Many churches today need to raise funds. Tithes and offerings aren’t enough to cover anything more than basic expenses. Fundraising will bring in money, but many people get tired of paying for the same things repeatedly. The following fresh ideas for church fundraising will surely be a hit with any congregation.
Outdoor Movie Night
Among the most popular ideas for church fundraisers is an outdoor movie night. This event brings families together and allows them to watch a film while enjoying an evening under the stars. Family-friendly movies ensure everyone has an enjoyable time. The church may charge a fee for families to attend or sell concessions as a fundraiser. This is also an excellent way to bring new people into the church. Ask everyone to invite a friend so they can learn more about the church and its offerings.
Back-to-School Haircuts
Talk with the congregation and see if there are any barbers and hairdressers. Speak with them to see if they would be willing to host a back-to-school haircut event. Any funds collected from the haircuts would be donated to the church. The church may wish to advertise the event to the community to bring new people into the fold.
Ready-to-Take Meals
Why not combine this haircut event with a ready-to-eat meal fundraiser? Parents can get their kids’ haircuts and pick up dinner, most likely for less than what they would pay running through a fast-food drive-thru, and the church is the beneficiary. Ask one or more groups within the church to handle the meal part of the event. The church will reimburse the group for the supplies to create the meals and keep the remaining funds.
Work-a-Thon
Put the church’s youth group to work to raise funds. Congregation members can hire them to do work. For example, one family might hire the youth group to rake leaves, while another might hire two kids to bathe their dogs. When promoting this idea, suggest to congregation members that they can hire the youth to handle tasks for elderly members in their neighborhoods. They can pay for the work and allow the kids to do things for those unable to complete many tasks independently.
Treasure Hunt
Have the youth group set up a treasure hunt for the community and sell tickets to the event. Youth group members will learn how to work together as a team, and the event will build community spirit. Ask local businesses to donate prizes for the winners in exchange for a mention in the church newsletter or bulletin. The kids will have fun setting up this event, and the participants will enjoy the friendly competition.
50/50 Raffle
Regardless of which fundraising idea a church ultimately decides on, it should be combined with a 50/50 raffle. People buy tickets, and the funds from the ticket sale are collected. As the event draws to a close, one ticket is selected, and the winner receives half of the funds collected. The church keeps the other half. People love to win money, so this idea is always a huge hit.
Other ideas include a “make some noise” fundraiser and gospel karaoke night. Plan a congregation cook-off or set up a scripture memory-a-thon. Bible trivia nights are fun, and many congregations plan faith-based escape rooms.
Every church needs to consider what its congregation might find most appealing. These ideas are an excellent starting point, but a congregation might come up with something completely different. With time and effort, every church can find fundraisers that generate money while ensuring everyone has a great time.