What Could Your Parish Do with an Extra $10,000?
Think about that project you've been wanting to tackle. Maybe it's updating a gathering space, replacing aging equipment, or making some much-needed improvements around the parish.
What if Giving Tuesday could help you finally get it done?
On Tuesday, December 1, people across the country will be looking for meaningful ways to give. They'll be hearing from charities, schools, and nonprofits of every kind. Let's make sure they're hearing from their parish, too!
Giving Tuesday is a wonderful opportunity to inspire generosity, raise money for a special project, or encourage parishioners to make an additional year-end gift.
And the best part? We've made it incredibly easy for your parish to participate!
The Advancement Department has created a collection of free, ready-to-use Giving Tuesday resources designed specifically for parishes in the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Whether you want to raise money for a special project or encourage additional year-end giving, we have everything you need to get started.
Two Great Ways to Participate
Option 1: Raise Money for a Special Parish Project
Have a project you've been wanting to complete but haven't had the funding? Giving Tuesday could be the perfect opportunity to make it happen!
We recommend identifying a project with a goal of $5,000 to $15,000. Think of something practical, achievable, and meaningful to your parish community. Maybe it's replacing worn furniture, updating a meeting space, improving landscaping, or purchasing needed equipment.
The key is to choose something that can be accomplished relatively quickly.
Parishioners appreciate knowing exactly what their gifts will support. A specific project creates a clear goal, demonstrates transparency, and gives everyone something to work toward together.
Even better, when the project is completed, you have a wonderful opportunity to show parishioners what their generosity accomplished!
Option 2: Encourage a Special Year-End Gift
Maybe your parish doesn't have a specific project in mind. That's perfectly fine!
Giving Tuesday also provides a natural opportunity to encourage parishioners to consider making a special year-end gift to support the ongoing mission and ministries of your parish.
As we enter December, many people are thinking about their charitable giving for the year. A simple, personal invitation from the pastor can encourage parishioners to remember their parish as they make those decisions.
This approach allows you to use Giving Tuesday as the starting point for a broader December giving message, encouraging additional generosity as the year comes to a close.
We've Made It Easy!
You don't need to organize a major campaign to participate in Giving Tuesday. In fact, a few simple communications can make a real difference.
Giving Tuesday often inspires smaller, spontaneous gifts, making email, social media, and other quick communications especially valuable.
To help your parish get the word out, we've created customizable resources for both options, including:
Pastor Emails: Ready-to-send messages inviting parishioners to participate.
Social Media Posts and Graphics: Facebook-ready content to build excitement and encourage gifts.
Pulpit Announcements: Short messages to introduce Giving Tuesday at weekend Masses.
Bulletin Inserts: Attractive, customizable flyers to share with parishioners.
Suggested Promotional Schedule: A simple guide to help you know what to share and when.
All resources are completely free and can be used in whatever combination works best for your parish.
Let's Make the Most of Giving Tuesday!
On December 1, parishioners will see Giving Tuesday messages from nonprofits, schools, and charitable organizations asking for their support. Let's make sure their parish is part of that conversation!
People are already thinking about giving. Sometimes all it takes is a friendly reminder and a meaningful invitation to inspire them to support the place where they worship, celebrate the sacraments, and grow in faith.
Getting started is simple:
Choose your approach: A special parish project or general year-end giving.
Download your resources: Select the emails, social media posts, announcements, and flyers that work for your parish.
Spread the word: Invite parishioners to participate on Giving Tuesday, December 1.
Ready to Get Started?
Visit Giving Tuesday | AdvancingOurMission to explore the resources and download everything you need.
Let's take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to inspire generosity, strengthen our parishes, and finish the year on a positive note!
