Research on Christian Giving: Understanding the motivations and attitudes of evangelical donors in the 21st century!

As our society continues to experience dramatic economic, technological and social changes, significant transformations are happening also in every area of Christian ministry and mission, including that of finances.

  • The current economic recession is affecting giving to churches and Christian charities especially from major donors and one-off givers;

  • Fewer people are giving habitually. Donors are evaluating where and how they give, so it is becoming harder for charities to meet fundraising targets without understanding the reasons why people give;

  • The technology revolution and the Internet are impacting charitable giving. A new type of donor is emerging who gives online and is involved in thriving web 2.0 communities;

  • Major donors are being recognised for the vital role they play in supporting Christian projects and charities are seeking to understand their motivations and attitudes. Â

In 1998 Redina Kolaneci's research "Who gives to what and why? Getting to know evangelical donors" helped to address some of these issues. Its findings were welcomed by hundreds of Christian charities and churches as a useful tool for understanding the giving behaviour and attitudes of evangelical Christians.

Now a decade later we are conducting a new research project that aims to capture the giving trends, the attitudes and motivations of present day evangelical donors.

Key Outcomes of the Christian Giving Research Project

The research project currently underway will: 
  • Provide fresh answers to the questions "why do people give to their churches and Christian charities, and how do they like to relate to them?".
  • Offer snapshots of trends of Christian charitable giving in the current economic recession and forecast future giving behaviour.
  • Outline some of ways in which different segments of the evangelical constituency make their charitable giving choices in response to numerous requests for support.
  • Serve as a tool for creating a new giving culture amongst Christians in a consumerist society.
  • Help dispel some of the most common myths about charitable giving and fundraising in a Christian context.
The findings of this survey will be available in early March 2010. If you would like to register your interest in purchasing a copy of the research report please use the contact form on this page.