Blueprint
Use this checklist to build or review any church giving page. Sections are in the recommended order.
Tell people in one line why giving matters here, and let ready givers act right away.
“Your generosity helps people find hope in Jesus, here and around the world.”
Don't open with a guilt-based ask or a long paragraph.
Remove friction: the fewer choices and fields, the more people finish.
“Give once or every month. Change or cancel anytime.”
Don't send people to a different-looking site with no warning.
Root generosity in faith and gratitude, not obligation.
“We give because God first gave to us.”
Don't lecture. Keep each reason to two sentences.
Show results, which builds trust and keeps people giving.
“Last year, your giving helped 412 kids attend camp.”
Don't use vague promises without numbers.
Different givers respond to different visions. Show the campaigns and the local, regional and global reach, each with its own page.
“Give where your heart is: our church, our region, the world.”
Don't list ten funds with no story. 3 campaigns and 3 areas is plenty.
Generosity inspires generosity. Real faces beat statistics.
“We started with $20 a month. It changed how we see everything.”
Don't hide stories in tabs or carousels.
Meet every giver where they are, from a $10 gift to an estate gift.
“However you give, every gift matters.”
Don't list methods without a clear next step for each.
Answer “is this safe and handled well?” before it's asked.
“Our finances are independently reviewed and verified on GuideStar and ECFA.”
Don't make people search for who handles the money.
Clear up the doubts that stop people from giving.
“Year-end statements are emailed by January 31.”
Don't answer with “contact the office” only.
Everyone is somewhere on the journey; give each person one next step. Write this section for first-time givers most of all.
“It's not the amount, it's the heart behind the gift. Start where you are.”
Don't make the tithe sound like the price of entry.
End with gratitude and one more easy way to give.
“Thank you for trusting God and building His church with us.”
Don't end on a wall of links.
Recommended resources
A complete giving engagement strategy for your church
A great page is only the start — what happens after someone gives matters just as much. This guide is a proven giving engagement strategy that has helped churches increase their giving by over 20% in 12 months. It covers how to engage first-time givers, ways to engage every giver, and includes ready-to-use email templates.
Get the guide ↗Pay what you want — enter $0 to download it free.
The giving software I recommend for churches
When churches ask what giving software to use and trust, I point them to Overflow. It's built for churches, removes friction from giving, and lets people give however they want.
Learn more about Overflow ↗This is a referral link. I may receive a benefit if your church signs up through it, at no cost to you.