In the coming blogs of this series, we’ll share more ideas for each span of ages in your church and how to energize them around generosity.
Need help or advice? Our partnership with ACST means we can come alongside churches building or evaluating their stewardship programs. If you’d like to talk to us about your church’s needs or plans, contact us today, and we’ll be happy to talk with you.
About Tim Smith
Tim has over 30 years of experience in Church, Non-Profit Administration, Management, and Fund Development. Serving as an Executive Pastor and Chief Development Officer in growing Churches and Non-Profit Organizations. He has provided a wide range of expertise and resources. Tim serves as the Founder and CEO of Non-Profit DNA. A boutique firm committed to helping nonprofits and churches. By building their capacity through fundraising, leadership, team building, staff recruiting, and coaching.
