More than 70 percent of churches nationwide raised as much or more money in the first half of this year as they did during the same period in 2008, according to a new study.

The study, based on 1,540 mostly Protestant congregations surveyed in August, found that 37 percent raised more and another 34 percent raised the same amount in the first six months of 2009 as they had in 2008. Less than a third reported a decline in donations.

However, compared with a similar survey conducted in 2008, higher percentages of the churches reported a decrease in donations, while lower percentages reported a rise. “This may indicate that the recession has had a greater impact on congregations’ fund-raising receipts in 2009 compared to 2008,” the researchers wrote in a release summarizing their key findings.

The research was a joint project of the Lake Institute on Faith & Giving at Indiana University’s Center on Philanthropy and the Alban Institute, a membership organization for congregational leaders.

A third of the congregations in the survey reported making budget cuts in the first half of this year, and another 25 percent reported a flat budget. Nevertheless, most churches retained their efforts to provide needed services in their communities, said William Enright, director of the Lake Institute. When forced to make cuts, he said, they were more likely to freeze salaries and cut back on utilities than they were to cut services.

While some congregations in the survey increased their donations of food and clothing to food banks and shelters this year, others responded to the recession in less traditional ways: holding employment fairs, starting a community garden, or offering financial-planning services.

“I was struck by the selflessness of many congregations,” said Mr. Enright. “Many are having to cut back, but they are maintaining their outreach to their communities. This is a story to be celebrated.”