The Generosity Report 2026 highlights an encouraging shift. Younger Christians are giving more of their income than any other age group and many expect their generosity to grow in the year ahead.
For Christian workers, this creates significant opportunity. Yet the report also shows a change in how younger adults choose to engage. They identify more readily with people than with institutions, so relationship and trust sit at the centre of their giving decisions.
Younger Christians and their giving patterns
Those aged 25–34 give 9.6% of their income across all causes, the highest of any age group. Younger Christians are also the most likely to increase their giving. The Generosity Report 2026 revealed that 40% of both 18–24s and 25–34s expect to give more in the coming year.
Younger Christians are also more open about generosity. Only 30% of 18–24s have never discussed giving with a leader or mentor, compared with 49% of 35–44s. Younger Christians talk about generosity more and want to explore it together. This relational openness shapes how they give and what they look for in Christian workers.
As Mayowa explains, “Personal connection is massive for me. When I think about the vast majority of organisations that I support, there is a personal connection”. Younger adults do not primarily give to institutions. They give to people they trust, stories that move them and work they understand.
What this means for Christian ministry fundraising workers raising support
Lead with relationship
Younger Christians want to know the person behind the ministry so don’t be shy about sharing the shape of your calling. Explain the community or need you serve and what draws you there. Take every opportunity to share the ups and downs of your journey into and inside your ministry.
This story-telling builds trust more quickly than organisational descriptions or logistics. When younger adults see the person and the purpose, they are more inclined to partner.
Be transparent about impact
The Generosity Report shows that clarity builds confidence. Younger Christians want to understand how money is used, what changes as a result and how their giving fits into a bigger story. Lack of visible impact is a key barrier. Simple, regular updates and concrete examples of change help them feel connected and valued.
Frame giving as shared discipleship
Younger Christians see generosity as part of spiritual growth. They are not looking for transactional requests but for purposeful partnership. Almost half of 18–24s want teaching on generosity at least monthly. They want to understand giving as worship, gratitude and participation in God’s work.
When Christian workers invite younger believers into shared discipleship, generosity becomes a journey rather than a request.
Looking ahead
The report points to a generation eager to grow in generosity. Younger Christians give more, talk more and expect to give more.
For Christian workers, the opportunity is clear. Lead personally, communicate transparently and teach openly. In doing so, you offer younger Christians not only a chance to support your ministry Kingdom work but a way to grow in faith and generosity for the long term.
Your partner in support raising
Did you know that Stewardship has a team dedicated to providing you with the tools and support you need to raise your own finance for mission?
Our Partner Account for Individuals enables you to receive support more easily and offers your givers a simple, secure way to give.
Our Support Raising training series helps new or experienced Christian workers to consider the theology and practicalities of support raising.
Mission
Bi-monthly emails for Christian workers and Bible College students. Encouragement, practical tools and training to strengthen you in your support raising journey.
Caroline Culverwell
Having spent time raising support while serving in Bolivia and following her experience as World Mission Pastor at a large church in London, Caroline is passionate about seeing those in Christian ministry move beyond living on just enough and uncomfortable asking for money to understanding support raising as a genuine gospel partnership. She wants to see those in Christian work well resourced as they boldly follow what God has called them to.
She’s passionate about Mental & Physical Health and Global Mission causes, supporting a number of individuals working in mental health and with refugees.
