1. Let donors know what their gifts are accomplishing.
Let them know that because of their giving, ministry is happening:
families are receiving baptismal preparation; shut-ins are receiving the
sacraments; young couples are receiving marriage preparation; a
proclamation is happening in the neighbourhood; and a caring presence is
maintained 24\7.
2. Be sure parish procedures are in place to ensure that
donors’ receipts are accurate and received on time with confidentiality
safe guarded.
3. Help them to appreciate what their gifts accomplish
across the north and around the world: ministry in isolated Arctic
communities; theological education in the Carribean; evangelization in
South America, Africa and Asia.
4. Plan bulletin announcements and articles in parish
newsletters that help donors gain appreciation and satisfaction from their
Christian giving.
5. Help church members remember what they are
contributing to the community by providing space for recovery programs,
family celebrations, youth activities, and neighbourhood outreach.
6. Shift the emphasis of stewardship programming away
from pressuring existing serious donors toward expanding the donor base,
attracting new households, and increasing the regularity and frequency of
gifts from those on the edges of parish life.
7. Limit special appeals so that the integrity and
accountability of unified budgeting can be maintained.
8. Publish and update a good narrative budget and be
sure that the priorities inspire.