So often in church fundraising, the same people are the ones who end up doing most of the work every time there is a need for money. After a while, it can really get old and there is usually quite a bit of preparation and work involved. How can you put some of the fun and excitement back in to church fundraising, and get those involved who do not normally participate?
Here are a few suggestions – of course, it’s always great to come up with some of your own creative ideas:
Let those in the youth group come up with some new, innovative ideas for raising funds – make it a contest. Whoever comes up with the best idea wins a small prize, such as $25 in cash or a gift card to their favorite store.
On the same principle, offer a prize to the person who sells the most products, bakes the most baked goods for the bake sale, or submits the most recipes for the church cookbook.
Think outside the box when it comes to church fundraising; in winter months, offer to clean up and burn brush for those in the community for a small fee. 
Rake leaves, pick up sticks or just clean up the yard in general. Run errands for the elderly or disabled; take them to a doctors appointment or clean up the house. During the warmer months, offer to mow, clean up flower beds, even plant a garden. There are plenty of things you can do to raise money that people will gladly pay for, as long as the cost isn’t too exorbitant.
Add discount cards to the mix! When it comes to church fundraising, there is no quicker way to raise the money you need because the cards are so profitable. Whatever else you decide to do to bring in the funds you need to meet your goals, offer these money-saving cards on the side, or even as your main product.
These cards offer incredible savings to the customer, which is why so many people buy them each year. The customer 
is able to save money on fast foods, family activities, car maintenance services, flowers and a multitude of other goods or services they normally pay for throughout the year.
Your church fundraising efforts benefit the merchants in the community as well when you add discount cards to the mix. Those who buy the card may patronize the merchant for the first time; if they enjoy the product or service offered, they may become a customer for life. It is important to keep money in your own back yard when you can, and this is a great way to do it.
Another reason that discount cards are great items for church fundraising is that they are easy to take along wherever you go. Unlike car washes, auctions and bake sales where there is a limited “window” or time frame in which you are going to make money, you can sell a card anywhere at any time. They’re easy to tote around whether those who participate are going to work, school, to the grocery store or to a ball game. When a chance to offer a card opens up, you have them right there with you!
Mark South
Easy Church Fundraising