Church fundraising is hard work, and there are likely very few people that would disagree with that statement. If your 
church has been going through the motions of raising money for various needs for years, it’s likely you’ve seen more than your share of bake sales and car washes. After so long, people who usually participate in church fundraising can suffer from burnout; you do the same old things time after time, and the profits may not be that great. Is it really worth all of the effort in planning and preparing, only to make a fraction of the money you need? This article offers 3 secrets to a highly successful fundraiser.
1. Choose a product that people can actually use. This is really no secret! Times are tough, and most people have very little extra money to spend so they want something that offers value. Right now may not be the best time to offer candy bars and cookie dough in your church fundraising efforts.
2. Get people to participate by offering a prize. If those in your church are getting weary of trying to raise money for your needs, light a little fire under them to get them excited about the prospect of becoming involved! Offer a grand 
prize for the person who raises the most money; you may even want to have prizes for first, second and third place.
3. Try discount cards either on their own, or in conjunction with your other church fundraising projects. These cards offer incredible value and savings to the customer, and they will buy the product far more often than something that offers little or no value. Here’s another little secret (number 4, if you will); they’re super profitable!
When the economy is in bad shape and many people are unemployed, it makes sense to offer something that will actually help them save money on products and services they frequently use. This is what discount cards are for; they offer discounts and savings on a dozen or more products and services offered by merchants in your own area. Essentially, your customer realizes that not only are they saving an incredible amount of money, they are helping support their own local community.
While it’s true $10 can be a fortune when you don’t have a job, many people are willing to spend this amount of money simpl
y because they can save 10 times or more the cost of the card on food, car repairs, hair cuts and other necessities. Plus, this method of church fundraising makes you feel good about yourself, because you realize you really are helping out those in need.
Church fundraising can absolutely be fun, especially when you offer a product that is easy for the participants to sell. Can you imagine the kids or teens in your church competing against each other to see who can sell the most cards? Another aspect of this method of raising funds you’re sure to enjoy are the amazing profit margins, which are much higher than what you see with the usual church fundraising products.
Even if you choose to go on with the old tried and true methods of raising money purely because you enjoy it, add discount cards to the mix. Why not add another source of profit while you’re selling baked goods or holding a giant yard sale? You can raise all of the money you need for your project in a fraction of the time, and people love a good deal, especially when it offers them a way to save money. Church fundraising can actually be fun again – and you can quickly gather the funds you need for your next project.
Mark South
Easy Church Fundraising