Deck the Halls: Text-to-Give Holiday Campaigns That Deliver
The holidays are peak season for generosity. Here’s how your church can capture the moment with a text-to-give campaign that truly delivers.

For better or worse, people tend to be more generous during the holiday season. Families and communities come together to celebrate. Large amounts of eggnog are consumed. People feel a sense of gratitude that often leads them to give generously.
The end of the year is an important time for your church. You have a unique opportunity to fund missions, outreach projects, and year-end initiatives.
The numbers speak for themselves. December alone accounts for nearly 30% of all annual charitable giving. Incredibly, the last three days of the year account for about 10%. And get this. December 31 by itself can generate up to 5% of a nonprofit’s yearly donations.
These numbers highlight the urgency for churches to plan strategically and capitalize on this seasonal surge in generosity.
One of the most effective tools for mobilizing year-end giving is text-to-give, as nearly everyone uses their mobile phones for everything; giving needs to be easy, immediate, and accessible.
Text-to-give checks all those boxes.
Start Your Holiday Campaign Today: Set up your text-to-give platform with Tithely and begin capturing seasonal generosity.
Why Text-to-Give Sparks Holiday Generosity
Mobile giving is no longer a nice-to-have option for churches; it has become a must-have. In 2024, 45% of online donations were completed through mobile devices.
Yes, the average mobile gift is slightly smaller than on desktop ($76 on mobile vs $145 on desktop). But the ease of giving via phone leads to broader participation. When people can give instantly, they’re more likely to do so in the moment of inspiration.
Text-to-give is one of the most powerful communication channels available. Nearly 98% of text messages are opened, compared to just 20–30% for email. Churches that creatively integrate text-to-give into holiday services and outreach can see a significant surge in end-of-year giving.
Choosing a Holiday Campaign Focus That Resonates
The holiday season offers countless opportunities for creative giving campaigns. The key is to choose one that resonates with both your congregation and your community.
Some churches focus on feeding families for Thanksgiving. Others launch Advent giving challenges or support local shelters during the coldest months of the year. Christmas Eve services are another natural opportunity to invite generosity.
Whatever type of campaign you choose, clarity is essential. Donors are much more likely to give when they know exactly what their contribution will accomplish.
Instead of simply asking for “holiday giving,” frame your campaign around a tangible goal, like providing meals for 100 families or funding a specific mission trip.
Crafting a Winning Holiday Giving Strategy
Once you’ve identified your focus, it’s time to craft a strategy that will really resonate with your congregation. The most effective campaigns are grounded in powerful, emotional storytelling.
Real stories connect with people on a deep level. They motivate people to give much more effectively than just numbers. During the holidays, when emotions run high, stories of changed lives or impacted communities can be especially compelling.
For example, “Give the Gift of Warmth” could be the theme for a campaign that raises money to provide winter coats for children in need.
Setting clear fundraising targets also helps. People are much more motivated when they can see a defined goal and track progress toward it. For example: “A gift of $25 provides a complete holiday meal for a family of four.”
Urgency is also essential for end-of-year campaigns. Remember, nearly 10% of all annual giving happens in the final three days of December.
Consider building countdowns into your campaign. For example, you could say something like, “Only 5 days left to make your year-end gift.” This can inspire people to act now rather than put it off.
What is the best way to set up a church holiday text-to-give campaign?
Now that you know why holiday giving is so important, let’s talk about how to set up a text-to-give holiday campaign.
Tithely text-to-give makes it simple for churches to create seasonal giving campaigns. You can set up holiday-related keywords to make giving a memorable and festive experience. For example, keywords like JOY, HOPE, or LIGHT are easy to remember and tie in nicely with the holidays.
Each keyword can be linked directly to a designated holiday fund, ensuring donations are tracked and applied correctly. This is especially helpful if your church is running multiple campaigns at once.
Recurring giving is another key feature of Tithely. You have the opportunity to encourage holiday donors to turn seasonal generosity into year-round support.
Promoting Your Holiday Text-to-Give Campaign
Even the best campaign won’t succeed without strong promotion. Holiday services are a natural starting point. Include reminders in verbal announcements, worship slides, and printed bulletins.
Email newsletters, social media posts, and app notifications can all feature your text-to-give keyword. Consistency is crucial. Keep the messaging the same across platforms so donors remember exactly how to participate.
Additionally, you can send an appeal via text message to all members who have opted in to receive texts from you.
Share the Impact of Giving
The more people see the impact of their giving, the more likely they are to be generous. Whenever possible, connect people’s giving to changed lives.
You can share testimonies of families who were blessed by past campaigns, videos of community outreach in action, or even brief quotes from recipients. These stories remind donors that their generosity has a direct, tangible impact.
You can also share progress updates throughout the campaign. By highlighting milestones like “We’ve raised enough to feed 75 families!” you inspire more giving and build a sense of collective accomplishment within your congregation.
Thanking Donors
Generosity deserves gratitude. Send immediate thank-you messages via text or email that acknowledge the gift. Personalized thank-yous, even automated ones, make donors feel seen and appreciated.
Regular updates during the campaign are essential for keeping people engaged. Highlighting your progress helps you maintain momentum and encourages those who haven’t given yet to participate.
When the campaign ends, celebrate the results! Share how many lives were impacted, what goals were met, and where the funds are going.
Real-World Examples
Imagine your church launching a Christmas text-to-give campaign to support overseas missions. By promoting the keyword LIGHT throughout December, you could raise thousands of dollars, enough to fund an entire trip and bless communities abroad.
Alternatively, you might focus on a local toy drive, encouraging members to text 'JOY' to a designated giving number. This campaign could ensure every child in the community receives a gift.
These stories are not hypothetical—they represent what countless churches are already experiencing. With the right strategy, text-to-give can transform a simple appeal into a movement of generosity.
Final Thoughts
The holiday season is undeniably the most generous time of year, and churches that prepare well can see remarkable results. Text-to-give can be a bridge that connects holiday inspiration with immediate action. By making giving as simple as sending a text, your church can capture generosity in the moment and maximize the impact of seasonal campaigns.
Whether your church is feeding families, supporting missions, or funding outreach events, the opportunity is clear: holiday generosity is at its peak, and text-to-give makes it easier than ever to harness it.
Now is the time to set up your holiday text-to-give campaign through Tithely and ensure that this holiday season becomes your most generous yet.
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For better or worse, people tend to be more generous during the holiday season. Families and communities come together to celebrate. Large amounts of eggnog are consumed. People feel a sense of gratitude that often leads them to give generously.
The end of the year is an important time for your church. You have a unique opportunity to fund missions, outreach projects, and year-end initiatives.
The numbers speak for themselves. December alone accounts for nearly 30% of all annual charitable giving. Incredibly, the last three days of the year account for about 10%. And get this. December 31 by itself can generate up to 5% of a nonprofit’s yearly donations.
These numbers highlight the urgency for churches to plan strategically and capitalize on this seasonal surge in generosity.
One of the most effective tools for mobilizing year-end giving is text-to-give, as nearly everyone uses their mobile phones for everything; giving needs to be easy, immediate, and accessible.
Text-to-give checks all those boxes.
Start Your Holiday Campaign Today: Set up your text-to-give platform with Tithely and begin capturing seasonal generosity.
Why Text-to-Give Sparks Holiday Generosity
Mobile giving is no longer a nice-to-have option for churches; it has become a must-have. In 2024, 45% of online donations were completed through mobile devices.
Yes, the average mobile gift is slightly smaller than on desktop ($76 on mobile vs $145 on desktop). But the ease of giving via phone leads to broader participation. When people can give instantly, they’re more likely to do so in the moment of inspiration.
Text-to-give is one of the most powerful communication channels available. Nearly 98% of text messages are opened, compared to just 20–30% for email. Churches that creatively integrate text-to-give into holiday services and outreach can see a significant surge in end-of-year giving.
Choosing a Holiday Campaign Focus That Resonates
The holiday season offers countless opportunities for creative giving campaigns. The key is to choose one that resonates with both your congregation and your community.
Some churches focus on feeding families for Thanksgiving. Others launch Advent giving challenges or support local shelters during the coldest months of the year. Christmas Eve services are another natural opportunity to invite generosity.
Whatever type of campaign you choose, clarity is essential. Donors are much more likely to give when they know exactly what their contribution will accomplish.
Instead of simply asking for “holiday giving,” frame your campaign around a tangible goal, like providing meals for 100 families or funding a specific mission trip.
Crafting a Winning Holiday Giving Strategy
Once you’ve identified your focus, it’s time to craft a strategy that will really resonate with your congregation. The most effective campaigns are grounded in powerful, emotional storytelling.
Real stories connect with people on a deep level. They motivate people to give much more effectively than just numbers. During the holidays, when emotions run high, stories of changed lives or impacted communities can be especially compelling.
For example, “Give the Gift of Warmth” could be the theme for a campaign that raises money to provide winter coats for children in need.
Setting clear fundraising targets also helps. People are much more motivated when they can see a defined goal and track progress toward it. For example: “A gift of $25 provides a complete holiday meal for a family of four.”
Urgency is also essential for end-of-year campaigns. Remember, nearly 10% of all annual giving happens in the final three days of December.
Consider building countdowns into your campaign. For example, you could say something like, “Only 5 days left to make your year-end gift.” This can inspire people to act now rather than put it off.
What is the best way to set up a church holiday text-to-give campaign?
Now that you know why holiday giving is so important, let’s talk about how to set up a text-to-give holiday campaign.
Tithely text-to-give makes it simple for churches to create seasonal giving campaigns. You can set up holiday-related keywords to make giving a memorable and festive experience. For example, keywords like JOY, HOPE, or LIGHT are easy to remember and tie in nicely with the holidays.
Each keyword can be linked directly to a designated holiday fund, ensuring donations are tracked and applied correctly. This is especially helpful if your church is running multiple campaigns at once.
Recurring giving is another key feature of Tithely. You have the opportunity to encourage holiday donors to turn seasonal generosity into year-round support.
Promoting Your Holiday Text-to-Give Campaign
Even the best campaign won’t succeed without strong promotion. Holiday services are a natural starting point. Include reminders in verbal announcements, worship slides, and printed bulletins.
Email newsletters, social media posts, and app notifications can all feature your text-to-give keyword. Consistency is crucial. Keep the messaging the same across platforms so donors remember exactly how to participate.
Additionally, you can send an appeal via text message to all members who have opted in to receive texts from you.
Share the Impact of Giving
The more people see the impact of their giving, the more likely they are to be generous. Whenever possible, connect people’s giving to changed lives.
You can share testimonies of families who were blessed by past campaigns, videos of community outreach in action, or even brief quotes from recipients. These stories remind donors that their generosity has a direct, tangible impact.
You can also share progress updates throughout the campaign. By highlighting milestones like “We’ve raised enough to feed 75 families!” you inspire more giving and build a sense of collective accomplishment within your congregation.
Thanking Donors
Generosity deserves gratitude. Send immediate thank-you messages via text or email that acknowledge the gift. Personalized thank-yous, even automated ones, make donors feel seen and appreciated.
Regular updates during the campaign are essential for keeping people engaged. Highlighting your progress helps you maintain momentum and encourages those who haven’t given yet to participate.
When the campaign ends, celebrate the results! Share how many lives were impacted, what goals were met, and where the funds are going.
Real-World Examples
Imagine your church launching a Christmas text-to-give campaign to support overseas missions. By promoting the keyword LIGHT throughout December, you could raise thousands of dollars, enough to fund an entire trip and bless communities abroad.
Alternatively, you might focus on a local toy drive, encouraging members to text 'JOY' to a designated giving number. This campaign could ensure every child in the community receives a gift.
These stories are not hypothetical—they represent what countless churches are already experiencing. With the right strategy, text-to-give can transform a simple appeal into a movement of generosity.
Final Thoughts
The holiday season is undeniably the most generous time of year, and churches that prepare well can see remarkable results. Text-to-give can be a bridge that connects holiday inspiration with immediate action. By making giving as simple as sending a text, your church can capture generosity in the moment and maximize the impact of seasonal campaigns.
Whether your church is feeding families, supporting missions, or funding outreach events, the opportunity is clear: holiday generosity is at its peak, and text-to-give makes it easier than ever to harness it.
Now is the time to set up your holiday text-to-give campaign through Tithely and ensure that this holiday season becomes your most generous yet.
podcast transcript
For better or worse, people tend to be more generous during the holiday season. Families and communities come together to celebrate. Large amounts of eggnog are consumed. People feel a sense of gratitude that often leads them to give generously.
The end of the year is an important time for your church. You have a unique opportunity to fund missions, outreach projects, and year-end initiatives.
The numbers speak for themselves. December alone accounts for nearly 30% of all annual charitable giving. Incredibly, the last three days of the year account for about 10%. And get this. December 31 by itself can generate up to 5% of a nonprofit’s yearly donations.
These numbers highlight the urgency for churches to plan strategically and capitalize on this seasonal surge in generosity.
One of the most effective tools for mobilizing year-end giving is text-to-give, as nearly everyone uses their mobile phones for everything; giving needs to be easy, immediate, and accessible.
Text-to-give checks all those boxes.
Start Your Holiday Campaign Today: Set up your text-to-give platform with Tithely and begin capturing seasonal generosity.
Why Text-to-Give Sparks Holiday Generosity
Mobile giving is no longer a nice-to-have option for churches; it has become a must-have. In 2024, 45% of online donations were completed through mobile devices.
Yes, the average mobile gift is slightly smaller than on desktop ($76 on mobile vs $145 on desktop). But the ease of giving via phone leads to broader participation. When people can give instantly, they’re more likely to do so in the moment of inspiration.
Text-to-give is one of the most powerful communication channels available. Nearly 98% of text messages are opened, compared to just 20–30% for email. Churches that creatively integrate text-to-give into holiday services and outreach can see a significant surge in end-of-year giving.
Choosing a Holiday Campaign Focus That Resonates
The holiday season offers countless opportunities for creative giving campaigns. The key is to choose one that resonates with both your congregation and your community.
Some churches focus on feeding families for Thanksgiving. Others launch Advent giving challenges or support local shelters during the coldest months of the year. Christmas Eve services are another natural opportunity to invite generosity.
Whatever type of campaign you choose, clarity is essential. Donors are much more likely to give when they know exactly what their contribution will accomplish.
Instead of simply asking for “holiday giving,” frame your campaign around a tangible goal, like providing meals for 100 families or funding a specific mission trip.
Crafting a Winning Holiday Giving Strategy
Once you’ve identified your focus, it’s time to craft a strategy that will really resonate with your congregation. The most effective campaigns are grounded in powerful, emotional storytelling.
Real stories connect with people on a deep level. They motivate people to give much more effectively than just numbers. During the holidays, when emotions run high, stories of changed lives or impacted communities can be especially compelling.
For example, “Give the Gift of Warmth” could be the theme for a campaign that raises money to provide winter coats for children in need.
Setting clear fundraising targets also helps. People are much more motivated when they can see a defined goal and track progress toward it. For example: “A gift of $25 provides a complete holiday meal for a family of four.”
Urgency is also essential for end-of-year campaigns. Remember, nearly 10% of all annual giving happens in the final three days of December.
Consider building countdowns into your campaign. For example, you could say something like, “Only 5 days left to make your year-end gift.” This can inspire people to act now rather than put it off.
What is the best way to set up a church holiday text-to-give campaign?
Now that you know why holiday giving is so important, let’s talk about how to set up a text-to-give holiday campaign.
Tithely text-to-give makes it simple for churches to create seasonal giving campaigns. You can set up holiday-related keywords to make giving a memorable and festive experience. For example, keywords like JOY, HOPE, or LIGHT are easy to remember and tie in nicely with the holidays.
Each keyword can be linked directly to a designated holiday fund, ensuring donations are tracked and applied correctly. This is especially helpful if your church is running multiple campaigns at once.
Recurring giving is another key feature of Tithely. You have the opportunity to encourage holiday donors to turn seasonal generosity into year-round support.
Promoting Your Holiday Text-to-Give Campaign
Even the best campaign won’t succeed without strong promotion. Holiday services are a natural starting point. Include reminders in verbal announcements, worship slides, and printed bulletins.
Email newsletters, social media posts, and app notifications can all feature your text-to-give keyword. Consistency is crucial. Keep the messaging the same across platforms so donors remember exactly how to participate.
Additionally, you can send an appeal via text message to all members who have opted in to receive texts from you.
Share the Impact of Giving
The more people see the impact of their giving, the more likely they are to be generous. Whenever possible, connect people’s giving to changed lives.
You can share testimonies of families who were blessed by past campaigns, videos of community outreach in action, or even brief quotes from recipients. These stories remind donors that their generosity has a direct, tangible impact.
You can also share progress updates throughout the campaign. By highlighting milestones like “We’ve raised enough to feed 75 families!” you inspire more giving and build a sense of collective accomplishment within your congregation.
Thanking Donors
Generosity deserves gratitude. Send immediate thank-you messages via text or email that acknowledge the gift. Personalized thank-yous, even automated ones, make donors feel seen and appreciated.
Regular updates during the campaign are essential for keeping people engaged. Highlighting your progress helps you maintain momentum and encourages those who haven’t given yet to participate.
When the campaign ends, celebrate the results! Share how many lives were impacted, what goals were met, and where the funds are going.
Real-World Examples
Imagine your church launching a Christmas text-to-give campaign to support overseas missions. By promoting the keyword LIGHT throughout December, you could raise thousands of dollars, enough to fund an entire trip and bless communities abroad.
Alternatively, you might focus on a local toy drive, encouraging members to text 'JOY' to a designated giving number. This campaign could ensure every child in the community receives a gift.
These stories are not hypothetical—they represent what countless churches are already experiencing. With the right strategy, text-to-give can transform a simple appeal into a movement of generosity.
Final Thoughts
The holiday season is undeniably the most generous time of year, and churches that prepare well can see remarkable results. Text-to-give can be a bridge that connects holiday inspiration with immediate action. By making giving as simple as sending a text, your church can capture generosity in the moment and maximize the impact of seasonal campaigns.
Whether your church is feeding families, supporting missions, or funding outreach events, the opportunity is clear: holiday generosity is at its peak, and text-to-give makes it easier than ever to harness it.
Now is the time to set up your holiday text-to-give campaign through Tithely and ensure that this holiday season becomes your most generous yet.
VIDEO transcript
For better or worse, people tend to be more generous during the holiday season. Families and communities come together to celebrate. Large amounts of eggnog are consumed. People feel a sense of gratitude that often leads them to give generously.
The end of the year is an important time for your church. You have a unique opportunity to fund missions, outreach projects, and year-end initiatives.
The numbers speak for themselves. December alone accounts for nearly 30% of all annual charitable giving. Incredibly, the last three days of the year account for about 10%. And get this. December 31 by itself can generate up to 5% of a nonprofit’s yearly donations.
These numbers highlight the urgency for churches to plan strategically and capitalize on this seasonal surge in generosity.
One of the most effective tools for mobilizing year-end giving is text-to-give, as nearly everyone uses their mobile phones for everything; giving needs to be easy, immediate, and accessible.
Text-to-give checks all those boxes.
Start Your Holiday Campaign Today: Set up your text-to-give platform with Tithely and begin capturing seasonal generosity.
Why Text-to-Give Sparks Holiday Generosity
Mobile giving is no longer a nice-to-have option for churches; it has become a must-have. In 2024, 45% of online donations were completed through mobile devices.
Yes, the average mobile gift is slightly smaller than on desktop ($76 on mobile vs $145 on desktop). But the ease of giving via phone leads to broader participation. When people can give instantly, they’re more likely to do so in the moment of inspiration.
Text-to-give is one of the most powerful communication channels available. Nearly 98% of text messages are opened, compared to just 20–30% for email. Churches that creatively integrate text-to-give into holiday services and outreach can see a significant surge in end-of-year giving.
Choosing a Holiday Campaign Focus That Resonates
The holiday season offers countless opportunities for creative giving campaigns. The key is to choose one that resonates with both your congregation and your community.
Some churches focus on feeding families for Thanksgiving. Others launch Advent giving challenges or support local shelters during the coldest months of the year. Christmas Eve services are another natural opportunity to invite generosity.
Whatever type of campaign you choose, clarity is essential. Donors are much more likely to give when they know exactly what their contribution will accomplish.
Instead of simply asking for “holiday giving,” frame your campaign around a tangible goal, like providing meals for 100 families or funding a specific mission trip.
Crafting a Winning Holiday Giving Strategy
Once you’ve identified your focus, it’s time to craft a strategy that will really resonate with your congregation. The most effective campaigns are grounded in powerful, emotional storytelling.
Real stories connect with people on a deep level. They motivate people to give much more effectively than just numbers. During the holidays, when emotions run high, stories of changed lives or impacted communities can be especially compelling.
For example, “Give the Gift of Warmth” could be the theme for a campaign that raises money to provide winter coats for children in need.
Setting clear fundraising targets also helps. People are much more motivated when they can see a defined goal and track progress toward it. For example: “A gift of $25 provides a complete holiday meal for a family of four.”
Urgency is also essential for end-of-year campaigns. Remember, nearly 10% of all annual giving happens in the final three days of December.
Consider building countdowns into your campaign. For example, you could say something like, “Only 5 days left to make your year-end gift.” This can inspire people to act now rather than put it off.
What is the best way to set up a church holiday text-to-give campaign?
Now that you know why holiday giving is so important, let’s talk about how to set up a text-to-give holiday campaign.
Tithely text-to-give makes it simple for churches to create seasonal giving campaigns. You can set up holiday-related keywords to make giving a memorable and festive experience. For example, keywords like JOY, HOPE, or LIGHT are easy to remember and tie in nicely with the holidays.
Each keyword can be linked directly to a designated holiday fund, ensuring donations are tracked and applied correctly. This is especially helpful if your church is running multiple campaigns at once.
Recurring giving is another key feature of Tithely. You have the opportunity to encourage holiday donors to turn seasonal generosity into year-round support.
Promoting Your Holiday Text-to-Give Campaign
Even the best campaign won’t succeed without strong promotion. Holiday services are a natural starting point. Include reminders in verbal announcements, worship slides, and printed bulletins.
Email newsletters, social media posts, and app notifications can all feature your text-to-give keyword. Consistency is crucial. Keep the messaging the same across platforms so donors remember exactly how to participate.
Additionally, you can send an appeal via text message to all members who have opted in to receive texts from you.
Share the Impact of Giving
The more people see the impact of their giving, the more likely they are to be generous. Whenever possible, connect people’s giving to changed lives.
You can share testimonies of families who were blessed by past campaigns, videos of community outreach in action, or even brief quotes from recipients. These stories remind donors that their generosity has a direct, tangible impact.
You can also share progress updates throughout the campaign. By highlighting milestones like “We’ve raised enough to feed 75 families!” you inspire more giving and build a sense of collective accomplishment within your congregation.
Thanking Donors
Generosity deserves gratitude. Send immediate thank-you messages via text or email that acknowledge the gift. Personalized thank-yous, even automated ones, make donors feel seen and appreciated.
Regular updates during the campaign are essential for keeping people engaged. Highlighting your progress helps you maintain momentum and encourages those who haven’t given yet to participate.
When the campaign ends, celebrate the results! Share how many lives were impacted, what goals were met, and where the funds are going.
Real-World Examples
Imagine your church launching a Christmas text-to-give campaign to support overseas missions. By promoting the keyword LIGHT throughout December, you could raise thousands of dollars, enough to fund an entire trip and bless communities abroad.
Alternatively, you might focus on a local toy drive, encouraging members to text 'JOY' to a designated giving number. This campaign could ensure every child in the community receives a gift.
These stories are not hypothetical—they represent what countless churches are already experiencing. With the right strategy, text-to-give can transform a simple appeal into a movement of generosity.
Final Thoughts
The holiday season is undeniably the most generous time of year, and churches that prepare well can see remarkable results. Text-to-give can be a bridge that connects holiday inspiration with immediate action. By making giving as simple as sending a text, your church can capture generosity in the moment and maximize the impact of seasonal campaigns.
Whether your church is feeding families, supporting missions, or funding outreach events, the opportunity is clear: holiday generosity is at its peak, and text-to-give makes it easier than ever to harness it.
Now is the time to set up your holiday text-to-give campaign through Tithely and ensure that this holiday season becomes your most generous yet.











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