A new year invites fresh intention. So, as 2026 begins, we’d like to offer some simple ideas to help you notice opportunities to give, respond to others with compassion, and practice generosity in your everyday life, so that each step you take in giving this year draws you closer to God and to the people he places in your path.
- Choose a guiding word
Select one word from Scripture or a short verse to guide your generosity this year. Let it shape how you approach opportunities and the posture you want to carry into each act of giving. If you need some inspiration, consider our “10 principles of biblical generosity” devotional for ideas. - Focus on your firstfruits
What you do at the beginning of the year can shape everything that follows. Take a few moments to decide where you want your first gift to go (if you haven’t already), and set a generous rhythm for the year. - Get inspired
Browse real stories of generosity, and choose one to read or watch with your family. Talk about what you want your own personal and family giving story to be this year. - Write a biblical prayer
Craft a prayer rooted in Scripture to guide your giving. Learn more about the power of scriptural prayer and get ideas for biblical concepts to pray about from NCF’s biblical stories. - Dream big
Are you motivated by visuals? Create a generosity vision board that reflects the causes, people, and goals you want to focus on this year. Include images, Scripture, and prayers that help you imagine your impact. Consider creating one for your family too. - Circle up your small group
Consider starting a giving circle with your small group or other friends. Read how one group of givers started theirs and how a Giving Fund at NCF helps manage the details. - Give beyond borders
Find an area on a map, learn about the culture or a few local words, and expand your world with generosity. Explore trusted sites like GivingSpace.com to learn about international projects. - Send a thank you note
Was someone kind or generous to you in 2025? In a digital world, a handwritten note is a meaningful way to show your appreciation. Brush up on your thank you note etiquette, and practice writing them with your children so they can adopt this habit too. - Support local school kids
Help set up a donation closet at a local school or partner with an organization that provides extra support to Title I schools to provide uniforms, shoes, school supplies, hygiene kits, food, and clothing. - Recommend someone for an opportunity
Do you know someone who would be a great candidate for a scholarship? An incredible small group leader? A new hire at your company? Use your relationships to recommend them for the opportunity and support them as they consider pursuing it. - Help foster parents get a break
Equip qualified adults to become approved babysitters for foster families by hosting CPR training. Or explore “10 creative ways to support foster and adoptive parents” for more ideas. - Share the Saturday 7
Help a friend find the good news of giving through NCF’s Saturday 7. For unique ideas for sharing it with others, check out “7 things you can do with the Saturday 7.” - Bless a neighbor in need
Get to know your neighbors and pay attention, so you’re aware when someone close by may be struggling. Drop off a meal, cover a bill, shovel a driveway, or just check in. Small, timely acts of kindness can mean a lot. - Take time for the terminally ill
Join your pastor for a hospital visit, offer to record messages for loved ones, hire a photographer for a family photo session, or donate to a ministry that supports grieving families. - Remember those behind bars
Learn about the challenges incarcerated individuals face, and connect with a prison ministry, such as Prison Fellowship, God Behind Bars, or Prison Alliance, to volunteer, give, or even become a pen pal. - Open your home
Practice hospitality by inviting neighbors, newcomers, or anyone who may feel overlooked. Share a meal, create space for conversation, and listen to the needs of your new friends. - Find your generous people
Become part of the larger generosity community and get inspired by connecting with other like-minded, generous Christians through groups like The Gathering, Generous Giving, Faith-Driven Entrepreneur/Investor or Women Doing Well. - Support your local food bank
Food insecurity is on the rise around the country. Find your local food bank and consider volunteering your time, donating groceries or funds, or organizing a food drive to help ensure families have access to nourishing meals. - Use your church parking lot for ministry
Collaborate with your pastor, elders, or Sunday School class to explore creative ways to turn your church parking lot into a seven-day ministry hub that meets people right where they are. - Care for an orphan
Send a note or care package to a child who has lost a parent through death, divorce, or incarceration. Make a gift in their parent’s name and consider supporting ministries like Kate’s Club, Comfort Zone Camp, or Dougy Center that help grieving children. - Serve those who serve you
When you go out to eat, leave your server a generous tip, offer a word of encouragement, or ask how you can pray for them. If you’re in the drive-through, share a smile or hand them an uplifting note with a verse. - Make a family gratitude journal
Create a notebook that your family can use to write down the things you are grateful for each day. Revisit it at the end of each month (and at year end!) and celebrate God’s provision. Gratitude is the foundation for generosity. - Train up a child (for generosity)
Order one of these inspiring generosity picture books and read it to a young child or grandchild in your family or neighborhood. For older kids, choose one of these giver stories or videos. - Give anonymously
Leave a gift without your name attached, like groceries on a doorstep, an anonymous grant through your Giving Fund, or handwritten notes of encouragement in public spaces. - Steward your skills for good
Consider the talents God has given you – financial expertise, legal knowledge, mentoring, writing, technology, or hands-on skills – and look for ways to offer them to a ministry or person in need. - Plan a generosity milestone
Choose a meaningful moment in 2026 – a birthday, anniversary, graduation, or spiritual milestone – and celebrate it by giving together with friends, family, or coworkers.
Connect with your NCF team for more creative generosity ideas and resources.
