The standard phrases - in my opinion - are “make an effort” (which is the phrase I normally use) and “make efforts” For instance: “I had to make an effort not to laugh when my wife dropped her toothbrush into the toilet” “Successful schools recognize the characteristics of their student population and make efforts to meet these needs.” “Give efforts” seems to be very rare. I have never used it and never encountered it before today. A google search shows that it does exist, but if I were you I would stick to the standard phrases.