Younger Donors Propel Church Fundraising Increases

Nearly two-thirds of churches increased donations from 2010 to 2011, a sign that they are beginning to emerge from the financial downturn, according to a new study. Churches that chalked up the biggest increases were those that relied primarily on donors under age 55, the study found.

What’s more, congregations that showed members details about their finances and taught them the value of charitable giving fared better than those that didn’t take such steps, according to an online an online survey of 3,100 mainly Protestant churches.