This study examines the impact of the economic environment on a sample of U.S. congregations. This study includes responses from 3,103 U.S. congregations, of which nearly two-thirds are Mainline Protestant, a quarter are Evangelical Protestant, and the rest are other Christian denominations (such as Historically Black or Catholic), Jewish, or “other” (such as unaffiliated congregations). The report shows a U.S. congregations are generally improving financially although there is a decline in terms of inflation adjusted giving. 

Despite overall positive trends in fundraising receipts, pledges, and budgeting in 2011, the majority of congregations’ revenues have not kept pace with inflation in recent years. 

Increases in giving are attributed to increased number of donors and higher average gifts. Congregations are increasing their budgets in the areas of missions and revenue- generating activity although more has to be done in educating congregations about financial planning and giving.