Free Church Finances Guide

Are you looking for guidance on how to manage church finances? Are you in charge of church financial planning and need help navigating the complexities of managing funds? This guide breaks down all the critical aspects of church finance management, from cash flow to budgeting to creating church financial reports.

You’ll get a comprehensive overview of church finance basics and a detailed, step-by-step approach to church budgeting, financial planning, reporting and management. There are also tips on supporting church members with information about the importance of church finances and different ways they can donate to the church. And finally, the guide includes a vital reminder that churches should look to God for help providing for their needs.

Keep reading for information on the many aspects of church finances and how to manage church funds.

Table of Contents

• Set Short- and Long-Term Objectives for Church Finances
• Create a Comprehensive Church Budget to Maximize Its Resources
• Create a System to Manage Church Funds
• Stay Informed About Church Financial Regulations and Laws
• Create a Three- to Six-Month Emergency Fund Reserve
• Make It Easy to Give
• Offer a Recurring Giving Program
• Remind Church Members to Give Regularly and Support the Mission
• Use Accounting Software for Easier Church Financial Planning and Management
• Establish a Financial Policy Manual
• Review Financial Reports on a Quarterly Basis
• Remain Open to Your Church Members
• Seek Assistance on Managing Church Funds
• Church Leaders Should Pray Together for Financial Increase for the Church
• Realize God Is Your Provider and Have Faith for an Increase in Funds
• Develop a Fundraising Strategy
• Follow Best Practices for Reporting and Transparency 
• Leverage Technology for Financial Efficiency
• Implement Cost-Saving Measures 
• Provide Financial Training for Church Staff and Volunteers
• Evaluate Financial Health and Performance
• Use Grants and External Funding Opportunities 
• Ensure Ethical Financial Practices 
• FAQs

1. Set Short- and Long-Term Objectives for Church Finances

The better you understand your church's financial objectives, the easier it will be to create a successful plan for managing church funds. Start by setting short-term and long-term goals with clear deadlines.

Short-term goals should focus on immediate needs like budgeting or generating revenue. Long-term goals should focus on larger investments such as purchasing property or creating endowments.

Break down goals into manageable objectives that you can achieve over time. You can set and accomplish these goals by simplifying the related steps:

Compare Your Revenue and Expenditures for Accurate Financial Planning

Do you know how much your church has earned and spent on a yearly basis? To plan church finances, look at your revenue and expenditures over the past several years. Generally, five years is enough.

Then, use those figures to determine your percentage of growth or loss year-over-year. Doing this will give you an accurate picture of where you've been and where you need to go to reach your goals.

Take Those Percentages and Project Your Possible Finances Over the Next Five Years

Once you compare revenues and expenditures, use that data to project your potential finances over the next few years. Again, look for any shortfalls or overages in your projections.

If there are any issues or changes, adjust your goals and objectives. Doing this will help you stay ahead of the game and prepare for unexpected changes in your church finances.

Identify Immediate Remedies for Shortfalls and Set Goals for Growth

If you anticipate financial shortfalls in the next year or two, find ways to address them. First, consider fundraising, such as organizing church events or applying for small business loans.

Look to see if there's potential for shortfalls toward the end of your five-year period. If so, consider setting smaller goals to reach larger objectives. Focus on outreach campaigns and building relationships within the community.

Here are a few ideas on ways to grow your church's finances:

Create a Financial Reserve for Unexpected Emergencies and Allocate Money for Church Projects

If your church is in abundance, consider setting aside a portion of your balance for emergency funds. Aim for 10 to 15 percent of your income and keep it ready in case of potential unexpected expenses.

Allocate funds to the projects you feel are most important to your church. That will help you manage your finances while ensuring those important projects remain a priority.

Plan Ahead for a Secure Future and Prepare Your Church Finances for Long-Term Growth

When planning your church finances, consider what comes after those five-year projections. Then think 10 to 20 years into the future and create a plan for your church's financial growth.

Consider both short-term and long-term goals and how you can achieve them. For example, short-term objectives may include upgrading your HVAC system. Long-term goals may involve purchasing a new sanctuary or building. 

Secure your church's financial future by saving money. Also, create a plan for other financial concerns beyond your immediate needs.

2. Create a Comprehensive Church Budget to Maximize Its Resources

Formulating an accurate church budget is an integral part of managing its finances. Start by assessing the current financial situation. Then determine how much you can allocate to short-term objectives.

Be sure to factor in projected costs and discounts when calculating your budget. That will help you maximize church resources and ensure that all areas of operations are covered.

Creating a comprehensive budget is the most critical step in managing church finances. First, develop an established plan that outlines income, expenses and savings goals. Doing that makes it possible to measure and control finances.

Through budgeting, you can track where your money is going and maximize church resources. With a budget, you can achieve your financial objectives while staying on track.

When allocating church funds, aim for a balanced budget. On average, you should allot no more than the following amounts in each of these categories:

• Personnel: 30%
• Facilities: 20%
• Programs and Services: 40%
• Administration and Fundraising: 10%

By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure that your church has the funds it needs. A balanced budget helps maintain your church's financial health and provides important resources to carry out its mission.

If you're spending more than you should, it's time to take a closer look at your budget categories. See where you can cut and allocate funds to more critical areas, such as running your church's community programs. Doing this will help you stay within budget while providing essential services to those in need.

3. Create a System to Manage Church Funds

Once you set your objectives and goals, it's time to create a system to manage church funds. You must put a budget in place and update it regularly. You'll also need to create a system for tracking expenses, donations and other sources of income.

This system should include these components:

Ensure the Right Personnel Are in Place to Handle Financial Operations

Having the right personnel in place is paramount when managing church finances. That includes having a treasurer or finance committee responsible for all financial operations. This person or church finance committee should know church finances and have a successful financial management track record.

You'll also want to have accounting professionals available to provide financial advice. By having a knowledgeable team, you can ensure that all financial operations are handled correctly.

Set Up Proper Procedures for Handling Cash

Accounting for all funds received appropriately is key to a successful operation. Start by setting up a secure procedure for handling cash and other forms of payment.

This should include having a detailed record of all transactions and deposits and developing strict guidelines to protect church funds from being lost or stolen.

Create an Investment Plan

Another vital part of managing church finances is creating an investment plan. Start by taking the time to research and analyze the different available investment options. When it comes to investing, you want to ensure that funds are deployed safely and profitably.

Finally, you can diversify your investments across multiple sectors and asset classes. Stocks, bonds and mutual funds are all good options to consider. Before investing, research and ensure you understand the exposure to risk associated with each option.

Perform an Independent Audit

Performing an independent audit ensures the proper handling of the church's funds. Do an annual audit, and have the finance team review the results. Examine all financial records during the audit to ensure that there are no irregularities or discrepancies and that the records are as transparent as possible.

Also, create a transparent system that outlines how church funds are managed. Doing this will help build trust and foster relationships with church members. Finally, make all financial records accessible to the necessary parties.

With the right strategy, you can maximize your church resources and stay on budget.

4. Stay Informed About Church Financial Regulations and Laws

Be sure to stay informed about church financial regulations and laws. That includes knowing how to report income and calculate taxes owed and deductions. Doing this can help ensure that your church complies with the rules.

Depending on where your church is located, you may need to follow different laws and regulations. Managing church finances can be tedious, but you can handle it with the right strategy.

5. Create a Three- to Six-Month Emergency Fund Reserve

Establishing a three- to six-month reserve of cash for emergencies is wise. This reserve fund can protect your church from budget shortfalls, giving you peace of mind that you can immediately address any financial needs.

Be sure to define what would constitute an emergency. This ensures that this cash reserve is not used for non-emergency purposes. This reserve fund can increase over time and provide additional financial security.

6. Make It Easy to Give

In addition to traditional methods of giving, it's also vital for churches to offer online giving options. That makes it easy and convenient for members and donors to provide financial support to the church from anywhere. There are many options available, including:

Text-to-Give

With text-to-give, church members can make donations from their phones. They can send a text with an amount or keyword that links to your church's donation page. Doing this makes it quick and easy for people to give at any time of the day.

Plus, text-to-give is secure and PCI compliant. This compliance ensures donor information remains safe and secure.

With this easy giving option, your church can raise more funds, because the church becomes more accessible to those who are unable to attend services in person.

Mobile App Giving

Many churches now offer mobile giving apps that enable members to give on the go. This easy-to-use option allows church members to give from their mobile devices. That provides another convenient way for people to support the church.

Online Donation Platforms

Online donation platforms are another convenient way to accept donations from anywhere. These platforms allow donors to make one-time or recurring donations easily. Here are some of the benefits of using an online donation platform:

• Increased donations through automated recurring giving
• Streamlined processing of funds with automated receipting
• Improved donor engagement with custom thank-you messages and updates
• Automated reporting for more accurate financial tracking
• Easy integration with existing church management systems

By using an online donation platform, churches can make giving easier for donors. Doing this also ensures more accurate financial tracking and reporting of church finances.

Churches can also expand their reach to those who cannot attend in-person services.

7. Offer a Recurring Giving Program

Recurring giving is a great way to guarantee consistent donations that help with long-term financial planning. It allows donors to commit to regular giving, which helps churches plan more effectively.

This program also offers donors the convenience of automated donations, which means members can provide consistent support.

By offering recurring giving, churches can ensure they have the funds they need. Plus, this program can help churches create stronger relationships with donors.

By taking the proper steps, churches can secure reliable financial plans. In addition, churches can expand their reach by offering online giving and recurring giving.

With the careful planning and helpful resources, churches can meet their financial needs. And they can ensure they have the resources to continue doing the work they're called to do.

8. Remind Church Members to Give Regularly and Support the Mission

Regular giving is vital for churches to meet their financial needs. To make sure this happens, church leaders should remind members of their commitment to giving faithfully. These reminders help show the importance of giving and meeting the church’s financial goals.

By encouraging members to give regularly and support the mission, churches should expect to receive more funds. Ultimately, an increase in funds will help churches impact their communities and beyond.

There are numerous ways to discuss tithes and offerings. Here are a few creative ones:

Create Opportunities to Discuss Giving in Church Services

Mention church giving during sermons relevant to the scripture being taught. Do this by bringing up the topic and reminding members of the importance of financially supporting their church. It can also be an excellent opportunity to show how donations can help further enhance its ministries.

Share Testimonies of How Giving Is Making an Impact

Incorporate stories of how giving has impacted your church. Hearing these stories can inspire and encourage members to support their church's mission. Testimonies can highlight specific financial needs of the church and how donations can help meet those needs.

Encourage Dialogue About Finances During Small Group Meetings

Small group meetings can be an excellent opportunity to discuss church finances and how giving has impacted the church. They are a powerful way to share stories, discuss financial goals and remind church members of the importance of giving.

Small group meetings can be a great way to create conversations about managing church funds. These conversations should encourage members to give.

Host Seminars or Workshops on Church Finances

Seminars and workshops can be a great way to educate members on how the giving process works. They provide an opportunity to discuss financial planning and ensure that the church's financial needs are met. That can be a powerful way to increase church members' understanding of finances.

Invite Financial Professionals to Speak at Church Events

Invite financial professionals to come to speak and share their expertise on church finances. Speakers can give church members financial advice and help increase engagement and create conversations around church giving.

Send Newsletters or Announcements

Send regular emails reminding church members of upcoming giving opportunities. Be sure to inform them of how their donations will further the mission. Newsletters can provide updates on financial progress and showcase how contributions are impacting the church community and beyond.

Create Online Resources for Donors to Increase Transparency

Create online resources such as forms, videos or FAQs to give church members more information about how their donations are used. These resources increase transparency and members’ understanding of church finances.

No matter how you approach it, church financial planning is essential to ensure the long-term success of your church. These strategies can help increase engagement and raise more funds.

Create Conversations About Church Finances

Finding ways to talk about church finances can be tricky. Still, it's important to start open conversations about money and engage church members in the giving process.

For example, you could create an informal forum or discussion group to talk about church finances. Or find ways to bring it up during a sermon when it works with the passage you are preaching on. By making church finances a regular topic of discussion, members can better understand the giving process.

Encourage Donors to Give Outside of Sunday Services

Finding ways to increase engagement with church finances doesn't have to be limited to Sunday services. There are a variety of other opportunities for donors to give.

For example, churches can provide online giving opportunities involving community members. Additionally, church members could be encouraged to give through automated monthly tithes.

Encourage Church Members to Invite Their Friends and Family to Get Involved

It's essential to encourage members to invite their friends and family to get involved in the giving process. Having friends and family join in supporting the church can be a powerful way to increase engagement with church finances.

Expanding engagement with the church allows church members to share stories of how their donations are making an impact. And it helps create lasting connections to the church.

Encourage Digital Giving Through Social Media and Other Platforms

Churches can encourage digital giving by leveraging social media platforms. For example, members can learn more about their contributions by creating social media posts or videos and feel more engaged with the cause. Many of these platforms provide easy ways for donors to give online.

Create a Giving Campaign to Support the Church's Finances and Mission

Creating a giving campaign is another excellent way to increase engagement with church finances. You can encourage members and newcomers to join your church's mission.

Do that by setting goals and raising money for specific initiatives or projects. That can be beneficial for short- and long-term fundraising efforts.

These campaigns can give donors a visual representation of how their donations are used and that can make them more likely to give.

Show Appreciation with Personalized Thank-You Messages and Updates

Churches should show appreciation for donations by sending personalized thank-you messages. Doing this helps make church members feel appreciated. And it helps them understand how their contributions impact the church's mission.

Providing updates encourages further engagement among church members.

9. Use Accounting Software for Easier Church Financial Planning and Management

The right accounting software can make managing church finances easier and more efficient. Accounting software can streamline tasks, such as tracking donations and budgeting. This software allows churches to track their financial performance in real time.

Having a system for storing records helps to ensure the church's finances are kept up-to-date.

Implementing financial planning strategies can help churches become more secure. They also help them to be more effective in carrying out their missions. With the right resources, church members will know their contributions are making a positive difference.

10. Establish a Financial Policy Manual

The church's finance team ensures that all financial resources are used comply with the church’s financial guidelines and match the church's vision.

One of the finance team's duties is to produce written best practices in church finances that include:

• Procedures for reporting suspicious financial activities or potential fraud
• Conducting an annual external audit of its finances by an independent third party
• Establishing a team of individuals to review all matters related to church finances
• Creating a list outlining the duties of the church treasurer in managing and sharing financial reports
• Creating a system of checks and balances to ensure that all church funds are used ethically
• Creating a timeline for regularly retrieving financial reports and overseeing fiscal activities
• Establishing a protocol for reporting any financial discrepancies or inconsistencies
• A code of ethics and conduct that each individual responsible for managing the church's finances signs and agrees to
• Guidelines for how funds are to be allocated, used and monitored
• Reporting requirements for church finances
• Establishing protocols for reviewing and approving budget proposals
• Guidelines for how donations should be handled and accounted for

Establishing a financial policy manual can help church leaders manage finances transparently and efficiently.

11. Review Financial Reports on a Quarterly Basis

Church leaders must review financial reports quarterly. Reviewing this activity ensures that all finances align with the church's mission.

The reports confirm there are no discrepancies or irregularities. Share these reports with all church members to promote transparency and accountability.

Regular reviews of financial reports can also help identify any areas of weakness, which might become potential opportunities for improvement. Understanding the church's spending makes the church's future direction clearer.

An astonishing 80 percent of church fraud cases go undetected every year! That is why it's essential for church leaders to keep a close eye on financial reports and activity to identify and address any suspicious activity right away.

By reviewing the church's finances, leaders can make sure they use the funds for their intended purpose. They can also feel confident that their church members’ contributions are making a real impact.

With proper financial planning, churches can ensure they are making the most of their resources and providing their members with a practical and transparent system.

12. Remain Open to Your Church Members

Communication is key to ensuring that church members are aware of the church’s needs. For example, suppose attendance is growing, but tithing and donations still need to be higher. It may be because new members have not been informed about the church's financial situation.

Reminding all members that the church requires their support to thrive is essential.

Church leaders should invite members to meetings to discuss the church's financial plans and get feedback. Having an open dialogue with church members is essential for keeping all parties on the same page. And that's especially important when it comes to managing church finances.

13. Seek Assistance on Managing Church Funds

When tackling church finances, it's important to have the right resources and support available. Feel free to reach out to experts who can offer guidance. Having an experienced financial advisor can make all the difference.

Access to resources and support can make managing church finances much easier, so don't hesitate to seek assistance!

14. Pray Together for Financial Increase for the Church

Praying with a unified voice shows that church members agree. Therefore, they should ask God to provide them with the resources they need. This act of faith puts trust in God to be their provider and can help create a spirit of unity among all members.

When praying, church leaders should focus on the church's needs and how they can meet them. They should also ask God to show them how best to use their resources and funds in ways that honor Him.

Praying for a financial increase also allows members to come together in agreement. It can help build a strong sense of unity and trust within the church family that God will provide.

Leaders should also encourage other members to pray for the church's finances so everyone can take action. That could include setting up a prayer group or encouraging members to pray on their own time. Praying together shows faith in God's ability to provide and bring financial increase to the church.

By making prayer part of the church's financial plan, leaders can ensure everyone works together for financial increase. This act of faith can help create a strong sense of unity and trust. It helps members know that God will provide what they need. Praying together is integral to church financial management, so don't forget to take advantage of this powerful tool!

As your church grows, it's important to remember how best to manage church finances. Praying can help bring financial increases to the church, so don't forget to invite the power of God into your financial planning. With faith and support from church members, you can rest assured that your church's finances are in good hands.

15. Realize God Is Your Provider and Have Faith for an Increase in Funds

When managing church funds, it is essential to remember that God is the ultimate provider. However, having faith in an increase in church finances can help strengthen the church's financial planning. And ultimately, this can lead to a prosperous future.

Church leaders can better prioritize their spending by understanding that God will provide for all our needs. And that also helps to create a budget that reflects the church's values and goals.

Faith in an increase in funds requires trust that God will provide what is needed. Church leaders can turn to scripture to remind themselves of God’s promises.

Scriptures such as Philippians 4:19 state, "And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." That can help church leadership stay grounded and focused on serving God with the funds entrusted.

Church leaders should remember that God is faithful even when times are challenging. They should remember that His provision is enough to meet all needs. They must also be creative to stretch resources as far as possible through careful budgeting and volunteer support.

Your church will remain financially secure and prosperous for years to come with the right resources and support.

16. Develop a Fundraising Strategy 

When it comes to managing church finances, a robust fundraising strategy is essential. You need continued access to funds to keep your church’s lights on and grow your mission. Here are a few key elements to consider. 

Diversify Fundraising Activities

It’s a good idea to go beyond the usual spaghetti dinners and turkey suppers. Though these ideas are tried and true, it is important to add new ideas to the mix as these alternative fundraisers will generate more enthusiasm within the community. To help you find a novel fundraiser, here is a list of 114 fundraising ideas that we’ve gathered from our work with 25,000 churches.  

Think Outside the Traditional Fundraising Box 

Not all fundraising needs to be conducted solely by the church. Develop partnerships with local businesses for sponsorships and mutual support. There are many ways you can get creative. For example, some churches sell church bulletin advertising space to help fund key missions in their community.  

Set Realistic Goals Aligned with Church Financial Planning

It’s hard to get anywhere without knowing where you’re going. Be sure to establish clear short-term and long-term financial objectives that support your church's mission. More importantly, make sure your fundraising goals are achievable and aligned with your overall financial strategy. When setting goals, use a framework such as SMART goals. Crafting such goals ensures your goals are: 

• Specific 
• Measurable 
• Actionable 
• Realistic 
• Time-Related

Engage the Congregation

Communicate the Impact of Monetary Contributions 

It used to be a certainty that churchgoers would give, but that’s not the case now. Only about five percent of churchgoers actually tithe to a church at the traditional ten percent amount. It isn’t that people are suddenly less charitable than they used to be, in fact, the nonprofit sector is the fastest growing portion of the economy (Washington Post).  

The issue for churches is there are more nonprofit organizations vying for resources. And unfortunately for many churches, they aren’t as good at communicating the value of their missions to those in their congregations and communities. 

To encourage people to give and participate in church missions, it is critical that churches convey the impact of their donations or fundraising efforts. If you helped someone, show a thank-you video from that person. Or, if you raised $2,000 dollars that purchased 80 stays in a hotel for displaced individuals from a natural catastrophe, indicate the specifics and share the details during services. 

People want to be a force for good, but without updates showing the impact of their contributions, they’ll be less confident in giving to your cause. 

Communicate the Benefit of Time and Talent 

Members and the community can support your fundraisers outside of monetary help. That’s why it is important to foster a sense of community from participation in fundraising events.  

Many people join a church to be a part of a larger community and make connections with their brothers and sisters in Christ. Help build stronger connections through your fundraisers and community outreach. 

If you’re looking for techniques to grow a community of volunteers, this resource outlines 23 ways for churches to recruit.  

Leverage Technology 

As a church, you have limited resources and budget to promote and manage your fundraisers, so it’s important to use technology for a boost. Here are just a few free or cheap technologies that can help. 

• AI: Need help generating communications, such as promotional emails or letters, visuals, social media posts and even just a sounding board to brainstorm ideas? Artificial intelligence can help, and it doesn’t need to cost anything. We built a series of tools and prompts to help with our free AI prompt guide.

• Social media: Social media is a powerful tool to expand your reach. However, there’s a bit of a science and an art to the process. For help, including free post templates, a strategy guide and free visuals, check out our free social media kit. 

• Event software: Event ticketing software can make administration of your fundraisers much easier. With these tools, you can set up professional event pages and tickets within minutes. It’s even possible to do custom seating. 

17. Follow Best Practices for Reporting and Transparency 

How financially transparent are churches? It is hard to say, with over 350,000 congregations in the U.S. Many of them have widely differing financial administration practices.  

However, our research from Check My Church indicates that only five percent of the churches they’ve worked with, just a small sample size of the hundreds of thousands of congregations, were truly financially transparent.  

Whatever the number is, it is important that churches implement best practices in church finances around reporting and transparency. This not only ensures compliance with accounting standards but also builds trust with your congregation. Here’s a few ways you can encourage additional financial transparency within your church. 

• Provide regular financial updates:
  • Offer monthly or quarterly reports that clearly outline the church's financial health.
  • Create easy-to-understand financial statements accessible to all members, regardless of financial background.
• Establish a system for regular audits:
  • Conduct periodic financial audits to ensure sound financial practices and identify areas for improvement.
  • Use audits as an opportunity to verify account accuracy and enhance financial management.
• Communicate with clarity and openness:
  • Share both financial successes and challenges honestly with the congregation.
  • Celebrate goals achieved and be transparent about budget shortfalls to keep members connected to the church's financial journey.
• Comply with accounting standards:
  • Ensure all financial reporting adheres to relevant accounting standards to maintain financial integrity.
  • Consider seeking professional advice for complex financial matters or reporting requirements.
• Foster a culture of accountability:
  • Prioritize transparency to encourage trust and accountability in financial management.
  • Recognize that openness can lead to increased giving and a more engaged congregation. 

18. Leverage Technology for Financial Efficiency 

By embracing modern tools, you can streamline your financial processes, reduce errors and gain valuable insights into your church's financial health. Here are a few best practices to follow.  

• Implement church management software:
  • Use comprehensive platforms to track donations, manage budgets and generate financial reports.
  • Choose software that integrates well with existing systems and offers church-specific features.
• Use online giving platforms:
  • Provide convenient donation options for members, potentially increasing overall contributions.
  • Implement recurring giving features to help stabilize cash flow.
  • Not sure where to start when it comes to online giving platforms? Check out this guide giving an overview of 15 notable providers.

• Automate financial processes: 
  • Set up automatic bill payments for regular operating expenses to improve efficiency.
  • Use software that automatically categorizes income and expenses to reduce manual errors. 
• Leverage data analytics: 
  • Analyze giving trends to make informed decisions about budgeting and fundraising strategies.
  • Look for church management software with built-in analytics tools for easier data interpretation. 
• Ensure secure digital recordkeeping: 
  • Protect sensitive financial information with secure digital systems.
  • Facilitate easier data retrieval for audits and financial reviews. 

19. Implement Cost-Saving Measures 

Effective management of church finances isn't just about increasing income — it's also about managing expenses wisely. Here are some cost-saving measures your church should consider. 

• Analyze operating expenses:
  • Review utility bills, office supplies and maintenance costs to identify areas of potential savings.
  • Look for ways to cut back without significantly impacting the church's mission. 
• Negotiate better rates:
  • Seek discounts from vendors and service providers, especially for long-term contracts.
  • Apply this strategy to various services, from internet to cleaning supplies. 
• Implement energy-efficient practices:
  • Install LED lighting, improve insulation and use programmable thermostats to reduce utility costs.
  • View these measures as both cost-saving and responsible resource stewardship. 
• Use volunteer services:
  • Tap into the diverse skills within your congregation for tasks like accounting or landscaping.
  • Encourage members to donate their time and expertise to support the church. 
• Explore shared resources:
  • Collaborate with other local churches or organizations to share equipment or bulk-purchase supplies.
  • Consider sharing staff for certain roles to reduce personnel costs. 

20. Provide Financial Training for Church Staff and Volunteers 

Investing in financial training for your church staff and volunteers is crucial for maintaining strong church finances. By educating your team on church finances best practices, you're building a foundation for long-term financial health and stability. Here are five steps you should take to get started. 

• Develop a comprehensive training program:
  • Cover basic financial management principles and church-specific topics.
  • Include sessions on budgeting, cash flow management and financial reporting. 
• Provide in-depth training for financial staff:
  • Focus on accounting standards and financial regulations to ensure compliance.
  • Emphasize the importance of accurate financial statements. 
• Train volunteers on basic financial procedures:
  • Teach proper handling of cash donations and expense recording.
  • Stress the importance of accuracy and confidentiality. 
• Offer ongoing education opportunities:
  • Stay updated on changing financial regulations and standards.
  • Use workshops, webinars or expert-led training sessions. 
• Emphasize stewardship in financial management:
  • Connect financial responsibilities to the church's mission and spiritual goals.
  • Motivate staff and volunteers by highlighting the importance of their role. 

21. Evaluate Financial Health and Performance 

Regular evaluation of your church's financial health is crucial for effective church financial planning. It helps you understand your current position, identify potential issues and make informed decisions about future financial strategies. Here are a few steps you should take to regularly assess your church's financial health for effective planning. 

• Review cash flow statements: Analyze money movement patterns to identify potential challenges or opportunities.
• Assess cash reserves and emergency funds: Aim for several months of operating expenses as a safety net.
• Analyze budget performance:
  • Compare actual income and expenses against projections.
  • Make timely adjustments based on regular budget reviews.
• Identify and mitigate financial risks: Assess insurance coverage, investment portfolios and income diversity.
• Benchmark against similar churches: Gain insights and set realistic financial goals through comparison.
• Align finances with church mission: Ensure resource allocation supports key priorities.
• Communicate evaluation results: Share findings with leadership and congregation to build trust and encourage engagement.
• Conduct regular audits: Getting a second set of eyes on the minutia of church finances can help. Here’s a helpful resource from the UMC that can help your church set up an independent audit.   

22. Use Grants and External Funding Opportunities 

While tithes and offerings are often the primary source of church finances, grants and partnerships can be valuable tools in your church financial planning toolkit. Here are a few steps to take to get started. 

Research Available Grants

Look for funding from foundations and government agencies for outreach programs, renovations or specific initiatives. 

Sites such as grants.gov are resources where you can find grants that are available for churches and organizations, better understand the process of applying for a grant and learn what to expect when you do. The steps of the process include: 

• Pre-award phase: Find and seek out grants that fit your church and work on applying for them in a way that meets the necessary criteria. This is a very labor-intensive part of the process, but it’s worth the effort to make sure your application is submitted correctly. 
• Award phase: Federal agency staff decide whether to grant your church the funds to continue with your project.
• Post-award phase: The work doesn’t stop when you receive a grant. In fact, this part is labor-intensive too and you’ll go to work implementing the grant, documenting the process and showing you’re doing what you said you’d do in your application. It includes submitting a full report detailing both the financials and the program progress. 

Local foundations are another good source of available grants. For faith-based organizations, GrantWatch is another solid option. 

Develop Grant-Writing Skills 

Writing a grant proposal is an onerous process. If you have anyone within your congregation with experience, it would be wise to reach out and have them assist you. Otherwise, you could turn to AI to help you write it. We created a free bot that walks you through all the portions of a grant proposal, helping novices create a professional proposal faster. You can access it here after signing up for a free account in Poe.  

This tool will help you create a draft but remember — competition for grants is fierce. A well-written and revised proposal is critical to being awarded funds. Always seek the help of your congregation’s writers to refine your copy. 

Maintain Compliance with Grant Requirements

To stay compliant with all the requirements of a grant, you’ll need to track how grant money is spent and maintain documentation on expenditures. This includes:  

• Establishing clear systems for tracking grant money usage 
• Preparing detailed reports for funders to ensure accountability and future opportunities
• Meeting regularly to review expenditures, monitor how much grant money has been spent and identifying remaining funds

Many state agencies and government organizations provide resources to help with the grant process. One good example is the Idaho State Controller’s Office, which offers a free checklist that you can use to help ensure compliance with grant requirements. 

23. Ensure Ethical Financial Practices 

It's not just about following the law — it's about honoring the trust placed in your church by its members and demonstrating good stewardship of resources. Here are a few items that can go a long way in establishing and maintaining financial trust.  

• Develop a financial code of ethics:
  • Outline principles of integrity, transparency and accountability.
  • Ensure all financial staff and volunteers understand and commit to this code. 
• Implement checks and balances:
  • Require multiple signatories on checks and regular bank reconciliations.
  • Rotate financial duties among different individuals to prevent fraud. 
• Maintain transparency:
  • Document all financial transactions for easy review.
  • Provide regular financial updates to the congregation to build trust. 
• Address conflicts of interest:
  • Establish clear policies for situations involving personal interests.
  • When in doubt, encourage disclosure and recusal. 
• Regularly review and update practices:
  • Adapt financial policies as your church grows and changes.
  • Stay informed about best practices in church finances. 
• Actively pursue ethical management:
  • Focus on doing what's right, not just avoiding wrongdoing.
  • Recognize that ethical practices protect the church's reputation and honor its mission. 

FAQs 

What are the first steps in setting financial goals for a church? 

Here are the key steps to get started:

• Assess your current financial status: Begin by reviewing your current financial statements, including income, expenses, assets and liabilities. This gives you a clear picture of where you stand. 
• Identify short-term and long-term financial needs: Consider immediate needs like operating expenses, as well as long-term goals like building projects or ministry expansion. 
• Align financial goals with the church's mission and vision: Ensure that your financial objectives support and further your church's overall purpose and direction. 
• Engage church leadership in the goal-setting process: Involve key stakeholders to ensure buy-in and diverse perspectives. This could include pastors, board members and finance committee members. 

How can a church establish an emergency fund? 

• Determine the appropriate size of the emergency fund: As a general rule, aim for three to six months of operating expenses. 
• Create a plan to gradually build the fund: Allocate a percentage of monthly income toward the emergency fund until you reach your goal. 
• Implement policies for fund use and replenishment: Clearly define what constitutes an emergency and how the fund will be replenished if used. 
• Educate the congregation on the importance of an emergency fund: Help members understand how this fund contributes to the church's financial stability and long-term mission. 

What should be included in a financial policy manual? 

• Roles and responsibilities of financial staff and volunteers: Clearly define who's responsible for various financial tasks. 
• Procedures for handling cash and donations: Outline steps for collecting, counting and depositing funds. 
• Guidelines for budget creation and management: Describe the process for creating and modifying the annual church budget. 
• Policies for financial reporting and transparency: Specify what financial information will be shared, with whom, and how often. 
• Procedures for financial audits and reviews: Detail how often audits will occur and who will conduct them. 

How can digital giving platforms benefit churches? 

Digital giving platforms can enhance church finances in several ways: 

• Increases convenience for donors: Members can give anytime and anywhere, not just during services. 
• Enables recurring giving options: This can help stabilize cash flow and make budgeting easier. 
• Provides detailed donation tracking and reporting: This aids in financial planning and donor management. 
• Reduces the administrative burden of handling cash donations: Digital platforms automate many donation processing steps. 
• Reaches younger demographics more comfortable with digital transactions: This can help engage a broader range of givers. 

Why is financial transparency important for churches? 

Financial transparency is a cornerstone of effective church financial management because it: 

• Builds trust with the congregation: When members can see how funds are used, they're more likely to trust church leadership and feel confident in their giving. 
• Ensures accountability in financial management: Transparency discourages mismanagement and helps catch errors quickly.
• Encourages increased giving through demonstrated stewardship: When people see resources being used wisely, they're often motivated to give more.
• Complies with legal and ethical standards: Many jurisdictions require some level of financial disclosure for nonprofit organizations. 
• Facilitates informed decision-making by church leadership: Clear financial information helps leaders make better choices about resource allocation.  

What are the key elements of a quarterly financial review? 

Here are the key elements to include in a quarterly review: 

• Analysis of income and expenses against the budget: Compare actual figures to projections to identify any significant variances. 
• Review of cash flow and financial position: Examine your cash reserve and overall financial health. 
• Assessment of giving trends and patterns: Look for changes in giving habits that might affect future income. 
• Evaluation of financial risks and opportunities: Identify potential challenges and areas for growth. 
• Plan for upcoming financial needs or challenges: Use the review to inform short-term financial planning. 

How can churches stay updated with financial regulations? 

• Join relevant professional associations: These often provide updates on regulatory changes affecting religious organizations. 
• Attend financial management workshops and seminars: These can offer insights into both regulations and best practices. 
• Subscribe to newsletters from regulatory bodies: This ensures you receive timely updates directly from the source. 
• Consult with financial and legal experts: Professionals can provide tailored advice on how regulations apply to your specific situation. 
• Regularly review and update financial policies and procedures: This helps ensure your practices remain in line with current regulations. 

Free Tools and Templates to Help with Church Finances

Could your church use powerful tools to help manage and maintain its finances? Here are three key resources included within our free kit to help you and your team: 

• Church finance committee agenda template 
• Church budget planning template 
• Church finance statement template 

Access all the free resources now!