Tithe
Traditionally associated with giving a tenth. Churches differ in how they teach, interpret or emphasize tithing today.
Giving · Tithes · Offerings
Black Church Giving & Donations
Giving is part of church life in many traditions, but it is not a price list. Understand common terms such as tithes, offerings and designated gifts, then use the congregation’s official giving channel when you decide to contribute.
Start with the terms
Four common forms of church giving
Church vocabulary varies by denomination, but these categories cover many of the terms a visitor or member may encounter.
Offering
A broader voluntary gift that may be collected during worship or given online, by mail or through another official church channel.
Designated gift
A contribution intended for a stated purpose such as missions, benevolence, building needs, youth ministry or another identified fund.
Recurring giving
An automated gift scheduled through an official church giving platform. Review the amount, frequency and cancellation controls before enabling it.
Tithes & offerings
What is the difference between a tithe and an offering?
The words are often used together, but they are not always interchangeable. The exact teaching depends on the church tradition and the local congregation.
| Term | Common meaning | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Tithe | Traditionally a tenth of income or increase, based on biblical tithing language. | How the congregation teaches tithing and whether it presents a specific practice for members. |
| Offering | A voluntary contribution beyond or apart from a tithe. | Whether the offering is general or connected to a specific purpose. |
| Special offering | A gift connected to a named ministry, event, mission, relief effort or other need. | The exact purpose and the official channel receiving the gift. |
| Recurring gift | A scheduled donation through an online giving system. | Amount, frequency, payment method and how to edit or cancel it. |
Giving is personal. There is no single donation amount that applies to every visitor, member or congregation. Church teaching, personal conviction and financial circumstances all matter.
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Practical giving
Common ways churches receive donations
The safest route is always the congregation’s own verified giving channel. Methods vary, and not every church offers every option.
During worship
Some churches receive an offering during the service. Visitors can follow the congregation’s practice without assuming that giving is required to attend.
Official church website
Many congregations provide a secure giving page. Reach it from the official church website rather than an unverified search result or message.
Church-approved app or text giving
Some churches use dedicated giving platforms, apps or text-to-give services. Confirm that the link or number is published by the congregation itself.
Bank or ACH transfer
Where offered, electronic bank transfers may support one-time or recurring giving. Verify the account or platform directly with the church.
Mail or church office
Some congregations accept checks or other gifts through the church office. Use the current official mailing address.
Designated campaigns
Special campaigns may support benevolence, missions, building projects or community needs. Check how the church describes the intended use.
Before you donate
Verify the church and the giving channel
A simple verification step helps separate a real congregation’s giving process from impersonation, outdated links or unofficial fundraising pages.
Use the official church websiteStart from the congregation’s own domain or an official public profile controlled by the church.
Confirm the recipientCheck the church name and destination before completing a digital payment.
Understand designated giftsIf the gift is for a specific fund, read how the church describes that fund before contributing.
Review recurring settingsCheck frequency, amount and cancellation controls before enabling automated giving.
Keep your recordsSave receipts or confirmations when they are provided, especially if you may need a contribution record later.
Ask when something is unclearContact the congregation directly if a payment link, campaign or giving instruction does not look familiar.
Give by state
Find a church to support in your state
Pick a state, open the church you want to support, and give through that church's own website or office. We never handle donations ourselves.
1Choose a state
2Select a church
3Donate through its official channel
How Donate works: BlackChurches.us helps you discover the congregation. Select a state, choose a church, then use that church's own verified giving method. BlackChurches.us does not collect or process the donation.
Common questions
Questions about tithes, offerings and church donations
How much should I donate to a church?
There is no universal amount for every person or church. Some traditions teach tithing, while others emphasize voluntary giving. Personal conviction and financial circumstances matter.
What is the difference between a tithe and an offering?
Tithe traditionally refers to a tenth, while offering is a broader term for a voluntary contribution. How a church teaches these terms can vary.
Do I have to give money when I visit a church?
Churches may invite an offering during worship, but attending a service should not be treated like purchasing a service. If you are unsure of the local practice, you can simply observe on a first visit.
How do I know an online donation link is real?
Use a giving page reached from the church’s official website or a link directly confirmed by the congregation. Be cautious with unsolicited payment requests.
Can I choose what my donation supports?
Some churches offer designated funds for missions, benevolence, building projects or other ministries. The available options depend on the congregation.
Are church donations tax deductible?
Tax treatment depends on current law, the recipient organization and your circumstances. Keep contribution records and consult current IRS guidance or a qualified tax professional if deductibility matters to you.
Want to support a specific congregation?
Find the church first, then use its official website or confirmed contact information for the current giving method.