2025 Holiday Giving Report by Fellowship Development Americans say generosity matters more than ever — but most would protect dining out before donations. That contradiction defines the 2025 holiday giving season. Our national survey finds that while 61% of Americans believe charitable giving feels more important during times of hardship, only 23% would protect charitable donations above other expenses. The instinct to help hasn’t vanished, but it’s competing with survival. According to national data, nearly two-thirds of Americans now live paycheck to paycheck, and household debt is at a record high. At Fellowship Development, we work with ministries and nonprofits...
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By Brendan Manson / President of Fellowship Development It’s common for pastors to envision new spaces for worship, ministry and connection. Maybe you’re outgrowing your current church building, the infrastructure is aging or your community has emerging needs. But how much does it cost for the church of your dreams? Building a church in 2025 requires a thoughtful balance between faith and fiscal responsibility. Read on for key cost estimates, major expense categories and practical next steps to turn your vision of building a new church into reality. What is the Average Cost to Build a Church in 2025? The…
By Brendan Manson / President of Fellowship Development It’s the same for nearly every faith community: Generosity keeps the lights on, the doors open and the mission alive. Faith-based fundraising is about so much more than dollars and cents – it’s about building a culture of stewardship where giving flows out of faith and gratitude for all God has given us. Unlike secular nonprofits, churches, ministries and other faith-driven organizations fundraise with a unique perspective. The cause is a calling, not just another program or project (though those can be worthy causes, too!). Every campaign, whether it’s for a capital…
By Brendan Manson / President of Fellowship Development A church capital campaign is a focused, time-bound effort designed to address transformational needs that regular giving cannot cover. It may fund a new facility, major renovation or strengthen an endowment, but its impact goes beyond finances. A capital campaign expands a church’s capacity to serve, strengthens its mission and leaves a lasting legacy. At the center of every successful campaign is a strong, memorable theme. The theme captures the vision in a way people can easily understand and repeat. It becomes a rallying cry, uniting church members, families, alumni and friends…
By Brendan Manson / President of Fellowship Development Launching a capital campaign is a large undertaking. Most development offices can’t handle such a task on their own. That’s where a fundraising consultant comes in. They provide the expertise and knowledge to conduct a successful capital campaign. But you may be asking yourself, how much does a fundraising consultant charge and are they worth the cost? What Is a Fundraising Consultant and What Do They Do? A fundraising consultant’s role is to help a nonprofit organization conduct a large scale fundraising effort, like a capital campaign or debt reduction campaign. The…
By Brendan Manson / President of Fellowship Development Sometimes a congregation experiences an enormous financial need that exceeds the typical administrative costs that are covered through weekly offertory. That could include constructing a new church building, renovating campus or retiring debt. In that situation, it may be necessary for a church to embark on a capital campaign to fundraise. But extraordinary fundraising requires strategies that resonate with the congregation. Without expert support, a church may fall into common challenges and mistakes that prove to be costly and fail to support fulfillment of the needs of the church. Throughout our work…
By Brendan Manson / President of Fellowship Development What Is a Church Capital Campaign? Are you looking to build a new church, reduce debt or tackle maintenance you’ve been putting off for years? A capital campaign may be the solution for your church. A church capital campaign is defined as an intentional, intense fundraising effort that a faith community conducts to achieve one or more specific project goals, such as constructing a new facility, major building repairs or retiring debt. Giving to a campaign goes above and beyond typical giving. It is an extraordinary ask amount from your church community…
At Fellowship Development, we believe every successful church capital campaign is built on four key pillars: a compelling vision, committed leadership, consistent momentum and clarity. Together, these elements do more than raise funds — they foster meaningful, faith-filled engagement and inspire generosity at every level. A Compelling Vision Clear funding priorities are essential, but a truly effective campaign begins with a bold, prayerful vision. Is your campaign aligned with your church’s mission and long-term strategy? Does it reflect the needs and hopes of your congregation? Does your capital campaign fill a dire need? Will it have an impact beyond a…
A capital campaign is more than a fundraising effort — it’s a strategic initiative that can shape your church’s future for years to come. Whether your goal is to expand your facility, launch a new ministry center or even eliminate debt, the groundwork you lay before launching the campaign is critical to your future success. Here are six foundational steps to take before you begin, to ensure your campaign is well-organized, widely supported and aligned with your mission and vision for the future. Start with mission and vision alignment The most successful campaigns are mission driven. Before discussing budgets or…
A Christian capital campaign, particularly for a church or school, is best rooted in the biblical principles of stewardship, generosity and community support. Scripture provides numerous examples of faith-based giving and planning, offering a strong foundation for modern fundraising efforts in a Christian capital campaign. God as the Provider “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 A central tenet of Christian belief focuses on God as the source of all creation. Biblical text emphasizes that all resources ultimately come from God, and believers are called to trust…
