Church Fundraising

Unique Ways to Raise Funds for Your Group

If it seems like church fundraising is becoming more of a chore than an enjoyable effort, it could be that you’re just getting tired of doing the same old things over and over.  After so many bake sales and car washes, it often becomes boring and monotonous.  Some fresh new ideas will put a renewed spirit in everyone who participates; it’s exciting to see what fruits your efforts can bring forth, particularly when you’re engaging in an activity that you’ve never tried before.

If you need to put renewed life in your church fundraising efforts, here are a few ideas you’ll find useful.

1.  However you choose to raise money, include fundraising cards.  These cards are hugely profitable, easy to sell and beneficial to your local economy. Customers love them because they help them save money, merchants benefit due to increased and new business.  Add them to the mix no matter what other methods you choose to raise funds for your group.

2.  Dance-a-Thon – If your youth group is trying to raise money for a trip, summer camp or a church gymnasium, what better way to raise money than to dance?  Those who participate can dance solo, or with a partner.  Be sure to get pledges, and to allow plenty of time before the dance-a-thon to get sponsors.  The dance can be held in a community center or school gym if you have a large youth group.

3.  Host a dog bath day.  This is a good church fundraising event, particularly in the hot summer months.  Taking a pet to the groomer for a bath can be expensive, so offer “doggie baths” at an affordable price.  You can get dog shampoo fairly cheap when you buy in bulk at a wholesale club.  Pick a warm day, get your supplies together and host a dog wash in a location where there’s plenty of room.

4.  What’s better in summer months than ice cream?  Consider an ice cream social; after all, nothing is more cooling in hot weather than smooth, creamy ice cream!  Try to come up with a theme for your social, such as homemade ice cream or special sundaes topped with chocolate or cherry, nuts, M & Ms, candy sprinkles, whipped cream, etc.  Set a price for those who want to indulge in the delectable delight!

5.  Instead of a spaghetti dinner, why not a potato bar?  This church fundraising idea is just a little twist on the old spaghetti dinner.  Most people love baked potatoes, particularly when they’re topped with cheese, sour cream, bacon bits, mushrooms, chives and other goodies.  Decide how much to charge, and get ready to set up your “all you can eat” potato bar.  Even those not doing the work get tired of the same old spaghetti supper – mix things up for a refreshing change.

There are literally hundreds of things you can do to raise money for your church needs, but it’s easy to get stuck in the same old rut time after time, year after year.  Consider a board game tournament, polar bear plunge, car detailing (instead of a car wash), even a spelling bee in which the grown-ups participate instead of the youngsters.  Whatever you do when it comes to church fundraising, don’t forget to include discount cards for incredible profits!  Easy to carry with you anywhere (in a pocket or purse), there’s always an opportunity to sell something that really offers value to the customer – and  most people are happy to spend $10 to potentially save 10 times that much over the course of a year.  Happy church fundraising!

Are you tired of selling the same old products every time you need money for the church youth group activities or new equipment?  There are dozens of great church fundraising ideas that will help you raise the money you need quickly and easily.  Of course you want to accomplish your goals in the easiest way possible, and make sure that everyone involved has a good time so that they will participate next time.  If you are fresh out of church fundraising ideas, we have a few that perhaps have never occurred to you.

Of course there are always the good old bake sales and summer car washes that are always effective for bringing in some of the money you need.  Here are some church fundraising ideas you may not have thought of.  It might also work to your advantage to try out several of these ideas in order to raise your funds even faster!

1.  Create a church cook book to sell in your community.  Most people love cook books, and some people even collect those that are full of great homemade recipes.  Have all the ladies (and men) in the church donate their favorite recipes, then compile them in a book that can be sold for $8 or $10.  People in your area will feel good about supporting the church, and getting something they can get good use out of for years to come.

2.  Church fundraising ideas can consist of more than selling physical products.  Consider holding an auction at your church, which can be a great source of the funds you need if you have a large membership.  Members can sign up to offer services such as dog walking, housekeeping, manicures, yard work or running errands, while other members bid on these services.

3.  Ask for support from members of your church that own local businesses. For example, if a church member owns a clothing or retail shop of some sort, ask if they would be willing to donate a couple of dollars each time someone spends $20 in their store.  They can display a sign informing patrons that for every xxx amount of dollars spent, so much goes to the church for their needs.

Some of the more common church fundraising ideas are raffles on items such as quilts, gift baskets, sound systems and other popular items.  You could also hold a church wide yard sale, in which all members donate goods they no longer use or need for the sale.  If your church is located in a remote area or where there isn’t a good deal of traffic, you might want to think about holding your yard sale in an area where traffic is heavier such as a retail merchant parking lot, with their permission of course.

Discount cards are another way to quickly raise the funds you need for your cause, and they are more profitable than many other common fundraising products.  These cards are readily available to the customer upon purchase, and offer a wide variety of discounts on products and services offered in your local area.  People realize they are supporting not only the church, but helping local businesses draw new customers as well.

If you find that you are still in a quandary when it comes to church fundraising ideas, ask all of the members of the church what their thoughts are!  You never know, someone with a creative mind may come up with an original idea that will help you raise the money you need quicker than ever before.

Mark South
Easy Church Fundraising