Hopefully this becomes a trend.
A recent report from Givelify, a mobile charity-giving platform, and the Lake Institute on Faith & Giving highlights significant trends in charitable contributions among people of faith in the United States for the year 2024. Drawing on 2,001 survey responses collected between August 28 and September 11, 2023, the study focuses on “faith-based givers,” defined as individuals contributing money, items, or time to congregations, nonprofits, communities, mutual aid groups, or directly to those in need.
The report reveals that over 80% of faith-based givers who donated money reported maintaining or increasing their contributions to causes, organizations, or individuals in the previous year. Specifically, 56% of respondents plan to increase their donations in 2024, while 42% intend to maintain their current giving level. Only 2.3% anticipate a decrease in their charitable contributions.
Within this context, 53% of respondents express an intention to give more to houses of worship in 2024 compared to the previous year, while 42% plan to maintain the same level of giving. These insights suggest a positive outlook for charitable giving within faith communities.
The average charitable giving size through Givelify’s platform in 2023 remained consistent with 2022, at $125, but showed an increase compared to 2021 ($122). Notably, there was a rise in the proportion of givers contributing more money to their places of worship, with 40% reporting an increase in 2023 compared to 30% in 2022.
Wale Mafolasire, Givelify’s founder and CEO, emphasizes the report’s multifaceted exploration of how individuals contribute to churches and places of worship, offering valuable insights into future expectations. He believes that acting on these insights will empower effective leadership, ultimately strengthening the impact of faith communities on individuals and societal issues.
David P. King of the Lake Institute underscores the report’s acknowledgment of the inherent generosity within faith communities and its profound impact on congregations and the broader community. King believes that understanding evolving trends in religious giving equips congregations to navigate economic, social, and religious shifts with increased confidence. The report comes at a time when churches face financial challenges due to a decline in religious affiliation and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.