Why Giving to Religious Organizations Has Declined and How to Rebuild Stronger Fundraising

For decades, religious organizations in the United States received the largest share of charitable giving. In 1983, they accounted for 63% of all donations. By 2023, that share had fallen to just 24%. While Americans continue to give generously, much of their support is now directed toward education, healthcare, social justice, and international causes.

This decline does not mean faith communities have lost their place in people’s lives. Instead, it reflects a shift in how donors engage with causes and the expectations they have for transparency, impact, and inclusivity. Understanding this change is the first step toward rebuilding strong, sustainable fundraising strategies for religious organizations.

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Why Has Religious Giving Declined?

Several factors explain the downward trend:

1. Changing Religious Affiliation
   More Americans identify as religiously unaffiliated today. Pew Research Center reports that nearly three in ten adults describe themselves as “nones.” With fewer people attending services, religious institutions naturally receive fewer gifts.
2. Competing Causes
   Donors are increasingly drawn to visible, urgent needs such as disaster relief, education equity, and healthcare access. These causes often present clear outcomes and measurable impact, which resonates with today’s givers.
3. Expectations of Transparency
   Modern donors want to see exactly how their money is used. Many nonprofits provide detailed impact reports, storytelling, and data visualization. Religious organizations that do not match this level of transparency may appear less accountable.
4. Generational Shifts
   Younger generations are giving, but their motivations differ from older donors. They value social justice, inclusivity, and measurable outcomes. If churches and faith-based organizations fail to adapt, they risk losing long-term donor relationships.

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What This Means for Faith Communities

The decline in percentage does not mean giving to religious organizations has stopped. In fact, churches, mosques, and temples still receive billions of dollars each year. But to thrive in a changing landscape, religious organizations must adapt their fundraising strategies.

This means moving beyond the traditional collection plate and embracing practices that build trust, highlight impact, and engage diverse donors. It also means leveraging the unique community strengths that faith groups already possess, such as volunteer networks, shared values, and strong local presence.

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Reimagining Fundraising for Religious Organizations

Here are practical strategies to help religious organizations strengthen their fundraising efforts:

1. Tell Impact Stories
   Share real examples of how donations make a difference. Whether it is funding a local food pantry, supporting global missions, or running youth programs, donors want to see their giving in action.
2. Leverage Skills, Not Just Dollars
   Invite members to contribute through skills such as event planning, digital marketing, or financial advising. This widens participation and reduces reliance on pure monetary giving.
3. Use Technology for Accountability
   Tools like Giveable provide a transparent way to track contributions, report outcomes, and build donor confidence. With Giveable, faith groups can show exactly where resources go, engage volunteers alongside donors, and reduce administrative burdens.
4. Engage Younger Generations
   Create opportunities that align with values important to Millennials and Gen Z. This may include social justice initiatives, environmental programs, or community partnerships that expand the mission beyond traditional worship.
5. Offer Flexible Giving Options
   Online giving, mobile apps, and recurring donation features make it easier for members to give consistently. The convenience of digital platforms helps overcome barriers for those who no longer carry cash to services.

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The Role of Giveable in Faith-Based Fundraising

Fundraising is no longer just about collecting weekly offerings. It is about creating a culture of trust, accountability, and shared purpose. This is where platforms like Giveable can make a real difference.

The benefits of Giveable for religious organizations include:

• Transparency: Donors can track how their gifts are used.
• Efficiency: Automated reporting reduces administrative workload.
• Engagement: Volunteers and donors alike see the impact of their contributions.
• Sustainability: Building trust leads to long-term relationships, not one-time gifts.

For example, a church raising funds for a new community center could use Giveable to share progress updates, highlight volunteer involvement, and report on how every dollar is spent. This builds confidence among supporters and encourages continued giving.

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Examples of Adaptation

• Local Churches have launched skill-based fundraising events, like benefit concerts organized by members with musical talents. These not only raise money but also build community.
• Interfaith Groups have partnered with nonprofits to run food security programs, blending mission with measurable outcomes that attract younger donors.
• Mosques and Temples have used digital tools to run transparent online campaigns during Ramadan or festival seasons, ensuring supporters worldwide can contribute with confidence.

These examples show that faith-based organizations can thrive by embracing change while staying true to their core mission.

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Conclusion

The decline in giving to religious organizations from 63% in 1983 to 24% in 2023 is not the end of faith-based fundraising. It is a call to evolve. By focusing on transparency, impact, and inclusivity, religious groups can regain trust and strengthen their role in communities. Platforms like Giveable are helping bridge the gap by ensuring accountability and deepening donor relationships.

Faith organizations have always been about more than money. With the right approach, they can turn this challenge into an opportunity for growth and renewed impact.

Start reimagining your fundraising today with the tools and skills already at your fingertips.