New Report Explodes Some Myths about Giving and Volunteering

EXPORT, PENNSYLVANIA (April 7, 2026) – After several years of significant decline, evangelical giving has stabilized, according to the new report from Infinity Concepts and Grey Matter Research.

The Generosity Landscape: How Evangelicals Give is based on a survey of 1,008 evangelical Protestants. The study explores a number of common assumptions about generosity and giving – many of which do not hold up to scrutiny.

For example, it is commonly thought that raising funds in the evangelical world is more difficult during election years, with many believers funneling some of their giving to politics.  But the study found only 12% of evangelicals gave to a political cause, campaign, or candidate during the last election cycle – no different than when it was measured in 2024 (an off-year for national elections).  Ninety-five percent who gave nothing to church or charity also gave nothing to politics.

Another myth is that many people give of their time instead of giving money.  This study explodes that myth, finding only 2% of evangelicals volunteer with an organization but do not give any money to church or charity.

Related to this, it is a common assumption that seniors do the most volunteering.  Among evangelical Protestants, seniors are actually the least likely to volunteer their time through an organization.  The most likely to volunteer are those under age 35.

The study also explores how giving to church is impacted by attendance.  Among evangelicals who typically attend in person each week, 84% financially support their church.  When they attend less often in person, the proportion giving falls – to 69% among those attending one to three times a month, and just 39% when they attend even more sporadically.  The proportion less-frequent attendees give also is much lower.

Among evangelicals who primarily attend church virtually (watching online), just 37% financially support a church.

Ron Sellers, president of Grey Matter Research, notes that “conventional wisdom” can be dangerous.  “A lot of the ‘conventional wisdom’ about giving and generosity may be conventional, but it is not very wise,” Sellers explained. “Building plans and strategies around myths that are not true will lead to poor outcomes.  For example, how many churches are not intentionally trying to engage seniors in volunteer opportunities because they assume seniors will proactively volunteer without prompting?”

Infinity Concepts and Grey Matter Research began tracking evangelical giving in 2020. From 2020 to 2024, the proportion of evangelicals donating to their church fell by 18%, and the proportion supporting a charity or ministry outside of church dropped by 16%. The 2025 study showed giving has been very similar to 2024.

“What we do not know is whether this stabilization of giving is the beginning of a new normal, or a brief respite in a continuing decline,” warned Mark Dreistadt, president and CEO of Infinity Concepts.  “But what has been consistent in every study we have done together is that the single biggest predictor of giving and generosity is how spiritually active and engaged people are.”

Evangelicals who pray regularly, attend worship and small groups, and frequently read or study the Bible are:

• 284% more likely to give to their church
• 73% more likely to give to charity outside church
• 195% more generous in church giving (as a share of income)
• 400% more generous in charitable giving outside the church

“In every measurable way, spiritual engagement is the strongest catalyst for financial generosity,” said Dreistadt. “In-person attendance is another reflection of the larger trend – when you are engaged personally, it leads to greater commitment, including financial commitment. As evangelicals grow in their prayer life, Bible reading, and fellowship, they become more committed to the work God is doing in the world. The challenge of financial giving is a discipleship challenge as well.”

To explore the complete findings, download The Generosity Landscape: How Evangelicals Give.

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To schedule an interview with Mark Dreistadt or Ron Sellers, email Clem Boyd, Director of Public Relations, at clem@infinityconcepts.com or call/text 724.930.4003.

About Infinity Concepts
Infinity Concepts is America’s premier Christian strategic communications agency, serving clients globally for more than 20 years. As an award-winning, full-service firm, Infinity Concepts specializes in brand strategy, public relations, fundraising, digital, media, and creative services—delivering custom solutions that amplify messages and inspire faith-based audiences to action. Infinity Concepts also has two sister companies that offer clients a competitive advantage: Inspire Media Group, a digital advertising and content network reaching tens of thousands of Christian readers, and IDEX Pro, a consent-based identification system with access to 210 million Christians, the largest consumer segment in America. These tools and talents, combined with deep expertise and a mission-driven approach, position Infinity Concepts as a uniquely equipped brand strategy, public relations, and fundraising agency with unmatched reach into the Christian marketplace. To learn more, visit www.infinityconcepts.com.

About Grey Matter Research
Grey Matter Research has been solving business problems through qualitative and quantitative consumer insights since 1996. Grey Matter specializes in helping donor-supported organizations, having served well over 100 charities, ministries, and Christian denominations, along with for-profit firms such as General Motors and The Coca-Cola Company.  Grey Matter’s work has been covered extensively by the international media. Learn more at greymatterresearch.com.